Behavioral Health

July 27, 2022

Are dogs good for mental health?

Promoting endorphin-rich exercise Dogs need exercise, and people do too. When you commit to the responsibility of dog ownership, you’re in for a lot more walks around the block than you might take otherwise — about 22 minutes more per day, according to a study in BMC Public Health. All of that physical activity stands […]

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June 8, 2022

Are there different types of PTSD?

PTSD affects about 6% of people in the U.S. Symptoms associated with PTSD include: Reexperiencing the traumatic event through dreams and nightmares, vivid or recurring memories, or actual flashbacks that feel like reliving the event. Flashbacks are especially common among combat veterans, who may feel like they are physically and emotionally still in a war […]

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December 11, 2020

How to Cope with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

While the cooler temperatures and shorter days of fall and winter mean relief from summer heat and sun, they can, for some people, bring changes in mood. These changes may take the form of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during particular seasons, then improves as the next season begins. In […]

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July 10, 2020

Mission Hospital McDowell Community Tele-forum: June 24, 2020 (Audio)

Mission Hospital McDowell CEO Carol Wolfenbarger and Behavioral Health Specialist Tiffany Bush provided an update on the hospital’s COVID-19 preparations for careful return to normal operations and an overview of the new Outpatient Behavioral Health Program, as well as highlights from the 2019 Impact Report and vision for the year ahead.   Click below to […]

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June 26, 2020

Do You Know the Signs Someone May Need Help with Mental Health?

By Cheri Hinshelwood 5 Ways to Show Support in Stressful Times 1. Communicate. Stop by, call or stay in touch. 2. Connect. Share time or an activity. 3. Don’t try to fix it. The best thing you can do is listen. 4. Encourage physical activity. 5. Ask how you can help. And then follow up. […]

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June 15, 2020

Empowering Healing for Behavioral Health Patients: The Group Approach

Treating people with behavioral health issues is one of the most sensitive areas of healthcare. It doesn’t help that there are a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions. That’s probably why the thought of a behavioral health group therapy program might seem awkward. The actual results from group therapy, however, are quite positive. “Based on the […]

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April 23, 2020

Mission Health Behavioral Health Sciences “Self-Care in the Time of Pandemic” Webinar Event, April 21, 2020 (Video)

In case you missed it, Mission Health Behavioral Sciences held a live video webinar event on April 21, 2020 entitled “Self-Care in the Time of Pandemic. “Expert panelists Richard Zenn, MD, Medical Director of Behavioral Health at Mission Health, and Dawn M. Klug, LPC/CEAP/LEAP, Chief Operating Officer/President of Employee Assistance Network, Inc., lead the discussion […]

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March 31, 2020

Coping with Social Distancing and a Change in Routine

By Micah Krempasky, MD I pride myself on routine. I wake in the wee hours of the mornings. My coffee is set to brew precisely two minutes before my alarm chimes. While I sip my hot brew, I turn on a single lamp, sit in the corner spot on the couch and read my morning […]

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March 25, 2020

Behavioral Health during COVID-19 Video Series

Micah Krempasky, MD, and Richard Zenn, MD, psychiatrists with Mission Hospital Behavioral Health, talk about dealing with your emotions and feelings around COVID-19, as well as methods to communicate in a healthy way with your kids and older adults. Coping with Social Distancing (Video transcript) [Micah] So, for anyone who knows me, you will know […]

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May 6, 2019

Spring Slump? Don’t Ignore Your Mental Well-being

Just when most people feel energized because it is spring, others want to pull the covers over their heads. Seasonal change can be harder on those with anxiety and depression. Speaking with your primary care physician can be a first step in feeling better. “Often patients dismiss their earliest suspicions of depression or anxiety,” said […]

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