Finding Joy – Treating Depression with Dr. Samarth Bhandari

The atmosphere at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus is welcoming and non-institutional. We designed it that way on purpose. The hallmarks of Sanford, such as original artwork, custom furniture, and an abundance of light, are apparent at Sanford West. Although it is a big, sprawling campus, program areas are strategically divided into more intimate spaces. […]

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, […]

Hope For Treatment-Resistant Depression

  Press Release Contact Information: Sanford Behavioral Health – REMS Certified Facility 844-776-9651 ext. 1 Marilyn Spiller – mspiller@sanfordhouse.com For Immediate Release   Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression SANFORD SPRAVATO (esketamine) CLINIC   “SPRAVATO (esketamine) is a new way to treat depression as it addresses a neurotransmitter system that we did not previously put much emphasis […]

5 Detox Myths That Might Stop You From Getting Help

Detoxification is the safe removal of alcohol and drugs from the body and managing the resulting withdrawal symptoms. When detoxing, patients can expect a variety of uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and body discomfort. Fear of a painful withdrawal or past negative experiences with withdrawal are the primary reasons individuals avoid seeking […]

The Consequences of High-Intensity Drinking

In an old Ella Fitzgerald song that has stood the test of time, she sings, “You say either, I say either. You say neither, and I say neither. Either, either, neither, neither, let’s call the whole thing off!” It springs to mind when we talk about a new category of alcohol consumption called “high-intensity” drinking. […]

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 […]

Combating Fear of Detox: Taking the First Steps to Recovery

There is a large parking lot outside the welcoming entrance to Sanford Behavioral Health’s Detox Center. A common scenario unfolds when our clients and their families arrive. We can only imagine the discussions happening in the car and the second thoughts being expressed. Often, it takes time for them to leave the car and approach […]

Early Risers & Reduced Risk of Depression

The old saying, “The early bird catches the worm,” underscores the benefits of taking action early in the morning. Motivational speaker Mel Robbins uses the “5-second rule” (counting backward from 5 to 1) to get you out of bed and start the day. She also espouses getting up at 5:00 am with a powerful routine […]

Michigan Fentanyl Seizure and Overdose Update

Last week, the Grand Rapids Police Department seized 500 grams of fentanyl from an apartment complex in Grandville, Michigan. GRPD Deputy Chief Maycroft said it was enough fentanyl to “kill the entire population of Grand Rapids and Grandville combined.” Fentanyl is an FDA-approved rapid-acting synthetic opioid that alleviates pain. However, fentanyl also depresses the central […]

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 […]