Belmont Behavioral Health System

We're proud to have such a hard-working and safety-oriented team here at Belmont, and to have the opportunity throughout #PatientSafetyWeek to show our appreciation for all they do each day! Back in December, Crystal, one of our compassionate BHA's, was recognized for her efforts towards keeping those in our care safe. Belmont is grateful for her expertise and her commitment to those we treat!

This week is Patient Safety Week! As a standard, our staff here at BBHS are always focused on the safety of the individuals in our care. We are excited to take this opportunity to recognize the hard work that is done consistently by our team. Each month, staff members can nominate their colleagues for going above and beyond in their delivery of patient care. Throughout this week, we will acknowledge our recent award winners who were celebrated specifically for their action toward ensuring patient safety! In November 2020, our Safety Shoutout went to Amanda, Staffing Coordinator here at BBHS. Congratulations, Amanda!

Some BBH Elves were busy yesterday wrapping gifts for some holiday cheer, and our children's program literally decked the halls with their festive spirit. Special thanks to everyone whose contributions made this holiday season brighter for our program participants of all ages!

As Spotify announced last month, the pandemic has led to a massive rise in streams of mental health playlists on its platform, with playlists related to mind...fulness, calm and self-care seeing a 57 percent increase in streams from last year. Podcasts related to self-help and self-care also saw a dramatic bump on the platform, with a whopping 122-percent increase in streams. We’re all clearly in need of something soothing to listen to these days. https://www.insidehook.com//the-rise-of-the-mental-health-

Meet our friends at Montgomery County Mobile Crisis! They are available 24/7 to help residents all over Montgomery County who may be dealing with a crisis.

These days, you can easily become overwhelmed by the amount of bad news you hear each day. Finding reasons for gratitude can combat this negative emotion. But this habit isn't just about being thankful. When you prioritize gratitude in your life, you will begin to pay more attention to where you are spending your emotional energy. Practicing gratitude doesn't require you to ignore the troubling aspects of life, but it does remind you to make an effort to find moments of beauty and wonder in every day. http://ow.ly/I6G050CywdF

We all hope that the holiday season will be filled with shared joy and abundant love. Unfortunately, the holidays can also be a time of great stress. If you're having a hard time, here are some tips that can help. How do you de-stress? Let us know in the comments!

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving (but please be sure to stay safe too)!

Everyone who is recovering from a substance use disorder or healing from a mental health concern is following a unique path. Resist the urge to compare your progress to anyone else's. As you look back on 2020 and prepare for the new year, focus on how far you've come and plan to make 2021 your best year yet!

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a mental health disorder that can cause a host of serious problems. Regrettably, even though the American Psychiatric Association and other trustworthy organizations have definitively established the legitimacy of ADHD, incorrect information and misinformed beliefs continue to create difficulties for the millions of people who have this disorder. We all have a role to play in the effort to promote increased ADHD awareness. Discover what everyone needs to know about ADHD here: http://ow.ly/OwKP50C4ulf

October traditionally ends with a celebration of candy, costumes, and creativity. This year, though, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has complicated matters. With just a few days left until Halloween, people across the country are still struggling to identify the best way to celebrate safely. It's definitely still possible to enjoy the holiday this year. However, just like we've done so many other times in the past few months, we have to make a few important adjustments. Read more here about how to have a safe and fun Halloween: http://ow.ly/MXUu102qr38

It may be harder to count blessings in 2020, but there’s always something to be grateful for, even if it’s just that the year is almost over! Wishing you a day full of abundance and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving from BBHS

We make an effort to add a motivational message to our first post of the week. We do this because we are aware of what a significant challenge it often is to feel inspired and energized on Mondays. But for the millions of people in the U.S. who have ADHD, the fight to remain focused and driven can be a continuous and exhausting struggle. In a recent Psych Central article, two ADHD experts highlighted a series of strategies that can make a significant positive difference: http://ow.ly/5BUF102pNyI

This season is a time when many of us reflect on what we're grateful for. While giving thanks is a yearly holiday tradition for countless people, did you know that expressing gratitude can also improve your mental health? http://ow.ly/JteC102sT35

Being willing to forgive can be an indispensable part of the healing process. However, many people fail to realize that forgiveness isn't just something to extend to others. During the holidays and throughout the new year, please treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Many people find it difficult to get through winter because seasonal depression makes them feel hopeless. But there's no need to suffer during this season. By making a few significant changes, it's possible to alleviate the impact of seasonal affective disorder.

Have you considered Deep TMS as a resource for treating depression? Join us tonight at 6pm on Zoom to learn more about whether dTMS is right for you, a client, or a loved one! Visit www.belmontbehavioral.com/dtms for additional details.

Don't forget to join us tomorrow at 1:30pm for this incredibly valuable training facilitated by The Jason Foundation, Inc.! Register for FREE by visiting www.belmontbehavioral.com/events.

Welcome to the second day of OCD Awareness Week. Research suggests that more than 2 million adults in the U.S. are currently living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Signs that someone has OCD typically appear among adults and older adolescents, but children can also be affected. Even though so many people have OCD, plenty of individuals continue to believe myths and false information. We all need to work together to promote the facts and increase awareness of OCD. This video provides a quick introduction to OCD: http://ow.ly/llNT102p8aW

Today, as Mental Illness Awareness Week concludes, we observe World Mental Health Day. This year's edition of WMHD is focused on increased investment in mental health. The most productive investment you can make for yourself and your family is to understand the importance of mental health awareness. Take the time to educate yourself about potential warning signs, and never be afraid to seek help. Today and every day, make self-care a regular habit, remain vigilant, and support your loved ones. For additional information, click here: http://ow.ly/1GfF102oYPB

Self-care is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. But your efforts to achieve and maintain the quality of life you deserve have to include monitoring your mental health. Information and understanding are integral tools in this endeavor. Today is National Depression Screening Day. If you suspect you may be struggling with depression, or if you have been worried about a loved one, completing a screening may be the ideal next step. Read more here: http://ow.ly/CxX7102oMSc

When a person develops a mental health disorder, receiving the right type and level of care can significantly improve their ability to pursue a satisfying future. But many other factors influence quality of life. To make the world a better place for all who are impacted by mental illness, we must fight to eliminate shame and stigma. Please join us in expanding awareness of NAMI's StigmaFree campaign. When you're ready to take the next step, click here: http://ow.ly/P0Jv50BME7b

Here's a vital message for today: If your life has been affected by a mental health disorder, we want to be sure you know that mental illness is not a sign of personal weakness or failure. Every human being is worthy of compassion and support. This includes you! Even during particularly dark or difficult times, don't lose sight of your many innate strengths and talents. We see you, we celebrate you, and we will always be here for you!

Mental Illness Awareness Week starts October 4. That's today! Every year, this week is a chance for us all to promote greater understanding about mental health disorders. Everyone on our team is proud to contribute to this important cause. The 2020 edition of MIAW is focused on areas such as eliminating stigma and honoring the voices of people who are directly impacted by mental illness. We'll be sharing many new updates throughout the week. Please help us spread the word about MIAW. Together, we can make the world a more compassionate place. http://ow.ly/A0t2102oo4Z

As warm summer days give way to crisp autumn evenings, we need to think about how we'll stay safe during flu season. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we've met or exceeded all standards to ensure the safety of all who enter our facility. The well-being of our patients will always be our foremost concern. As we enter flu season, we will remain vigilant, and we encourage you to do the same. Get more information on this important topic from the CDC: http://ow.ly/acrI102o2do