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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
How’s Your Mental Health Today?
If you are feeling alone with your mental health struggles, read the quote below from Mental Health America’s 2024 Report. Nearly 60 million adults experienced a mental illness in the past year, and only half of them will receive treatment. The good news? The report advocates for upstream prevention and early intervention, which is exactly […]
Are You Supporting or Enabling Your Addicted Loved One?
Over the many years I have spent working with family members of individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), the number one question I get is, “What can we do to help?” The question leads to a discussion about supporting and enabling behaviors to engage in while attempting to get a loved one to acknowledge a […]
Eating Disorders – The Sanford Behavioral Health Anthology
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we recognize the complexities of eating disorders and are committed to providing comprehensive treatment for those affected. Our specialized eating disorder treatment in Michigan supports individuals on their journey to healing and recovery. Our team of experienced professionals employs evidence-based strategies tailored to each individual’s unique needs. We offer a variety […]
Election Anxiety? 10 Tips from the Experts to Outlast the Onslaught!
There is a familiar adage that states, “This too shall pass.” It means both good and bad situations don’t last forever, and one may be tempted to use it when a loved one or colleague says they have election anxiety. After all, the onslaught of slogans and requests for donations will pass. A presidential term […]
Chronic Pain and Mental Health – the Disparity in Care
In a new study published in the journal PAIN, researchers determined that those who live with pain are less likely to get help for mental health conditions, something that has been defined in previous studies. They also found that those living with chronic pain have a much higher prevalence of anxiety or depression than their […]
