Tag Archives: Mental Health

The State of Mental Health, Part 1: What happened in 2020

In Psychology Today, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell discusses how mental health was impacted throughout 2020 because of COVID-19. Once COVID-19 took hold worldwide early last year, its mental health effects quickly began to emerge. There were strong emotional reactions to the virus, particularly fear, uncertainty, and grief. Shutdowns affected societies everywhere; families and friends were separated; and individuals spent weeks or months alone. While hope is on the horizon with the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, Dr. Bizzell writes, the pandemic and its fallout are far from over. It is more important than ever to examine the impact of the virus on mental health in 2020 and what lessons we can apply to improve mental wellness in 2021 and beyond.

READ MORE: Psychology Today,

Coping With Holiday Grief

On BYU Radio’s The Lisa Show, Dr. Anton C. Bizzell offers his advice on coping with the holiday blues. The holidays can be one of the happiest seasons—but they can also be a difficult time for many, especially this year. While in years past we might have spent this time with family and friends and in religious observances, COVID-19 may keep us home, celebrating with only immediate family or alone. All of this can contribute to feelings of loneliness and sadness. The key, Dr. Bizzell says, is to identify your stressors and develop a toolbox of healthy coping strategies—everything from taking a walk to practicing meditation. It’s also appropriate to seek professional help.

LEARN MORE: The Lisa Show

ADDRESSING RISE IN OUD RATES AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ADDRESSING RISE IN OUD RATES AMID COVID-19 PANDEMIC

In his recent article in Behavioral Healthcare Executive, “Stopping the ‘Other’ Surge: Addressing Rise in OUD Rates Amid Pandemic,” Dr. Anton C. Bizzell discusses how patients and their healthcare partners are finding ways to manage their chronic diseases during the pandemic. It is important to remember that addiction is one of these chronic diseases, and it can be managed, even into recovery.
People who use opioids at high doses may be more susceptible to COVID-19 and the illness may be more severe. “We must remain determined to confront the complications that the novel coronavirus has added to our opioid crisis, to provide hope and treatment to this highly vulnerable population,” Dr. Bizzell writes.
READ MORE: Behavioral Healthcare Executive

December 2020 BHARC Insights – “Policing: De-Escalating Mental Health Crisis” is Now Available Online

December 2020 BHARC Insights – “Policing: De-Escalating Mental Health Crisis” is Now Available Online

December 7, 2020 (Lanham, MD) – In recent months and years, national news and social media have documented multiple instances of police officers using excessive force or fatally injuring civilians, including individuals with mental health problems. Published by the Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC), this inaugural December 2020 Behavioral Health Spotlight offers insights and commentary to Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Programs.

CIT Programs teach police officers how to respond to a person experiencing mental health crisis and de-escalating the situation. It is designed to be a community-based partnership with law enforcement, mental health professionals, peer support specialists, mental health advocates, and positive community supports. “This article illustrates that CIT community partnerships can be a positive component of a response to mental health crises—ultimately saving lives and strengthening law enforcement relations within communities,” said Anton C. Bizzell, MD, BHARC advisor and CEO of The Bizzell Group (Bizzell). BHARC is funded by Bizzell.

The BHARC Behavioral Health Spotlight is a thought leadership series highlighting various behavioral health topics that impact communities across the United States and abroad. “Policing: De-escalating Mental Health Crises” was written by Mim Landry, a BHARC Advisory Council Substance Use and Mental Health Expert. The article describes the CIT goals and core elements and includes a review and commentary of recent literature as an evidenced-based framework in helping individuals who experience behavioral health crisis.

DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE HERE.

About BHARC

The Behavioral Health Advancement Resource Center (BHARC) is an authoritative source for behavioral health information, insights, technical assistance, training, and innovative tools. BHARC is a mechanism to share evidence-based behavioral health interventions and best practices. The BHARC Advisory Council consists of experts in substance use, mental health, clinical trials, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare standards and quality.

About The Bizzell Group

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm that specializes in program management, administrative support, communications and outreach, conference management and logistical support, health services and research, technical assistance, and training and development. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environmental, research, and information technology projects that advance national priorities. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with offices in Lanham, MD; Rockville, MD; Atlanta, GA and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with ongoing projects around the world. Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges: The Bizzell Group.