Suicide Prevention- Pay Attention to The Signs

Posted on July 21, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Many individuals who died by suicide had mental health disorders that were treatable but went unnoticed..

Suicide may be prevented if the signs of mental health disorders are recognized and addressed immediately.

Here are a few warning signs of suicide we should not ignore:

Feelings of hopelessness
Self-loathing
Changes in sleep patterns, which can either be excessive sleep or a deprivation of sleep
Irritability or anger
Talking about harming themselves
Loss of interest in daily activities or things they were once passionate about
Reckless behavior
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
A preoccupation with death
Getting their affairs in order in preparation for death
Verbalizing thoughts such as “ Everyone will be better without me” or “I have nothing to live for.”
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

If someone you know exhibits the following behaviors, do not dismiss them as a passing phase. These actions are a cry for help.

It is essential to let your loved one know that you have noticed changes in their behavior, they are not alone, and you are there to support them through this challenging time. Speak openly about what they are feeling and reassure them that they will not be judged because they feel suicidal. Seek the help of a mental health professional immediately. Insist on accompanying this person to their consultation or treatment. Continue to demonstrate your support during treatment by reminding them to take their prescribed medications, attending physician appointments, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or demonstrating suicidal behaviors, get help immediately. Call 911, or 988.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Crisis Fatigue

Posted on July 15, 2025 by Flushing Hospital

Crisis fatigue is not a formal diagnosis; it is a term used to describe your body’s emotional and physical response to stress caused by prolonged exposure to traumatic events or crises. These events can include natural disasters, wars, pandemics, political instability, economic depressions, or other challenging circumstances.

Chronic stress triggered in response to crisis events can have a significant impact on the body. The body’s response to stressful circumstances is to produce the hormones cortisol and adrenaline. When stressful circumstances persist for long periods, higher levels of these hormones can lead to depression, anxiety, weight gain, bone loss, or high blood pressure. In some cases, crisis fatigue can lead to substance abuse, alcoholism, and suicidal thoughts.

Other signs and symptoms of crisis fatigue include:

Increased irritability
Excessive emotional responses
Lack of sleep
Changes in normal routines
Changes in appetite
Mental detachment
Lack of motivation

Some of the ways a person can cope during uncertain times are to learn how to reduce the level of stress in their life by:

Reducing the amount of time spent on social media
Limiting exposure to news reports
Spending more time with family and friends
Practicing meditation, yoga, or other mindfulness practices
Finding activities that are calming, like reading, listening to music, and doing crafts

It isn’t always easy to cope with stressful situations without professional help. If you are experiencing any long-term effects, consulting a mental health professional may be beneficial.

You can schedule an appointment with a trained professional at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling (718) 670-5562.

National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), headache disorders are some of the most common disorders of the nervous system. The WHO also states that 1 in 7 adults worldwide has migraine and that it can be three times more common in women than men.

A headache is a general term that describes scalp, head, and neck pain. There are many different types of headaches. They may be primary conditions, such as tension headaches, migraine, and cluster headaches, or they may occur due to underlying health conditions.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are more common in women. Causes of Tension Headaches:

Stress

Anxiety

Depression

Alcohol

Caffeine or caffeine withdrawal

Dental problems, such as frequently grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

Eyestrain

Keeping your head in one position for a long time.

Not getting enough sleep.

Symptoms of tension headaches typically include dull pressure around the head. You may also feel muscle tightness in your head or neck. The pain is usually mild to moderate and is not accompanied by other symptoms. Tension headaches can last from half an hour to a week.

Ways to treat and prevent tension headaches:

Exercising regularly

Getting enough sleep

Maintaining good posture while seated and taking breaks from sitting.

Managing daily stress

People often experience occasional tension headaches and don’t seek medical attention. If you are experiencing tension headaches for 15 days or more a month, consult your primary care provider.

Migraine is a severe, recurring type of headache that is often debilitating. There are four phases of a migraine attack: prodrome, aura, migraine headache, and post-drome.

Although the exact cause of migraine attacks is unknown, researchers believe genetics is a factor.

There are a few conditions and lifestyle factors that can trigger a migraine attack:

Anxiety

Bipolar disorder

Depression

Epilepsy

Sleep disorders

Caffeine or withdrawal from caffeine

Certain medications or taking medications too often

Migraine attacks are more likely to occur in the morning, making it common to wake up with symptoms. Some people have a predictable pattern of symptoms, such as just before a menstrual period. Other people may have trouble recognizing what triggers their migraines.

There is no cure for migraine, but it can be managed and prevented with over-the-counter triptans and pain relievers.

Cluster headaches are sudden, severe headaches on one side of the head that peak within the first 10 minutes. You may also have a stuffy nose, drooping eyelids, a watery eye, and swelling or redness on the same side as the pain.

The cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but they often run in families and affect more men than women.

Here are some triggers of cluster headaches:

Alcohol

Being exposed to heat

Bright lights

Overexertion

Processed foods

Smoking

Cluster headaches, especially acute ones, are often treated with anti-inflammatories, triptan medications, and DHE injections.

If you commonly experience migraines or headaches, you can visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Spinal Meningitis

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Spinal meningitis, or meningitis, is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The meninges protect the brain and spinal cord from injury and provide support and structure. They contain nerves, blood vessels, and cerebrospinal fluid.

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis in the United States. Bacteria, parasites, fungi, and non-infectious conditions, such as cancer or head injuries, can also cause meningitis.

The types of meningitis are typically named for the cause of inflammation or how long you’ve had symptoms. They include:

Bacterial meningitis
Viral meningitis
Fungal meningitis
Parasitic meningitis
Primary amebic meningitis (PAM)
Drug-induced aseptic meningitis (DIAM)
Chronic meningitis
Acute meningitis

Certain health conditions can increase your risk of meningitis, including:

Age- Viral meningitis most often happens in children younger than five years old
Not getting vaccinations
Living in a group setting, such as a college dorm
Pregnancy
A weakened immune system
Not having a spleen

The symptoms of meningitis can be different in babies than in children and adults.

Symptoms of meningitis in children and adults include:

Neck stiffness
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light
Confusion or an altered mental state
Lack of energy, extreme sleepiness, or trouble waking up
Lack of appetite
Small round spots that look like a rash

You might experience additional symptoms of amebic meningitis a few days after your initial symptoms, including:

Hallucinations
Loss of balance
Lack of attention or focus

A baby might not experience the same meningitis symptoms as adults, such as headache, neck stiffness, and nausea. Some signs of meningitis you can look for in babies include:

Bulging “soft spot” on the baby’s head
Poor eating
Sleepiness or trouble waking up from sleep
Low energy or slower responses

A healthcare provider will diagnose meningitis by performing a physical exam, asking about your symptoms, and testing your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They may also ask if you’ve been around anyone with certain illnesses or traveled recently, get a blood or poop sample, swab your nose or throat, or order brain imaging.

The treatment for meningitis depends on the cause. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, and antifungals are used to treat fungal meningitis. Antivirals can be used to treat some viral causes of meningitis. Non-infectious causes of meningitis are treated by addressing the underlying illness or injury.

There are no specific treatments for other infectious causes of meningitis. Medications might be used to reduce inflammation or relieve symptoms.

Meningitis is highly contagious. If you think you have meningitis, visit Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment to see if you have meningitis, please call (718) 670-5486.

Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. It is important to understand what Alzheimer’s is and what steps you can take to care for your brain.

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. It causes a slow decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease, followed by sex and family history.

Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term that describes a group of symptoms like memory loss and the loss of other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life, caused by physical changes in the brain.

There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Ten early signs and symptoms include:

Memory loss that disrupts daily life
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time and place
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Decreased or poor judgment
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Even though there isn’t a cure for Alzheimer’s and many other types of dementia, there are many preventative measures you can take to care for your brain.

Here are five ways to care for your brain:

Regular cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body. Several studies have found an association between physical activity and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet lower in fat and higher in vegetables and fruit helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Although research on diet and cognitive decline is limited, certain diets, such as Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may help reduce the risk.
It is Important to get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep due to conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea may result in problems with memory and thinking.
It is important to take care of your mental health. Some studies have linked a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Seek medical treatment if you have experienced symptoms of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health concerns. Also, try to manage stress.
It is important to challenge and activate your mind. Try building furniture, completing a jigsaw puzzle, doing something artistic, or playing a strategy game. Challenging your mind may have short and long-term benefits for your brain.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s, you can receive treatment from a neurologist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718)-670-5486.

Health Benefits of Walking

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Several types of exercise, such as swimming, weightlifting, and running, offer many health benefits. Walking also provides numerous benefits to our health, including:

Helps you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat
Helps prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes
Helps improve cardiovascular fitness
Helps strengthen bones and muscles
Helps improve muscle endurance
Helps increase energy levels
Helps improve mood, cognition, memory, and sleep
Helps improve balance and coordination
Helps strengthen the immune system
Helps reduce stress and tension
Helps extend a person’s lifespan
Helps inspire creative thinking

Walking is a versatile exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it is advised that you gradually work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time. It can improve your heart health and increase your endurance while burning more calories.

Be sure to warm up and cool down before walking to avoid injury.

It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting or adding new exercises to your routine. You can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services Chemical Dependence Unit Offers Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Opioid overdose deaths are a major public health problem in America. More than 107,000 people lost their lives to a drug overdose in 2023, with 70% of those deaths attributed to opioids such as fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more deadly than heroin. One gram of fentanyl, which is equivalent to the size of a sugar packet, has the potential to kill up to five hundred people.

There was a 14.5% decrease in opioid overdose deaths in 2024 due to public health measures.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Services provides care and support to help people recover from opioid addiction. The department has the only medically managed detoxification unit in Queens County.

The unit, called the Chemical Dependence Unit, is a 30-bed medically managed detoxification unit that helps people safely withdraw from opioids, alcohol, and benzodiazepines. Under the direction of the Medical Director for Addiction Services and Unit Chief, staff includes physicians board-certified in addiction medicine, physician assistants, nurses, addiction counselors, psychotherapists, and creative arts therapists.

In addition to medical treatment such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, the unit provides nursing care, individual and group counseling, creative arts therapy, self-help groups, and, very importantly, discharge and aftercare planning to help people continue their Recovery Journey, with follow-up calls after discharge.

For additional admission information, please call the Addiction Treatment Unit at 718-670-4524.

Mental Health Awareness Month-10 Common Signs of Mental Health Issues

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a month observed to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness.

The signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances, and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect a person’s emotions, thoughts, and behavior.

10 common signs of mental health issues include:

Feeling very sad, withdrawn, or unmotivated for more than two weeks
Out-of-control, risk-taking behaviors
Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to lose weight; significant weight loss or weight gain
Making plans or trying to harm or kill oneself
Sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
Severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
Excess use of drugs or alcohol
Drastic changes in behavior, personality, or sleeping habits
Intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
Extreme difficulty in concentrating or staying still

Founded by Mental Health America in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, educating the public, reducing the stigma, and promoting support for those affected by mental health conditions.

You can help do your part by helping raise awareness and advocating for better mental health care and resources.

Outdoor Exercise Tips

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

The weather is warming up, and we can spend more time outdoors at the park or dining at a restaurant.

Many people exercise outdoors rather than at the gym or in their homes. Outdoor exercise is a great way to work out. It offers many benefits to our physical and mental health, such as:

Reducing stress and anxiety
Improving sleep
Boosting vitamin D levels
Boosting self-esteem
Improving memory
Lowering chronic disease risk

Here are tips that can keep you safe when exercising outdoors:

Drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Wear clothes that let the air circulate and moisture evaporate
Stay sun safe by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses
Wear proper footwear for the activity you are engaging in

If you experience medical problems while exercising, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.

Shin Splints

Posted on April 23, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Shin splints are a common overuse injury that occurs when the muscles and bones in your lower leg become strained and irritated. Athletes (especially runners), dancers, members of the military, and individuals with osteoporosis, flat feet, and high or very rigid arches are at a higher risk of developing shin splints.

If you have shin splints, you may notice tenderness, soreness, or pain along the inner side of your shinbone and mild swelling in your lower leg. Initially, the pain may subside when you stop exercising. However, the pain can be continuous and might progress to a stress reaction or stress fracture, so it is best to take it easy while they heal.

Shin splints are caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the connective tissue that attaches the muscles to the bone.

Healthcare providers diagnose shin splints based on your medical history and by performing a physical exam. They will observe how you walk and examine your lower leg, ankle, and foot.

In some cases, they may also perform an X-ray or other imaging tests that can help identify other possible causes for your pain, such as a stress fracture.

Shin splints can be treated with simple self-care steps that include:

Rest
Ice
Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
Supplements
Shin splint stretches
Slow increases in activity levels
Wearing supportive shoes and shoe inserts
Resting in between activities to allow your bones and muscles time to heal
Physical therapy

There are several ways to help avoid shin splints, including:

Analyzing your movement
Avoiding overdoing high-impact activities
Choosing the right shoes
Considering arch support
Considering shock-absorbing insoles
Lessening the impact on your shins
Adding strength training to your workout

If you experience shin splints often, you can schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 670-5486.