The Effects of Summer Heat on Mental Health 

Summer…the sun, the fun, the warmth and the heat. It seems like that’s all you hear as soon as the first snows start to melt. It’s a traditional time for vacations. School is out for families. Flexibility and relaxation are the name of the game.

However, for some people, summer is not fun. Research shows that summer heat is correlated with increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions for mental health issues. So, the question is, why? If summer is so warm and relaxing, why are there so many problems with people’s mental health?

There a lot of different reasons that summer, and the heat that comes with it, can be a big concern for mental health issues. Changes in schedules and routines that come with vacations and school breaks can lead to feeling overwhelmed and out of control, more than usual in some in cases. It can also mean parents have no break from the kids when school is out. Parents can quickly become exhausted. Kids who have lost their routines and structure from school might be anxious and can have more behavior issues.

Additionally, some medications, especially mental health medications, have specific warnings about being in the sun, heat, or fluid consumption to avoid dehydration, as well as warning about not drinking alcohol. This can be a lot to remember and can cause feelings of isolation. It also puts the spotlight on someone’s private health issue. A lot of people feel uncomfortable having to discuss their medical issues with friends and co-workers.

Summer heat also can mean less clothing…shorts, short sleeves and bathing suits. For a person with body image issues, being overweight or underweight, or someone with self-harm scars, this can be literally terrifying. The pressure to be outside and socialize more in the summer can also be very scary for someone with mental health issues. Additionally, if the above issues cause someone to isolate more, it can affect normal routines and make support systems less available. 

Memories of less than ideal childhood summers may also be a problem for a lot of people struggling with mental health issues. Summer is supposed to be a carefree time, at least that is what movies and television want us to believe. But for many, summers took them from the safety of a school environment and put them at home more with abusers, unstable parents, food insecurity, access to drugs and alcohol, and less accountability. People who have not worked through these triggers with professional help may not be aware that summer itself is the trigger of the decline in their mental health.

We can’t avoid summer. It comes every year whether we want it to or not. There can even be a seasonal-type depression associated with summer just like there is with winter. Some of the signs to watch for can include weight loss, minimal appetite, anxiety, irritability or insomnia.

So how can a person cope with the inevitable summer and all that it brings? Do your best to make a summer routine. Even if your normal routine is disrupted for a few months, get a new one started as soon as possible which includes some exercise, outdoor time (early or late in the day when its cooler and out of the direct sun). Drink plenty of hydrating fluids that are not filled with high levels of sugar. Wear cool, loose fitting, cotton clothing. Keep a healthy sleep schedule. Limit or abstain from alcohol consumption. Do not use illicit drugs.

Most importantly, do not isolate. Start a conversation. Talk to your doctor or mental-health professional if you have new or worsening problems with any part of your physical or mental health, including any restrictions your prescriptions might have as it relates to summer activity. NEVER STOP TAKING YOUR MEDICATIONS WITHOUT DISCUSSING WITH YOUR DOCTOR.

At Pathway Healthcare, we have medical doctors, psychiatrists and licensed counselors who care about your well-being. We do our best to help you discover the source of your depression, anxiety, or other mental health condition(s), identify triggers, and find solutions to help you feel better. There is hope.

We have 14 locations in 4 states (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas) and have appointments available now. Call today 844.728.4929 or visit www.pathwayhealthcare.com.

Author: Shelly Southworth, BSN RN 

References 

Stivanello, E., Chierzi, F., Marzaroli, P., Zanella, S., Miglio, R., Biavati, P., Perlangeli, V., Berardi, V., Fioritti, 

A., Pandolfi, P. (2020) Mental Health Disorders and Summer Temperature –Related Mortality: A Case Crossover Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(23)9122 https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/23/9122 

Discoverymood.com/blog/mental-health-during-the-summer/ 

Letstalkstigma.org/staying-mentally-healthy-summer/ 

Thekimfoundation.org/summer-mental-health/ 

Themighty.com/2018/05/summer-hard-mental-illness/

It is important to take care of yourself so you can care for the people you love better.

 

Anyone who has flown before has heard the emergency instruction recording say, “Put on your oxygen mask first before helping others.” The reason? If there is a decrease in oxygen and you have not put on your oxygen mask, you will quickly realize that by helping someone else put theirs on, you’ve run out of oxygen yourself.

Thankfully, most people never experience this scenario on an airplane trip, however, many people experience this in daily life. A lot of people occupy the space of caregiver. You might be a mom raising young children, or parents raising a child with special needs, or a child taking care of a sick parent, or an adult child caring for an aging parent. You might also find yourself in the roll of taking care of a teenager or adult child who is battling substance use disorders, alcohol use disorders or mental health disorders. You may be the spouse caring for your husband or wife battling these disorders as well. You could also be a sibling or a child of someone struggling. And, it can happen at any moment and continue for a lifetime.

The longevity of the season may be unknown, but the amount of stress one is put under is not. Caring for others well requires that you first take care of yourself. You must know how to understand how to identify stress and how to take time for self-care. Many caregivers feel guilty for taking time for themselves because they are busy taking care of others. However, taking time to care for one self, helps reduce stress, alleviate burn out, and makes it so you can care for others better.

If you are a caregiver, know that it is okay for you to seek help. Stress affects people both physically and mentally. Exercise, rest, a healthy diet (food and drink), and support are all great ways for you to care for yourself. Talking with a professional counselor can help.

You care and love people well. Make sure you are also caring for and loving yourself well.

If you need to speak with someone, we are here to help. We have psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and licensed counselors on staff. Call 844.728.4929 to find a location near you. We have offices in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. 

www.pathwayhealthcare.com

Case Management Significantly Improves Recovery Through Access to Help

Those affected by substance use disorders and mental health disorders often have significant social problems that contribute to the success of their treatment outcomes. Some of these issues are: underemployment or unemployment, homelessness, alienated relationships, incarceration/probation, legal issues, medical issues, transportation issues, food insecurity, financial issues, and limited education. To address the substance use disorder or the mental health disorder singularly without addressing the social issue needs contributes to a cycle of poverty, misuse of substances, decline in mental health, and has far reaching consequences on society at large. 

The average cost of treating one person suffering from a mental health disorder in a state-run facility in the state of Mississippi, for instance, is over $48,000 per year. This only accounts for approximately a month-long stay per individual. However, when a patient is also assisted by a case manager who helps with social issues facing this same patient, that cost can be reduced significantly.

Substance use disorders and mental health disorders are found among all socioeconomic groups, however, issues such as poverty, disease, and underemployment are significantly over-represented (SAMHSA, CSAT, 1994). By engaging those who have substance use disorders and mental health disorders with people who care and help them find the necessary resources, improved relationships between patient and provider are increased and the treatment outcomes have much better results than those who are not offered case management services or actively refuse to participate in add-on care.

Pathway Healthcare’s Targeted Case Management bridges the gap for patients with the fewest resources and greatest needs. We help by coordinating high quality medical and behavioral care and granting access to community partners with social resources like food, housing, job skills training, and education. We assess, link, plan, and monitor a patient’s progress to autonomy and recovery.

If you need assistance with a substance use disorder or a mental health disorder, or need help with social issues you are experiencing because of a disorder, please contact us today at 844.728.4929 or visit https://pathwayhealthcare.com/case-management/.

Eating Disorders – It’s Time to Seek Help

A little-talked about mental health issue is on the rise. Eating disorders affect more than nine percent of people worldwide which amounts to nearly 30 million Americans in their liftetimes. Eating disorders also contribute to nearly 10,000 deaths each year (data cited by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Eating Disorders).

The year 2020 into 2021 has seen an increase in the number of calls and hospitalizations due to eating disorders. Common eating disorders are anorexia and bulimia. As pandemic restrictions increased, anxiety and fear rose. This also produced isolation and stress; triggers for eating disorders. Eating disorders affect both women and men.

Eating disorders can do physical harm to a person’s physical and mental health. Food is unavoidable, however, dealing with the root cause of eating disorders is possible so that the need to control one’s emotions through eating (or not eating) is avoidable. A whole body approach is necessary, including psychotherapy.

At Pathway Healthcare we have specialists ready to help. Call us today for an appointment 844.728.4929 or visit www.pathwayhealthcare.com for more information.

Are You Affecting Your Gray Matter?

We’ve known for quite some time that alcohol affects a person’s health, and as more studies are done, we are discovering more of what it does to people. A recent study conducted in the UK determined that alcohol use affects the gray matter in the brain.* Why is gray matter important? It is the area of our brain where information is processed.

“The more people drank, the less the volume of their gray matter,” said one of the researchers. As we age, this becomes more important. Choosing to not drink alcohol is a choice a person can make while aging is something out of our control. The study also determined that the degree of drinking didn’t matter nor did the type of alcohol consumed matter.

Alcohol was the leading risk factor for disease and premature death in men and women between the ages of 15 and 49 worldwide, accounting for nearly one in 10 deaths in 2016 (according to a study published in The Lancet in 2018).

What we choose to put into our bodies affects our bodies. The more alcohol we put into our bodies, the less gray matter in our brains. Brain health, including mental health, is at risk for anyone who consumes alcohol because no safe level of consumption has been established.

If you or a loved one needs help to stop drinking, or at least decrease the amount of alcohol you drink, we can help on an outpatient basis. No inpatient stays are required.

We have doctors who are experienced with treating alcohol use disorders, as well as psychiatrists and licensed counselors.

Making better choices now can help increase overall brain health before too much damage has occurred.

Call us today for an appointment 844.728.4929 or visit www.pathwayhealthcare.com for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/19/health/alcohol-brain-health-intl-scli-wellness/index.html

Why Quality Care Matters

Pathway Healthcare

There continues to be so much stigma associated with addiction and mental health disorders. Many people continue to view these disorders as lifestyle choices rather than diseases. Because of the stigma, many have received less than adequate care to treat their disease, including the underlying issues that have contributed to their disease. We have seen the result of the lack of quality care as the number of cases of overdoses and mental health related issues have continued to rise. 

We have responded by increasing access to our psychiatric team of professionals and addiction specialists.

At Pathway Healthcare, our professionals understand the disease of addiction and mental health disorders. Dr. Stephen Taylor, Director of Behavioral Care says, “We treat our patients with compassionate care and take the time to truly understand and empathize with them individually. We want to guide our patients along the journey from illness and suffering to wellness and wholeness. This is our philosophy of exceptional, quality care. We could never be satisfied with providing anything less.”

Dr. Stephen Taylor is a quadruple-board-certified practitioner and psychiatrist with over 20 years of practice experience with specialized care to adolescent and young adult patients and their families afflicted with drug and alcohol addictions and general psychiatric disorders. He holds a number of degrees from Harvard College, Howard University College of Medicine, and the Harvard School of Public Health. In addition, Dr. Taylor is the Medical Director of the Player Assistance/Anti-Drug Program of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), a Program Dr. Taylor designed and implemented. 


About Pathway Healthcare
Our proprietary approach to MAT is MATPlus®, our wrap-around services, and commitment to long-term treatment sets our MAT treatment apart from the rest. We offer peer support and individual, family, and group counseling opportunities, including psychiatric care and medication management. Our professionals are specialists in addiction and mental health communities and are passionate about recovery and committed to their patient’s long-term maintenance of sobriety and behavioral health.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that combines behavioral counseling with medication. Counseling is the main focus of MAT, and a prescription for medication is provided under the guidance of a medical doctor. Medication options for MAT are Buprenorphine, Naloxone, and Suboxone. What makes MAT the most effective treatment program is its provision of custom patient treatment plans developed based on each patient’s unique cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides freedom that allows patients to keep their job, family life, and social obligations. Essentially, a patient learns how to recover in their typical day to day setting. This is beneficial as many patients who leave their normal environments for treatment experience difficulty returning and trying to cope as they respond to the stimulants that remind them of their past behavior.

For more information, visit www.pathwayhealthcare.com.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Pathway Healthcare Frequently Asked Questions

Read our frequently asked questions to learn more about our offices. If you do not find your answer here, feel free to contact us, anytime.



What is detoxification?

Detoxification (Detox) is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of drugs while managing the symptoms of withdrawal. It is often the first step in a drug treatment program and should be followed by treatment with a behavioral-based therapy and/or a medication. Detox alone, with no follow-up, is not treatment and will not work.

Will detox cure me?
No. Detox alone, with no follow-up, is not treatment. Pathway Healthcare’s MAT Plus® takes a multidisciplinary approach to addiction and dependency treatment. Treatment will likely include detox, medication, and therapy. Addiction is defined as a chronic relapsing brain dependency. Drug dependency is defined as a psychological craving for a chemical substance. In particular, the use of drugs and alcohol changes the way the brain functions, and requires a multidisciplinary approach including on-going behavioral therapy and counseling. Pathway treats addiction and dependency just like any other medical disease.

What is MAT Plus® ?
Pathway Healthcare takes a multidisciplinary approach to addiction and dependency treatment with MAT Plus®, providing medication-assisted treatment, counseling, case management, and peer support services. We believe you must focus on more than just treating the body. It is vital to treat the physical, psychological, and social symptoms of addiction and dependency.

Is addiction or dependency a moral issue?
No. Just like any disease or use disorder, there are many factors that lead toaddiction or dependency. Like type II adult onset diabetes, it has many components. Lifestyle, genetics, and exposure to substances are just a few contributing factors. But once substance use disorder manifests itself, treatment is necessary.

Is addiction or dependency as simple as a choice?
No. There is no way of precisely predicting which initial decision actually opened the door to a later loss of free-choice capacity in a person who has become addicted or dependent on drugs or alcohol. Was it the adolescent drink, the cigarettes, or the experimentation with an illegal substance? Once established, the individual suffering from this disease or dependency cannot will themselves to be healthy any more than a person with heart disease can will their heart back to perfect working order, or a person with diabetes can will their body’s insulin response to return to normal. (NIH, Advancing Addiction Science; Addiction and Free Choice, February 18, 2014)

How many people suffer from addiction dependency or use disorders?
In the United States, 23.5 Million people are addicted to alcohol and drugs. This means the number of Americans with addiction is greater than those with heart disease, diabetes or cancer.

What treatment is necessary?
Treatment involves education about the disease, lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication.

Will I need all the treatments?
Not necessarily. Some people might respond merely to education that leads to lifestyle changes while others might need a combination of education, lifestyle changes, counseling, and medication.

Is Prescription Medication all that is involved in treatment?
Pathway Healthcare takes a multi disciplined approach to addiction treatment with MAT Plus®. In addition to medication assisted treatment, patients will participate in both individual and group counseling programs. these are offered through our outpatient services. To further provide patients with the resources needed to fully recover and rebuild, Pathway Healthcare, through our partner networks, gives a patient access to complimentary community and faith-based addiction programs.

Aren’t you just prescribing another drug?
No. As treating diabetes with insulin is about preventing blindness, amputation or loss of life, the treatment of drug or alcohol addiction or dependency with certain medications is about preventing loss of self, family, education, employment, and loss of life. Medications like Buprenorphine/Naloxone or Vivitol are different from the full agonists (euphoria-producing drugs) to which people usually become addicted. Pathway prescribes medication that helps end the craving for euphoria.

How long will I need the medication?
The length of medication assisted treatment varies from individual to individual. Recovery is multi-faceted and there are no time limits applied to the process. Life-repair is the ultimate goal, and if medication has shown a benefit to you and your recovery, then it should be considered long term. Just as a diabetic treats their disease with medication, addiction and dependency can be treated the same way: without the restraint of time. You and your counselors will be the best judge of recovery and the need to continue medication.

Will my insurance pay for my treatment?
Every insurance company and policy is different with respect to coverage, deductibles, and co-pays; it is wise to contact your insurance carrier. Pathway Healthcare accepts most major insurances. We will be happy to assist in determining if your insurance covers Pathway Healthcare treatment.

Will I be treated with compassion and respect?
Yes. At Pathway Healthcare, our mission is to remove the stigma of addiction, dependency and other substance use disorders. We treat every patient with kindness and respect. We are here to help you.

What is psychiatric medication management?
Psychiatric medication management is a treatment method used by your medical provider that focuses on the use of psychotropic medications in the short term and the long term for the treatment of mental health diagnosis.  It includes educating the patient on the medication, monitoring the safety and effects, and ongoing visits to ensure the continued symptom improvement.

What psychotropic medications?
Psychotropic medications are simply medications that are capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. 

If I want mental health counseling, do I have to see a psychiatrist?

Pathway Healthcare counselors are trained and experienced in a treating a wide range of mental health diagnosis.  Using proven assessments and other therapeutic tools, each patient is evaluated at intake and periodically throughout treatment.  Those evaluations may indicate that the patient could benefit from seeing a Pathway psychiatrist for possible medication management.  If that is the case, your counselor will make the appropriate recommendations and referrals and will always continue providing excellent therapy, even when the care of a psychiatrist is needed. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MATPLUS®)

Pathway Healthcare Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

MATPlus®

Our proprietary approach to MAT is MATPlus®, our wrap-around services, and commitment to long-term treatment sets our MAT treatment apart from the rest. We offer peer support and individual, family, and group counseling opportunities. Our Pathway and Impact medical professionals are specialist in the addiction and mental health communities and are passionate about recovery and committed to their patient’s long-term maintenance of sobriety and behavioral health.

About Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that combines behavioral counseling with medication. Counseling is the main focus of MAT, and a prescription for medication is provided under the guidance of a medical doctor. What makes MAT the most effective treatment program is its provision of custom patient treatment plans developed based on each patient’s unique cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and addiction has progressed substantially over the past 50 years. We have an excellent arsenal of therapies to combat this chronic disease and evidence shows us that to have productive, long-term positive outcomes treatments must combine medication with other services like medical, behavioral, individual, and group counseling.

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides freedom that allows patients to keep their job, family life, and social obligations. Essentially, a patient learns how to recover in their typical day to day setting. This is beneficial as many patients who leave their normal environments for treatment experience difficulty returning and trying to cope as they respond to the stimulants that remind them of their past behavior.

Medication Options

Medication options for MAT are Buprenorphine, Naloxone, and Suboxone. These medications have different ways of stabilizing patients and should be recommended by a doctor to decide which is the best option for each patient.

Cost of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment is a low-cost option compared to the high expense of illegal drug use, inpatient or residential treatment, or the considerable fees of relapse associated with programs without effective treatment plans.

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) with MATPLUS®

Pathway Healthcare Opioid Use Disorder

Opioid Dependence and Addiction

Opioid Dependence is a substance use disorder caused by a brain abnormality that results in the need to continue to take drugs to avoid withdrawals.  Opioid Addiction is a substance use disorder caused by a chronic disease resulting in intense drug craving and compulsive use. (The difference between opioid dependence and opioid addiction are behavioral withdrawal symptoms that present themselves with opioid addiction).

Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Patients that have been on long-term pain medications have a high probability of developing opioid dependence or addiction; remaining on the drug even after the pain has subsided. For many affected individuals, physical cravings and compulsive behaviors are uncontrollable without the help of Medication-Assisted Treatment and behavioral counseling. Our proprietary approach, MATPlus® provides medication-assisted treatment, behavioral counseling, and wrap around services with a long-term commitment to your pathway of life-repair.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Medication options for Opioid Use Disorder are Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail, and Sublocade. All these medications are FDA-approved and are buprenorphine products. Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved, highly studied, and regulated medication used to help individuals recover from opioid addiction. It acts as a stabilizer in the body rather than as a narcotic. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine helps patients function physically, emotionally, and mentally without impairment. It also aids patients in engagement with counseling services to reach healthy goals that benefit the whole person.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol Dependence and Addiction

Like other drugs, heavy alcohol use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and even abuse, which may require treatment. Patients that abuse alcohol experience severe withdrawals, including dangerous ‘delirium tremens’ (DTs) which is marked by confusion, shivering, sweating, irregular heartbeat, and even seizures.  Harmful drinking may be reduced or eliminated with a combination of medication, counseling, and peer support.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Harmful drinking may be reduced or even eliminated with a combination of medication, counseling, and peer support. Pathway Healthcare’s proprietary approach, MAT Plus®, addresses alcohol use disorder at all levels using a holistic, multi-disciplined approach that incorporates medical and behavioral therapies. By combining medication-assisted treatment and focused, patient-specific counseling in the outpatient setting, MAT Plus® packages the latest evidence-based treatments for alcohol abuse to produce the best outcomes.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Medication options for Alcohol Use Disorder are Vivitrol, Naltrexone, and Acamprosate, in combination with a comprehensive alcohol treatment program, be useful in the treatment of alcohol abuse. These medications are FDA-approved and work on various aspects of alcohol dependence or abuse; some are helping with cravings, some euphoric blocking effects of alcohol to dissuade future consumption.