by Philip Payne | Feb 5, 2021 | Tele-Behavioral Health Series
Tele-medicine and tele-behavioral health have become prevalent terms in society’s everyday life, but what do they mean? The demand for virtual health care options has risen exponentially in recent years, and many of us don’t know the difference between these two terms. In my personal experience, I used to glaze over these terms simply because ‘I had an idea of what they meant.’ However, knowing what they are has proven to be of value because I can make educated decisions about my family’s and my necessary care.
Tele-Medicine: “Medical care provided remotely to a patient in a separate location using two-way voice and visual communication (as by computer or cell phone)” (Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary)
Tele-Behavioral Health: The process of providing behavioral therapy or psychotherapy remotely, utilizing video conferencing or text-based messaging
Essentially, tele-behavioral health is a sub-category of the broader tele-medicine scope. It focuses more directly on behavioral health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD to name a few. The National Institute of Mental Health reports, “In 2019, there were an estimated 51.5 million adults aged 18 or older in the United States with AMI (a mental illness). This number represented 20.6% of all U.S. adults” (National Institute of Mental Health). I have tried my best to help my friends with their mental health challenges – but sometimes a friend’s loving advice just isn’t enough.
As a result, the importance of tele-behavioral health has grown with the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges and substance use disorders around the world. This form of healthcare can be accessed by anyone to provide them with the critical help they need.
At Apportis, we provide a HIPPA-certified tele-behavioral health platform to communities in need. Our software removes barriers to connect counselors, case managers, caregivers, and clinicians to those in need, and it provides that community with resources to thrive. Anyone can receive behavioral health advice through the Apportis software without the need of Wi-Fi. This means that we can assist those in urban, rural, and even homeless communities for their behavioral health needs.
We encourage everyone to learn more about tele-medicine and tele-behavioral health because we understand that everyone lives with their own challenges. You can read more blogs about the previously mentioned topics, in addition to various other health-related subjects, on our website Apportis.com under the “BLOG” tab. We would love to assist you with your behavioral health needs, so please contact us with any inquires and questions you may have. We can make an impact together in tele-behavioral healthcare!
National Institute of Mental Health. “Mental Illness.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Jan. 2021, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml.
“Telemedicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telemedicine. Accessed 31 Jan. 2021.
by Philip Payne | Dec 4, 2020 | Health
We’ve all heard the slogan “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” but do any of us stop to reflect on this public safety campaign? According to the National Highway Safety Transit Authority (NHTSA), drunk-driving crashes claim more than 10,000 lives per year — that’s one person every 50 minutes. This astounding statistic is compounded by the fact that every year, traffic-related deaths spike between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. This timeframe is described by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals as “one of the deadliest and most dangerous times on America’s roadways due to an increase in impaired driving.” Consequently, the federal government has designated December as National Drunk Driving Prevention Month. This is to remember the lives lost as a result of those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and to acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by impaired driving.
How to Observe National Drugged and Drunk Driving Prevention Month:
- Do a sober period – During December, try to challenge yourself and set a period of time without drinking alcohol.
- Take a cab or ride-sharing app after a party – “Who’s got the Uber?” . . . (YOU)
- Be a designated driver – This selfless act is sure to impress the in-laws!
- For more information about impaired driving please visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving
by Philip Payne | Nov 26, 2020 | General
We all know that 2020 hasn’t necessarily been the start to the roaring 20’s that many of us imagined. It has been an infamous year many would like to forget. While there are many things to be spiteful about, we must approach this Thanksgiving as a time of reflection and optimism for the future. We should be celebrating the many milestones that have been accomplished during these times of unpredictability.
Just as everyone else, I have experienced many hardships throughout 2020. Those include the loss of my grandmother, the inability of my collegiate figure skating team to compete at our national competition, the heartache of being distanced from loved ones due to travel restrictions while away at college, and more. However, I have done my best to work through these obstacles, and I appreciate that this Thanksgiving gives me a chance to consider what I DO have in my life.
I am surely not the only person who has been conflicted with mental and physical struggles during this time. We should be embracing others, and encouraging them to break through their shells. I’d like to take time to consider the different ways in which this year has benefitted our community.
In a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Juice Plus+, 66% of people polled said their family is closer than ever before as a result of the increased family time during quarantine. Families were forced out of their busy day-to-day routines and experienced milestones and interactions that they might not have had otherwise. For instance, 79% of parents surveyed said they’ve learned more about their children’s hobbies and passions during this time.
Furthermore, pet adoption rates have skyrocketed. Vast amounts of people took to pet adoptions during quarantine since they had more time at home to devote to a new animal. Additionally, these furry friends have aided people through the mental health struggles associated with COVID-19.
Countless companies transformed their typical production services to manufacture sanitizers, masks, ventilators, and more to help the world fight this virus. Vacuum maker Dyson, General Motors, and many other companies manufactured thousands of ventilators and other PPE for the community.
An innumerable amount of people broke out of the technological bubble that most of us live in and regained appreciation for the outdoors. Biking and hiking trials, lakes and rivers, and other outdoor spaces boomed this year as a safe alternative to travel and as a stress relief during COVID-19.
Additionally, studies show that some people feel less stress as they gained a more flexible schedule, escaped a strenuous commute to work/school, experienced more quality time with their family, and dodged dressing up everyday.
I ask that everyone be optimistic this Thanksgiving and think about what you DO have to be thankful for. No matter how big or small, every milestone in 2020 has left an impact on our lives, and we must learn from these experiences to grow for the future.
by Philip Payne | Nov 20, 2020 | Mental Health
Saturday, November 21st is not only the Saturday before Turkey Day. It is also a day to observe and support international survivors of suicide. Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Survivors Day is a time to give support to those who have lost a friend or family member to this horrific tragedy globally.
Although the stigma surrounding suicide differs slightly around the world based on culture and religion (for example Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are against it, while the Brahmans of India tolerate it), the sadness left behind by those who loved the person who lost their life to suicide is the same. The holidays are an especially hard time for those who have lost loved ones to suicide, and Survivors Day is a way to bring peace around the world to those struggling with this reality.
How can we be involved? According to National Today, there are three things we can do to observe Survivors Day. It is important to remember you can participate even if you have not lost someone to suicide. Being involved and active in this community lends your strength and support and allows you to be more empathetic and understanding.
Attend a Survivors Day event
- UHS offers Survivors Day events that allow you to find share in the messages of healing and hope. Some of these events screen movies and documentaries about coping with suicide after a shared loss. They depict all of the difficult stages including denial, isolation, grief, and the ways in which you can heal from the pain. If you aren’t able to go in person, you can view the program online here.
Write it out
- Art is a great way to express yourself when times get difficult. Grab a journal or use your computer to write down your thoughts. This can be in the form of a poem, a story, or just a journal entry. By expressing yourself, you can come to understand your feelings and where they’re coming from. Turning something difficult into something that’s true and beautiful can also make you feel like you have more control over it.
Attend a local grief support group
- It can be scary telling your own story to a group of people, but support groups offer safe spaces for you to meet with others who have been affected by suicide. It’s a place of understanding as individuals grapple with the hardships of living with it. You’ll have the benefit of speaking with and hearing from professionals with the capacity to help you get through your own battle.
In addition to these suggestions, having a conversation with someone any day of the year about suicide can be powerful. Whether it is someone who you suspect may be having suicidal thoughts or someone who has lost someone to suicide, do not be afraid to reach out. Often, just starting the conversation is the hardest part and will get easier as the conversation continues. If you are still not sure how to begin, check out this website for more ideas.
To end with, five sobering facts about global suicide
- Global suicides: Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year.
- Close to home: Nearly 50% of people in the US know someone who has died by suicide.
- LGBT community: LGBT youth are almost five times more likely to attempt suicide.
- Every 11 minutes: On average, one person dies every 11 minutes by suicide.
- Highest suicide rate: Guyana has the most deaths by suicide.
By observing and supporting our brothers and sisters around the world who have lost friends and family members to suicide, we give a voice to their grief. We also honor and remember the victims this way, and allow for meaningful connections to be made. We really are all in this together. Wherever you are in the world or on your journey, be kind to others and to yourself.
by Philip Payne | Oct 23, 2020 | Addiction
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-abuse prevention campaign. This years’ theme is “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free,” and the campaign is being celebrated from October 23rd through October 31st. Since 1985, Red Ribbon Week has encouraged America to live drug-free lives in order to facilitate the pathways for healthy, drug-free youth. They also provide educational opportunities to our youth to learn about drug prevention at an early age. Here is a link to resources the Red Ribbon Campaign offers.
Schools are a major force in creating awareness for the campaign as well. I remember participating in Red Ribbon Week activities every year during grade school. I can remember how important these assemblies, games, and other activities were to my school district, as it was their mission to take a stance in protecting their students from drug abuse.
At Apportis, we encourage community members of all ages to take part in the drug prevention campaign of Red Ribbon Week. It is never too early to educate others about the dangers of drug abuse.
Here are some ways that the Red Ribbon Campaign encourages the community to get involved:
- Plan a Red Ribbon “CruiseBy” – Have each participant decorate his or her car featuring the Red Ribbon Theme and drive through your neighborhood.
- Plant the Promise – Plant red flower bulbs which bloom in the Spring and serve as a reminder of the importance and the beauty of a drug free life.
- Share your best spoken word performance that incorporates use of the 2020 theme – Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free™ – Post it to Facebook or Instagram and add the hashtag #RedRibbonWeekSpokenWord. Contest begins October 23rd and ends October 31st.
- Enter the 2020 National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest
- Nominate someone for the Enrique Camarena Red Ribbon Award – This annual award recognizes and honors individuals who personify Agent Camarena’s belief that one person can make a difference.
- Take the #BeHappyBeBraveBeDrugFree Social Media Challenge – Show us how you’re living drug free by dressing up like your favorite superhero and by snapping a picture and posting it to Social Media.
- Mask Challenge – Join the #RedRibbonMaskChallenge by wearing a Red Ribbon-Themed Mask During Red Ribbon Week, October 23-31.
- Ask Your Local Police Department, Health Department or Prevention Coalition to Host a Virtual Drug Presentation
- Plan A Building or Structure Illumination – Does your local landmark light up? How about your school, office building, local bridge or stadium? Find out if it can be turned red in honor of Red Ribbon Week.
- Celebrate Being Drug Free – Print out the Red Ribbon Theme sign, add your name, hold it up and post a photo that shows us you’re committed to living drug free.
- Family Table Time – Did you know that teens who eat dinner with their families are less likely to use drugs and alcohol?
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