Nurturing Our Mental Health
by Venkata Sugnanam, MD
Medical Director, Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit
Saint Michael’s Medical Center
Today’s world can feel chaotic, with many important changes happening over the past 10 years. Social media, technology, the Covid-19 pandemic, 24-hour news, violence, wars, climate change, and personal losses of jobs and family — all can contribute to us feeling a lack of control over our lives.
About one in five adults experiences a mental health illness during any year, estimates the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which leads our nation’s public health efforts to improve behavioral health.
Almost every family has been touched by substance abuse or mental health issues, or both, and the number of people struggling has increased since the pandemic. Mental health issues include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and seasonal affective disorder, or more serious ones such as bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and post-partum depression. Contributing factors include a person’s genes, brain chemicals, life experiences such as abuse and trauma, and a family history.
Mental Health is as Important as Physical Health
Mental health is an important part of our overall health, yet many people do not realize they have an issue or are nervous about seeking help. On a positive note, the stigma surrounding mental health issues is decreasing and more people are willing to share their diagnosis with others, even celebrities and sports icons such as Simone Biles, Lizzo, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Supporting and nurturing our mental health is something we all need to do every day. Here are some suggestions that are easy and do not cost anything:
- Get up and move: walk, dance, garden, jog for at least 20 minutes.
- Try to keep a routine.
- Develop good sleep habits: a dark, cool room; no phones before bed; no caffeine or spicy foods after lunch.
- Shut off your phone, TV, computer, and tablet for 24 hours to reduce anxiety from bad news and social media.
- Eat healthy foods: red meat twice a week only, lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and nuts, no soda or sugary drinks.
- Get outside and smell the roses.
- Connect with family and friends.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out for Help
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms (below) of a mental health issue that have lasted at least two weeks, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or a mental health professional.
If you are in crisis, DO NOT WAIT. Come to the Emergency Department at Saint Michael’s Medical Center right away, where we have around-the-clock psychiatric coverage. Psychiatric professionals are here every day, including weekends, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. we have telepsychiatric coverage. Many patients come in with their families. If a patient is at imminent risk, a doctor can admit them to the inpatient unit involuntarily.
Watch for these symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Anger issues
- Irritability
- Low energy
- Sleep problems
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (Seeing, hearing, or smelling things that are not there)
Thoughts of suicide are an emergency so seek immediate assistance at a hospital Emergency Department.
Saint Michael’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Services
Saint Michael’s provides behavioral services in two areas: an outpatient substance abuse treatment program and an inpatient behavioral health unit for patients with psychiatric disorders. Both are available at our main Newark campus.
Within our inpatient unit, we have experienced successful outcomes with patients staying three or four days for intensive treatment within a soothing, sun-filled environment. Our interdisciplinary team supports a whole-person approach that focuses on mind, body, and spirit. Treatment includes psychiatric evaluation, nursing assessment and care, individual and group therapy, creative art and recreational therapy, medication management, detoxification for alcohol and substance abuse, family support, and referrals for after-care and community resources.
Saint Michael’s outpatient substance abuse treatment program enables patients to receive care at two different levels: intensive or ambulatory. Many patients are able to combine work and family activities with their outpatient treatment.
Treatment Works
I encourage everyone with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder to share your story with others to break the stigma. Remember, treatment works, and just like a physical illness, the earlier you seek treatment, the sooner you will be able to manage your illness, overcome challenges, and lead a productive life.
For more information:
Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit: 833-310-1588
Outpatient Substance Abuse Program: 973-877-4357
Venkata Sugnanam, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in inpatient and outpatient treatment. He has been a member of the Saint Michael’s Medical Center medical staff since 2021. His special interests include schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
