Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy
Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary form of communication. It allows our clients with addiction, eating disorders, and mental health conditions to express their thoughts and feelings through art making. In so doing, art therapy provides a safe space to process and explore emotions without words. At […]
The Brain’s 4 Feel-Good Chemicals Explained (with Dr. Bibhas Singla)
Recently, we’ve seen a surge in website clicks and phone calls from people seeking natural ways to boost the brain’s 4 feel-good chemicals: dopamine, endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin. They may not use the exact words, but what people are looking for is neurochemical help to: Reduce stress Feel genuinely happier Stop relying on alcohol, drugs, […]
How Sobriety Changed My Relationships
I’ll never forget when my dad looked at me and said, “You’re different.” He said it just a couple of weeks after I left rehab for alcohol dependence. I laughed, feeling a little off guard, and asked, “How?” He proceeded to explain that I seemed less anxious, more present, more here. My leg wasn’t bouncing. My […]
Announcing J.O.H.N. Veterans & First Responders Only Residential Treatment
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we have a history of adapting to the needs of those we treat and the community we serve. At our Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, we have a full complement of psychiatric and medical providers and staff who offer individualized solutions for long-term recovery from mental health conditions. We saw a […]
How Can I Manage My Eating Disorder During Summer Break? 8 Tips
The Memorial Day long weekend portends the coming of summer. Summer is billed as the time for fun in the sun, a well-needed break from college, and an opportunity to spend time with family and friends hiking, boating, picnicking, and vacationing. However, downtime, loss of schedule, family gatherings, and a stretch of empty days lying […]
Announcing 24/7 Easy Admissions – Because Crises Do Not Happen 9 to 5
Mental health crises often happen at night for several reasons. Factors may include intoxication, nighttime anxiety or depression, secretive eating or purging, lack of daytime distractions, circadian rhythm disturbances, lack of empathy or argumentativeness from family members, or even the need to urinate (alcohol is a diuretic). Nocturnal anxiety makes everything seem more problematic. Likewise, […]
12 Hopeful Ideas to Improve Your Mental Health 2025
In January and February each year, Sanford Behavioral Health creates an article series that looks at hopeful ways to improve your mental health. As a behavioral health organization, we know that treatment and medication management are important elements of improving and maintaining mental health. However, science has shown that community, passionate interests, and even limiting […]
Ideas to Bolster Your Mental Health – 12 Days of Hope Series
12 Days of Hope Series #1 Last year, we published a series of hopeful ideas for improving mental health during the winter holidays and beyond. (Even playing in the snow can be good for mental health!) We’re doing it again this year, beginning with the best ideas from last year. As we head into 2025, […]
Hope for Creating Personal Boundaries in the Addicted Home
Recently, Sanford Behavioral Health Founder Rae Green and I presented an educational in-service for the Mental Health Association of Michigan. Our focus was on boundaries (personal or external) for recovering families. After the presentation, I began thinking deeply about boundaries and recovery. I became even stronger in my belief that families dealing with addiction have […]
The Holiday Season is Upon Us! Recovery Plans and Tips
The 2024 Holiday Season is upon us! No matter whether and what you celebrate, the season is enjoyable and stressful. The stress comes along with the disruption of our usual day-to-day routines and the added tasks related to the celebrations of the season. Odd isn’t it that the very enjoyment we crave and anticipate, one […]
