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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
As May draws to a close, I encourage all of us to be mindful of its special designation as Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, May has served as a crucial reminder that mental well-being is just as vital as physical health. As a psychiatrist, I see firsthand the profound impact mental health issues have on individuals, as well as their loved ones, and this month offers an opportunity for us to collectively foster a more compassionate, inclusive and informed dialogue.
One of the primary goals of Mental Health Awareness Month is to combat the persistent stigma that often surrounds mental health. Far too many people suffer alone and in silence - fearing judgment and discrimination. This stigma (real or perceived) can be a formidable barrier to seeking help, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment and prolonged suffering. By raising awareness, we strive to break down these barriers, creating an environment where individuals can feel safe, supported and empowered.
This month also emphasizes the importance of early intervention and support. Just as we wouldn't hesitate to seek medical attention for persistent pain or a serious injury, our mental health deserves the same prompt and professional care. Recognizing the early signs of distress, whether in ourselves or in loved ones, can make a significant difference in the trajectory of a mental health condition. Resources are available, from therapy and medication to support groups and crisis lines, and this month encourages us to familiarize ourselves with these options and to encourage their use.
This May and beyond, I encourage you all to check in on your friends, family, and colleagues. Educate yourself on mental health conditions. And if you are struggling, please remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Prioritizing our mental health is not a luxury; it is a fundamental component of a fulfilling and healthy life.
Please reach out for help if you need it. Here are some resources that can provide assistance or more information:
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Lynne Lyons, MD
Medical Director and Psychiatrist
Lakes Center Mental Health Network
| | Should You Spring Clean Your Relationships? | |
As the weather warms up and the sun starts peeking out, you are probably engaging in some spring cleaning, putting away the heaviness of the winter to make room for spring and new beginnings.
But have you ever thought of doing that with relationships? Probably not. But as social beings, we are literally wired to connect with others. And yet, we may spend more time contemplating whether or not a sweater works for us than contemplating if certain relationships are working for us.
This spring, you might want to try to add some spring cleaning to your relationships. Read on to learn what this means, how you might do it and why, and the benefit it can have on your mental health.
Read more...
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Stress Relief Tip:
Take a Social Media Break
More than 70% of Americans use social media, which has been linked to conditions like depression and anxiety, according to the Pew Research Center. From comparison culture leading to lower self-esteem to the constant stream of negative news, social media may have a bigger effect on your daily mental health than you think. Try taking regular breaks, even if it’s just for a couple of days at a time.
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Stress Relief Tip:
Work Your Strengths
Do something you're good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task on your list. Building from your strengths can make those bigger tasks seem more achievable.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Discovering Wellness:
A Therapy Group for Depression and Anxiety
New group beginning September 9, 2025
Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Lakes Center, 2300 Haggerty Road, Suite 1170, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Contact Josephine Salem at JSalem@lakescenter.com or Catherine DuFresne at CDuFresne@lakescenter.com for the starting date of the next group.
This is an adult outpatient therapy group treating Depression and Anxiety related mental health disorders. Click here for more information!
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OCD/ERP Online Support Groups:
Networking for Change and Growth
Tuesdays 12:30 - 1:30 pm and Thursdays 3:00 - 4:00 pm
(Both are Online only)
Contact Terrie Browning at TBrowning@lakescenter.com or (248) 342-9254.
To Sign Up: Call (248) 859-2457 or click here to fill out our Contact Form.
This group is open to people who have OCD, PTSD, Hoarding, Trichotillomania, Excoriation and Tics. We discuss how ERP works to treat these as well as Generalized Anxiety and Panic Disorders. Since ERP can be difficult to maintain, sharing similar experiences with each other, as well as learning from the leaders will help you stay on the course.
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William Byers, PMHNP
Nurse Practitioner
Bill is an experienced Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He has been a Registered Nurse for 27 years, and a Nurse Practitioner since 2012. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the Medical College of Georgia, and his graduate degree from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. A United States Navy Retiree with 30 years of dedicated military service, and experience in private practice following his military career, he has an extensive background in the evaluation and treatment of many psychiatric disorders including combat related disorders like Post Traumatic Stress.
He prides himself in working alongside each individual, their emotional support, and their therapist, to craft a personalized treatment plan using psychopharmacology and state of the art options like genetic testing to assist in selecting medications.
Read more...
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Sydney Walley, LMSW
Clinical Social Worker
Sydney received her Master of Social Work from Michigan State University with specialized training in evidence-based trauma treatment and significant clinical practice in outpatient, community mental health and medical settings. As a mental health provider, Sydney has treated diverse populations of all ages utilizing trauma-informed interventions and collaborating with health providers and top tier specialists in Michigan. She has also received endorsement in infant and maternal mental health.
Repeatedly recognized for excellence in trauma-informed care and psychotherapeutic treatment, Sydney strives to assist each person in their personal growth and restoration within their systems through purposeful work established in the therapeutic relationship. Sydney is invested in promoting an integrative, dynamic, and holistic approach.
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