Packard Health is grateful to be selected (again) as a featured charity in the Probility Ann Arbor Virtual Marathon & “Mile-A-Day” Marathon Challenge “Spring Edition”. Prioritizing behavioral health, including mental health, has never been as important as it is now. The increase in need, especially during the uncertainty that has come with COVID-19, has resulted in offering telehealth appointments and the hiring of our first Director of Behavioral Health.

Due to the lingering concerns of COVID-19, the events leading up to the larger in-person marathon in the fall will be virtual but still every bit impactful. For every designated donation by registrants to Packard Health, Epic Races donates an additional $3. Participation directly helps Packard Health patients who live in your community and are being assisted in overcoming their behavioral/mental health challenges.

Important to know – all movers, not just runners, are encouraged to participate! The goal is to be physically active by completing one mile a day. This can take place just about anywhere but if you want to change it up, there are lots of places to walk in Washtenaw County.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

NOW until February 28, 2021 – Registration for Ann Arbor Mile-A-Day Marathon Challenge WITH swag ($50 + Sign Up Fee); Registration for the all in one day Virtual Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K ($50 + Sign Up Fee)

NOW until March 21, 2021 – Registration for Ann Arbor Mile-A-Day Marathon Challenge WITHOUT swag ($25 + Sign Up Fee)

March 21, 2021 – Virtual All In One Day Events (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K) via Zoom; Beginning of the 26.2 Mile-A-Day Challenge

April 16, 2021 – Completion of the final .2 (as a group virtually) of the 26.2 Mile-A-Day Challenge via Zoom

NOW until October 24, 2021 – Registration for the fall Probility Ann Arbor Marathon (Price varies by race selection, all prices increase after 4/30/21) & Charity Donations

The post Join Us in Moving to “E-Race the Stigma” this Spring appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health’s Director of Behavioral Health Corey Telin, LMSW, MHSA, shares his responses to questions about the current state of behavioral health during a global pandemic, specific advice for patients, and what he looks forward to in his new role.

Q. Can you explain how behavioral health is different from mental health?  

A. While mental health is a term that deals with primarily the psychological wellbeing of an individual, behavioral health is a much broader term. Behavioral health can include the daily habits that influence our overall wellbeing. Behavioral health also includes substance use disorders and other behaviors that affect us.

Q. How has behavioral health changed this year?

A. The pandemic has definitely impacted behavioral health for everyone this year. The stress of having to socially distance, being apart from family/friends that are often main sources of support can increase feelings of loneliness, as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety. We have also seen an increase in substance use during the pandemic. One thing that has changed dramatically in the delivery of care has been the quick shift to telehealth. Telehealth has been key in making sure that therapy and psychiatric services are available to everyone who needs it. 

Q. Can you identify and explain any new concerns that are present in behavioral health patients as COVID-19 lingers?

A. We have seen data that shows an increase in opioid overdoses which is very concerning. We were already in the middle of an opioid epidemic when COVID-19 hit, and the pandemic has only complicated the process for individuals seeking treatment, receiving treatment quickly, and getting into recovery. I also feel that overall the lingering itself is having an effect on people everywhere. People are getting worn down and as we gear up for winter, when there is already a tendency to isolate more, it may seem like it is never going to end.

Q. Do individuals delay seeking behavioral health services? If so, why?

A. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to seeking behavioral health services. One thing we try to do is normalize thoughts and feelings around seeking care in the same way we normalize seeking care for other chronic conditions such as hypertension, asthma and diabetes. Patients shouldn’t feel ashamed or feel they need to lift themselves up by their bootstraps. Everyone needs help at some point in their lives and stigma should not be a barrier. Normalizing mental health and behavioral health in the healthcare field at large should be a long term goal of all providers.

Q. When should someone seek behavioral health services?

A. This can depend on the person, but traditionally if you are having symptoms that are interfering with your daily life. For example if you are having symptoms of depression that are not allowing you to enjoy things you normally do or are having poor sleep, poor energy, are having a hard time being motivated, it may mean it’s time to talk to you provider about what your options are.

Q. If someone is experiencing a behavioral health emergency and cannot see or speak with a provider promptly, what are they advised to do?

If it’s an emergency, please go to the emergency room or call 911. We have great resources in our area at both Michigan Medicine and St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor where they have clinical social work staff in both ER’s ready to assist in a mental health emergency. Washtenaw County also has phone crisis services available 24/7 at 734-544-3050. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Q. What is the most frequently offered advice that you and the Packard Health Behavioral Health Team are sharing with patients right now?

A. Self-care. Do things that are enjoyable and make you happy. This can seem like a no brainer but it can be difficult to remember to do. If you can’t visit friends and family, set up a video call. Take time for yourself. Try new coping strategies such as mindfulness and try healthy activities such as walking or yoga. I think the last piece of advice is that no one has ever been through this before. It’s okay to be anxious or depressed. It’s also okay if you are not! Be easy on yourself, and reach out for help if needed. We are all in this together.

Q. Being very new to Packard Health, what do you hope to bring to patients and staff in your new role?

A. I’m very excited to be part of Packard Health. It’s great to be part of an organization that is so dedicated to their patients and see the link between physical and mental well-being. My hopes are to expand our behavioral health and substance use services and further integrate both into our patient’s primary care.

The post Q&A with Behavioral Health Director Corey Telin appeared first on Packard Health.

Adults, adolescents or children – mental health affects all of us and how we think, feel, and act. It determines how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

In our community there are typically long waits to be seen by a mental health professional.

If you or someone you love needs help, consider Packard Health.

Our primary care and mental health care are integrated – all under one roof. And the time to see a mental health professional is significantly shorter than our community’s average.

Meet our Behavioral Health Care Team here. To learn more: 734-971-1073.

The post Mental Health Care at Packard appeared first on Packard Health.

My mental illness wasn’t diagnosed until I was 42. I’m 54 now. My life has been a hard journey to mental health and I want to reach out to others with it.

They say that you have to give it away to keep it, so I give you my story – it is mine.

I grew up in a house with lots of drug addiction and mental illness. My father was an alcoholic and my uncle was schizophrenic. Even as a child my mind would race and race.

I spent years and years being reclusive, and afraid of everyone and everything. And I spent all those years trying to manage my moods with drugs, meds, and booze. So many years …

I had a job as a custodian and had a little daughter, but really I was just hanging on for dear life. I would look at other people and wish I was them. I was smoking crack to feel better. It was big highs and terrible lows and craziness. Both my legs were broken because of my addictions and craziness.

Finally I entered Dawn Farms for treatment of my addictions and was there for 4 months. I heard I’d lost custody of my 4-year-old daughter. Unable to walk, unable to think or talk with anyone, I could only sit and laugh and cry. I felt crazy. I weighed 92 pounds. I still was not dealing with my mental health. I still had a mask on and didn’t want to talk about it.

Mental illness has a big stigma.

My mother, a main person in my life, would say, “You don’t really have that. You’re just hiding behind it.” People think mental illness is shameful and don’t want to talk about it or deal with it. I’ve fought the stigma with myself too – I didn’t want to be a person who needs to be on meds. Many times I stopped my medications myself because I didn’t want to believe I had mental illness. It wouldn’t take long before I relapsed again as my mood got worse.

If you’ve been a drug user, or homeless, or a mother who has lost her child, you know all about stigmas. I was all of these people, and I fight these stigmas.

In 2006 my long journey to mental health brought me to Packard Health. We began to find the right regimen of meds, and I began to take my mask off and talk. I don’t know what I would do without Packard Health. All my services are here, my doctor, my psychiatrist, my therapist, my patient advocate. With my therapist, Amy Rendon, I make plans, set goals such as going to Alanon meetings, and work on managing my illness. My allies are here, people who understand and respect me, people who do not judge me.

In my past I lost jobs. I dropped out of school. I was homeless for years and without a friend in the world. I was so ill. And I didn’t see my daughter for years at a time.

Today I can’t say enough about how my life has changed.

I am now over a year sober from substances, involved in the 12step community and have a sponsor. I look forward to reaching new goals everyday. I have my own place to live. Before, I had no friends, and I distrusted other women so much. Now I have beautiful friendships with women and they are like rocks to me.

I’m taking a course at Home of New Vision to become a recovery coach, and I volunteer weekly as a peer support with women diagnosed with substance abuse and mental illness. So much has been given to me, I want to give back.

In December I met my new grandson. I am getting back in my daughter’s life after so many years. She had me over for Easter and I was so happy, I didn’t want the day to end.

To have friends and family, to be asked to volunteer, to be trusted to babysit and bounce a baby on my knee – it is wonderful.

I have achieved so much, and don’t want to lose it. I give you my story to make it mine.

Kathleen is diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Anxiety, and Substance Abuse Disorder.

“I’m blown away by her strength, her hope and her perseverance.”

~Amy Rendon, Behavioral Health Therapist who has worked with Kathleen for 11 years

The post Mental Health – Kathleen’s journey appeared first on Packard Health.

Packard Health is honored to receive a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

This grant of $70,820 will support a behavioral therapist at our Ypsilanti office, improving access to integrated health care services for low-income, uninsured patients managing mental illness, behavioral health problems or substance abuse disorders.

On hand for the award ceremony on March 31 were Rebekah Warren, State Senator, D-District 18 and member of Michigan Mental Health Commission, Raymond Rion, MD, Packard Health Executive Director, and Nora Maloy, DrPH, Director of Programs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, and Packard Health board member.

The post Award for behavioral therapist – thank you, public and private partners!   appeared first on Packard Health.

Ravi A. Vadlamudi, MD and Gina Dahlem, PHD, FNP-C have joined with Avalon Housing to provide home and office visits for Avalon residents and clients.

The post Housing is health care -Avalon & Packard Health appeared first on Packard Health.