Posts

Micaela’s Story: From Mental Illness and Drug Use to Recovery

September is National Recovery Month—a time to bring increased awareness of mental illness and substance use as well as the hope for recovery. This campaign…

Fall Reboot for Self-Care

Just like computers, we all sometimes need to shut down for a short time so that we can “reboot.” Summer days are coming to an…

5-Step Guide to Talk to Someone Considering Suicide

Note – This article has been adapted to include the Maryland Helpline information in addition to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number. Suicide is…

Help Raise Awareness of International Overdose Awareness Day, National Recovery Month

Like other chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, substance use disorders can be successfully managed with proper treatment, yet less than 10% of people…

How Carroll County Significantly Decreased Opioid Deaths

Carroll County experienced a significant decline in opioid overdose deaths and non-fatal overdoses over the period January – June 2018 versus January – June 2019.…

Why Teens Aren’t Getting Enough Sleep

According to Johns Hopkins pediatrician Michael Crocetti, M.D., M.P.H., teens need 9 to 9½ hours of sleep per night. “Teenagers are going through a second…

Heading Back to School: Tips for Success

As a Family Peer Support Specialist, I often work with families who have children who have challenges in school. I understand that the start of…

New Laws Allow School Absences for Mental Health

Bullying. Depression and anxiety. Raising suicide rates. Social media. Mass shootings. Today’s students are grappling with a wide range of issues inside the classroom and…

Marijuana: Facts and Fiction Quiz

Marijuana has been used, both legally and illegally for many years, but there are still many misconceptions about it—especially when it comes to its use…

Alcohol: The Lesser Known Killer

In the midst of the opioid tragedy, it is important to not lose sight of another common addiction—alcohol. It is estimated that alcohol causes about…

Promoting Behavioral Health at the State Level

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes—During the state’s legislative session which ended earlier this month, MCF advocated for behavioral health funding and legislation.…

Reducing Suicide and Other Risks for LGBT Children

by MCF Director of Public Policy Ann Geddes Some caregivers are upset upon learning that their child is gay or transgender – they may believe…