Breaking the Cycle of Self-Medication with Mental Health Treatment
I have a friend who quit drinking because they realized a cocktail had become a panacea for everything. They said, “When I was excited, I had a drink. Sad? I had a drink. When I was anxious, I poured a cocktail, and when I was mad, I pounded a few beers.” This friend intuitively knew […]
5 Ways to Keep the Sunday Scaries from Ruining Your Monday
What is the difference between the cheerful greeting “Happy Friday” and “Happy Monday?” Happy Friday is genuinely celebratory and widely shared; it brings people joy and relief as the weekend approaches. On the other hand, “Happy Monday” is ironic and meant to counteract negativity. We have a whole week ahead of us; let’s make the […]
Whack-a-Mole-Recovery and the Behavioral Health Campus
I’ve never liked the carnival game Whack-a-Mole. Bashing heads with a cartoon hammer while an endless succession of new rodents appear. It is too stressful and unpredictable. However, I can relate to the use of the term whack-a-mole recovery. Years ago, I pounded down a substance use disorder (SUD) that had taken over my life, […]
Is DETOX Rehab?
I have an acquaintance who uses medical detox like a spa. She chooses the most luxurious locations, checks in for a few days, and leaves against medical advice. When the treatment center calls to check on her and repeat their entreaties that she needs extended care, she complains, “They are just trying to get my […]
8 Ways Fall in Michigan Boosts Mental Health (plus 27 fun things to do)
I am planning a business trip to Grand Rapids in October, and to be honest, I am looking forward to fall in Michigan even more than the camaraderie. When dappled sun shines through a tunnel of yellow oaks, it inspires wonder. And wonder, awe, and gobsmackedness are good for mental health. Studies show that the […]
Is Laughter the Best Medicine for Mental Health?
The first time I went to an AA meeting, I was surprised by the laughter. I expected the stories of loss, even tears, but the laughter seemed to wash over the room and clean the air. Similarly, at Sanford Behavioral Health, you often hear the sound of laughter as Sanford clients begin to feel better […]
Dopamine Diving – 20 Things to Do Without Scrolling
It’s an interesting time for a Marketing Director who remembers “viral” articles (speaking of dopamine diving) and KPIs that tracked ever-increasing website traffic. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have consistently provided content that educates, offers potential incentives to seek help, introduces innovative approaches, tracks trends, and even offers humor about addiction, mental health, and eating […]
How Do We Beat the Blues? Sanford’s Collaborative Care Team Gives 21 Tips!
During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Sanford Behavioral Health had an opportunity to showcase some of our staff members doing what they do best to beat the blues and reset. The Instagram #IGETIT campaign was in coordination with JACK Mental Health Advocacy and Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees.org to create a community and offer resources […]
9 Reasons We Love Spring in Michigan!
Spring sneaks up on you when you live in Michigan. Suddenly, there is a fresher feel to the air – birds are tweeting, warbling, and chirping as you amble to your car in the morning. And miraculously, the barren trees are sprouting a riot of flowers. The grass is lush and green. I have to admit, […]
Spring Fever? 10 Ideas to Inspire Anticipation (and Mental Health)
I am already preparing for the family Easter egg hunt. An extravaganza that attracts new participants each year. It means dragging bins of plastic eggs from the attic, buying candy and trinkets, and planning brunch. Looking forward to the gathering of family and friends, children running on the grass, and the inevitable sighting of the […]
