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 […]
Veterans and First Responders Exclusive Programming – JOHN Opening October 27, 2025
JOHN Executive Director Matt VanLiere has waited patiently for an exclusive first responders and Veterans program at Sanford Behavioral Health. He first raised the idea nearly four years ago, after joining Sanford to build its safety team. Matt has a BA in Criminal Justice and 29 years of experience in law enforcement. He also has […]
Suicide Prevention Resources All Year Long
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we practice suicide prevention every day, and we joined the community during Suicide Prevention Month to come together to save lives. It means sharing awareness campaigns, offering training, and spreading education about the risks, warning signs, and protective factors that help keep people safe. We asked a few key staff […]
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, […]
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 […]
Eating Disorder Residential – 4 Reasons It Might Be Right for You
The purpose of eating disorder residential treatment is to provide structure, safety, and accountability with 24/7 nursing and clinical support. This high level of care helps reduce the harmful effects of eating disorders quickly and effectively, while setting the foundation for lasting recovery. At Sanford Comprehensive Treatment for Eating Disorders (Sanford CTED), we recognize that […]
Back to School Eating Disorder Recovery Guide
Congratulations, you made it through the summer with all its triggers, temptations, and downtime with family and friends. In our article, How Can I Manage My Eating Disorder During Summer Break, we offered eight tips to get you through the transition to home life from college. Going back to college while in recovery from an […]
COVID-19, the D.C. Sniper, and Self-Care: Meet Ana Freed
Getting to know Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Ana Freed is a wild ride. After all, she was in the thick of emergent care during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also provided Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) to multiple locations and members of the community during the Washington D.C. sniper shootings in 2002. As part of […]
Fun & Camaraderie at the JOHN Veterans & First Responders Open House!
Thank you to everyone who attended our JOHN Open House last week in honor of our new facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Thanks also to Sanford Director of Nursing Natalie Frelix for the fabulous photos! The party was a great success, with Sanford Behavioral Health team members mixing with neighbors, veterans, referral partners, veteran services […]
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 […]
