Mental Health Awareness – May, 2024

As the summer approaches, hopefully this finds all of you seeking improved overall health well. In terms of mental health, it is helpful to make sure you set time aside and prioritize some of the following:

• Physical activity/exercise – As tolerated. Sedentary lifestyles can lead to medical illness as well as worsened mental health.
• A balanced, healthy diet. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar (or alcohol).
• Mindfulness, relaxation. There are many free resources available online for activities such as guided meditation. A walk in a park can accomplish a similar effect as well.
• Making time for hobbies/interests. Studies have shown that diversifying your interests and knowledge can not only improve your mood, but work to prevent dementia in later years.

Sleep Deprivation Awareness

This week is Sleep Deprivation Awareness Week; and at Converge we are no strangers to the effects of this problem on our patients’ health. Both physical and mental effects can be severe and potentially fatal, from chronic sleep deficiency – including heart disease, obesity, diabetes and mentally/emotionally can involve worsened depression, anxiety, cognitive dysfunction, the list goes on! “Sleep Hygiene” is a cornerstone of good overall health, and involves simple changes to one’s routine such as limiting nighttime use of electronics, limited caffeine use during the day and regularly occurring “bedtimes.” When sleep is disordered severely, all bets are off in terms of one’s mood and emotional regulation, as well as health in general.

Now offering TMS!

Converge Mental Wellness Associates is proud to announce it’s partnership with Peak Performance Centers of West Bloomfield, MI in providing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatments for refractory depression and other disorders. Please ask a Converge clinician for more information!

Dietary Considerations in Depression

People have often said “you are what you eat,” and mainstream information has continued to broaden our understanding of the effects of different kinds of food on our bodies. It stands to reason that perhaps, food can affect our moods as well. Here is a reference for foods to consider if you are struggling with a mood disorder: https://www.moodtreatmentcenter.com/antidepressantdiet (may need to copy and paste the link into your browser)

Happy Holidays!

The staff here at Converge want to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Holiday Season!

“Tell Me Your Story”

At Converge, we realize that everyone is an individual with a unique ‘story,’ a personality and your own set of memories and experiences that make you who you are. The clinicians on our team want to listen to those we serve and learn more about you.

Choosing the right medication involves many factors and considerations. There are biological influences, the presence of medical conditions, other medications you may be taking, side effect considerations and the list goes on. We have the eduction and experience to put those pieces together, with the most important ingredient being your own personal history. Tell us your story, and from there we will work to help you manage your condition with the most effective treatments and achieve the life you want.

New Patient Hotline

If you are new to us here at Converge, please call the Hope Counseling Network at 833-789-4673 for an appointment. The folks at Hope will take care of the intake process with you, so your first session can be spent focusing on you!