IT’S MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH – LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! 
 
Did you know one in every five Americans live with some type of mental illness? It is more common than diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or the flu, but we feel more comfortable talking about those subjects. Unfortunately, only about half of those struggling with mental illness will receive treatment. Additionally, the average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment in 11 years. (Keystone Health Crisis Intervention & NAMI). 

Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as Mental Health Month) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. This observance aims to encourage open and stigma-free discussions around mental health. While progress has been made, there is still room for improvement.
 
What can you do to support yourself and others during Mental Health Awareness Month?
 
Check in
Contact anyone you know that is struggling or going through something difficult - call them, text them, or visit them.  

Educate Yourself
Improve your own knowledge on how to stay stress-free and healthy. Read books or visit websites like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) to learn more. 

Try Something New
Learn a new skill, try meditation. Consider keeping a mood chart or journal, which can be a wealth of information for you and your mental health provider. 

Learn Crisis Intervention Skills
Anyone who has experienced trauma can have it affect their mental health. Learn ways to cope with trauma and crisis and discuss them with your mental illness provider. 

Contribute
Donate money to or volunteer your time at a mental health facility or group.  

Share Your Story
Join a support group, where you can open up and share your story. Someone may be helped by hearing it.  

There are many ways to celebrate the positive changes in mental health treatment, as the stigma of mental illness is fading and we reframe mental health issues. However, mental wellness can be a life-long journey, one where healing can take years of treatment. Mentalhealth.org.uk recommends the following proven tips to improve your mental health in the short, as well as the long term:  

  • Keep Active 
  • Eat Well 
  • Take a Break 
  • Drink Sensibly 
  • Accept Who You Are 
  • Do Something You are Good At 
  • Keep in Touch 
  • Ask for Help 
  • Take Care of Others 
  • Talk About Your Feelings 
 
Then, as you continue your healing during the rest of the year, keep these useful pieces of advice in mind:

  • Reframe your thinking. It’s okay to not be okay!
  • Open up and talk about your struggles with those closest to you.
  • Therapy is not a bad thing. Learn new ways to cope and build important relationships with your mental health providers.
  • Use positive distractions. Get active, start new things, go back to old things that made you happy, stay busy with things you feel are worthwhile.
  • Stay curious and trust yourself. Be patient with yourself and others, use your childlike wonder to open your world.
  • Slow down and enjoy your moments. End the hustle bustle the world attempts to push us into.
  • Stay mindful and do your grateful list daily.
  • Flip the negative thoughts to positive thoughts whenever possible.

And if none of those are working - ask for help – we are here for you! You can call us today at (248) 859-2457 to take control of your mental health. Hope and understanding for those brave enough to ask.
6 Ways to Talk to Someone You're Worried About
When we get worried about someone we are close to, our emotions can overwhelm us. The idea that someone we know is suffering in any way can make us feel anxious, scared, or worse. This holds true for whatever we suspect might be happening with our loved one; from drug addiction to an eating disorder to an abusive relationship.

Telling someone you're worried about them is rocky ground. You want to express your concern, but you don't want to be alienating. How do you find the balance? With the input of a licensed mental health professional we'll walk you through the do's and don'ts of letting someone know that you're worried about them.
Welcome to Yawen Ning, LCSW!

We are delighted to introduce our newest clinician, Yawen Ning, who has joined the Lakes Center team as a Licensed Master Social Worker specializing in sexual health and trauma. Ning incorporates various evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as EMDR, DBT, and CBT, in her approach.
She is currently taking new adult patients for therapy. Call (313) 799-3636 to set up an appointment.
Cyril Davis In the News:


Cyril Davis, RN, the Lakes Center Program Director and DBT Administrative Consultant, is featured in a Wayne State University College of Nursing article.

The article highlights Cyril's passion for mental health, his inspiring journey, and plans for the future. Check out the article to learn more about Cyril's story.
Mental Health Tip:
Declutter
Reducing clutter around your house can help decrease your risk of dangerous falls and accidents that could lead to loss of mobility and independence.
Mental Health Tip:
Start Your Day with a Cup of Coffee
Coffee consumption is linked to lower rates of depression. If you can't drink coffee because of the caffeine, try another good-for-you drink like green tea.
We provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychotherapy services for a vast array of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic illness, borderline personality disorder, substance abuse/addiction, trauma related issues, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and behavior problems. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
Did you know? SPRAVATO® can have a rapid antidepressant response and is added on to an antidepressant and the rest of your regimen. It is the first new mechanism of action to treat depression that has come out in over 30 years. 
There is hope for treatment-resistant depression. Call (248) 859-2457 to set up an appointment.
We provide comprehensive DBT services to provide effective treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other disorders involving emotion dysregulation, including co-occurring substance use disorders, major depressive disorder, and individuals with history of trauma. At Lakes DBT Center, we believe that with effective evidence-based treatment and a caring and coordinated treatment team, clients can create a life they love.
Groups Starting Every 8 Weeks
Contact Josephine Salem at JSalem@lakescenter.com or Catherine DuFresne at CDuFresne@lakescenter.com for the starting date of the next group.

Choose between:
Mondays 11:00 am - 12:30 pm, or
Wednesdays 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Lakes Center, 2300 Haggerty Road, Suite 1170, West Bloomfield, MI 48323

This is an adult outpatient therapy group treating depression and anxiety related mental health disorders. Click here for more information!
Yawen Ning, LCSW
Clinical Social Worker

Ning is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a strong focus on sexual health and trauma. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2018 and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Social Work at Boston University, concentrating on Mental Health and Trauma. As a bilingual immigrant therapist, Ning emphasizes culturally competent and inclusive care, and provides treatment in both English and Mandarin.
 
In her practice, Ning uses a range of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, DBT, and CBT, tailored to meet the specific needs of her clients.




Susan Deutsch, LMSW
Clinical Social Worker

Susan received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 1986. She has 30+ years of clinical experience treating clients with a wide range of issues. Her practice includes adult men and women of all ages who are trying to bring about positive change in their lives. Her approach is eclectic, using a broad range of techniques from psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and supportive psychotherapies. Areas of specialty include: Depression, stress management and anxiety reduction, relationship issues, marital and divorce counseling, parenting issues, adults of any age struggling with life transition issues, and mood disorders with co-morbid substance abuse.