Mental Health Questions? Sanford Doctors & Therapists Answer

Woman with question marks above her head

We love mental health questions!

We get mental health questions regularly from individuals who do not know how to navigate a complex behavioral health system. Since it is Mental Health Awareness Month, we would like to answer some of those questions in one place. Sanford Behavioral Health treats addiction, eating disorders, and mental health conditions. Appropriately, we focus on reducing mental health stigma by supporting and educating individuals in recovery, their families, and communities. Following are 5 of the most frequent mental health questions our psychiatrist-led medical team and clinical therapists have answered in Sanford’s online magazine Excursions. Happy Mental Health Awareness Month!

 

Mental Health Questions – Best of Excursions Magazine

 

1. What Happens in Detox? Will Detox Be Painful? – Answered by Dr. Gilbert Masterson, Chief Medical Officer

 

Fear of Detox? “Get Out of the Car,” Says Dr. Gilbert Masterson

There is a big parking lot outside the welcoming entrance to Sanford Behavioral Health’s Detox Center. A scenario often takes place when our clients and their families arrive. We can only imagine what is being discussed or the second thoughts being expressed. However, it usually takes time for them to leave the car and [read more…]

 

2. Why Do People Relapse? If You Relapse, Do You Have to Start Over? – Answered by Carli Noffsinger, LMSW, CAADC, Family Program Facilitator

 

Family Guide to Understanding Addiction Relapse

For family recovery to become a reality, each household member must have an accurate perspective on addiction relapse and their recovery plan. Any situation that stimulates old addictive pathways can lead to relapse in the person with an addictive condition, likewise, to family members. The most important thing is what the individual with a substance [read more…]

 

 

 

3. What is an Eating Disorder? – Answered by Dr. Anna Flores, Clinical Liaison Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED)

 

Eating Disorder Awareness – 5 Questions for Dr. Anna Flores

In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week (February 27 – March 5, 2023), I took the opportunity to discuss a few critical points on eating disorders with my colleague Dr. Anna Flores, DCN, MScN, CNSc. First, you do not need to be an expert on eating disorders to help prevent or recognize one of these potentially deadly illnesses [read more…]

 

4. How Do I Talk to My Loved One About Their Drinking? – Answered by Rae Green, JD, LPC, CAADC, Founder & President

 

Dear Rae: How Do I Talk to My Spouse About Their Drinking?

talking

Dear Rae: I’ll get right to the point. Lately, my husband has been using alcohol as a crutch. In other words, he drinks to reduce his stress, but it adds to the stress in our home. He drinks every evening (sometimes starting at lunchtime). It impacts our relationship because when he drinks, he either gets sleepy or argumentative [read more…]

 

5.  What is a “Typical” Day in Residential Treatment for Eating Disorders? – Answered by Raina Bawden, CTRS, and Tori TerAvest, CTRS

 

Recreational Therapy for Eating Disorders – A Day-in-the-Life

Clients start waking up at 6:00 am. Their first group session is at 9:00 am, so there is much to do before the group. First, they take vitals and medication, shower, and prepare for the day. Then they have breakfast, which can be challenging for some clients because they are used to skipping breakfast. This is the first meal support of the day [read more…]

 

Mental Health Questions and Wellness

At Sanford, we love getting mental health questions because it allows us to provide resources and education. We understand that every patient’s journey to recovery is unique.  In addition, we strive to empower individuals in our care to actively participate in their treatment while supporting them every step of the way. For more information, click the 3-minute video below or call us at 616.202.3326.

 

Sanford Behavioral Health is licensed and accredited as an addiction, eating disorder, and co-occurring mental health treatment facility, serving all of Michigan and beyond. Each of Sanford’s facilities in Greater Grand Rapids is carefully and diligently crafted to create a welcoming and comforting environment. Sanford is led by a psychiatrist-led team of medical, clinical, and support personnel providing medication-assisted, evidenced-based treatment to residential, outpatient, and telehealth patients. For more information, visit www.sanfordbehavioralhealth.com.