8 Ways Autumn in Michigan Boosts Mental Health (plus 27 fun things to do)
I missed my annual trip to Grand Rapids this October. But I can’t forget the dappled sun shining through a tunnel of yellow oaks; it inspires wonder. And wonder, awe, and gobsmackedness are good for mental health. Studies show that the awe we feel in nature benefits the body’s defense system. A walk in nature, […]
Could GLP-1 Medications Help Treat Alcohol Addiction?
We are hearing a lot about the benefits of GLP-1 medications for treating diabetes and supporting weight loss. But could GLP-1 medications eventually help treat alcohol use disorder? We are still early in the research, but the signal is getting interesting. A 2025 randomized trial found that low-dose semaglutide reduced alcohol craving and some measures […]
PTSD and Anger: Why It Happens and How to Manage It
Anger is a common PTSD symptom. It’s also one of the least talked about. Whether it’s internal or external, it can hurt a person and their quality of life. PTSD often comes with negative beliefs about oneself, others, and the world. It comes with hypervigilance (feeling keyed up, on edge, or overly aware and alert, […]
Is PTSD Ruining the Marriage? When the Stress of the Job Comes Home
My colleague, Matt VanLiere, is a good person to talk to about the subject of PTSD ruining the marriage and other significant relationships. Matt has 29 years of law enforcement experience, and he’s in active recovery from a substance use disorder. Matt is open about the toll PTSD took on his marriage. Over time, his […]
What I Wish More People Understood About Suicidal Thoughts: The Power of Connection
When people are feeling pain and suffering, the thought of suicide makes complete sense. When someone feels hopeless, like there’s nowhere else to go and no end in sight, suicidal thoughts can create a sense of comfort and a way out. Often, the conversation that I have with suicidal clients is about hope and a […]
Admissions Without Barriers: A Client-First Approach to Behavioral Health Treatment
In behavioral health, we talk a lot about being client-centered, but that commitment must start at the very first touchpoint: admissions. Too often, admissions departments look for the “ideal” client. The right diagnosis, acuity, or insurance. A perfect fit on paper for the treatment center. But people don’t come to us because they are ideal. […]
Ask Rae: Playing Whack-a-Mole with Eating Disorders and Addiction
Dear Rae: I have spent many years using alcohol to calm my anxiety. It worked for a while, but recently my relationships have been impacted by alcohol, and I am trying not to drink. I haven’t had a drink for 27 days. Weirdly, my long-dormant eating disorder has reared its ugly head. What is going […]
Creating Space for Connection: LGBTQ+ Focused Programming Coming to Sanford
During Pride Month, Sanford Behavioral Health is reflecting on the importance of creating spaces where all individuals feel seen, respected, and supported. As part of our ongoing commitment to inclusive, affirming care, we are developing LGBTQ+ focused programming. An optional group will be available to individuals participating in residential treatment. Mental health, substance use disorder, […]
What is 7-OH? The Potent Kratom Derivative You Need to Know About
If you have spent any time in a local Michigan smoke shop or gas station lately, you have likely seen colorful displays for 7-OH tablets, shots, and extracts. For years, companies have marketed kratom as a simple, natural leaf from Southeast Asia, a botanical supplement for energy or mild pain relief. Recently, the kratom landscape […]
What I Wish More People Understood About Mental Health: A Clinical Director’s Perspective
I have spent more than a decade working in behavioral health across inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient levels of care. Throughout my years, I have sat with individuals and families during some of the most painful and vulnerable moments of their lives. But for me, this work has never been purely professional. […]
