Happy August from Inspire Behavioral Health! We offer high quality and compassionate care to people living in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia both virtually and in-person with offices in Vienna, Fairfax, Sterling, Bethesda and Washington, DC. Experienced and dedicated psychiatrists and psychotherapists at Inspire strongly believe that we all have solutions within us and that it is a matter of learning how to tap into these solutions so that we can enhance the lives we live. Providers at Inspire Behavioral Health help people heal by allowing them to focus on their strengths and harness their available resources while treating symptoms and encouraging more effective techniques for coping with life’s struggles and building resilience to help maintain mental health. Call us for more information and to schedule an appointment with one of our providers at 703-592-4600. Please visit our website: www.InspireBehavioralHealth.com.
Please consider celebrating this special month by investing in your mental health today and calling us to schedule an appointment. Happy August! Here are some notable days in August you may want to take note of and celebrate.
2 National Friendship Day
4 National Night Out Day
7 Purple Heart Day
8 International Cat Day
26 National Dog Day
30 National Grief Awareness Day
August is Write a Will Month
Mental Health
It is important to remember that anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Remember your insurance covers mental health and Medicare covers many mental health services to support you.
A primary care provider is a good place to start if you’re looking for help. Your doctor can refer you to a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist, who can help you figure out next steps.
How to Find a Counselor
Once you decide to get professional health for a personal struggle, whether it is anxiety, depression, grief, a mood disorder, an addiction, sexual or relationship issue, finding the right type of provider and service can be daunting. We can help because Inspire Behavioral Health is home to many caring professionals, and we are confident you will find the provider who specializes in addressing your particular issues. Please visit our website to read about our providers and their expertise. If you are in a rural area, you may have difficulty finding a mental health professional nearby, so remember that all of our clinicians are available to you virtually.
Substance Use and Addiction
Research suggests that men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs, and illicit drug use is more likely to result in emergency department visits or overdose deaths for men than for women. “Illicit” refers to use of illegal drugs, including marijuana (according to federal law) and misuse of prescription drugs. For most age groups, men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than do women. However, women do struggle with this issue.
Inspire Behavioral Health offers a full range of services for people struggling with substance use and process addictions with medication-assisted therapy such as Suboxone as well as Naltrexone and other anti-craving drugs, along with individual, couple, family and group therapy. Nearly eight million adults in the United States experience co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In fact, of adults with a mental health diagnosis nearly twenty percent also have a substance issue and of adults diagnosed with a substance use disorder, nearly forty percent also have a mental health issue. Many of our providers offer treatment for both issues concurrently.
Patterns of substance use among MSM (men who have sex with men) vary depending on demographic factors, substance type, and MSM subgroup. Bisexual men have higher rates of substance use than other subgroups of MSM. Substance use in general, and methamphetamine use in particular, is associated with high-risk sexual behaviors and HIV and other STI transmission. Please call us to talk about making healthy choices and getting treatment.
Spravato-assisted Psychotherapy Services
Psychotherapist, Sarah VanThompson, LCSW, is offering intention-setting sessions prior to or at the early phases of Spravato treatment along with weekly/biweekly integration sessions as a means to optimize your response to Esketamine. Please call Sarah at Inspire for more information. 703.592.4600.
August is “Write a Will” Month
Did you know that August has been designated as “Write a Will” Month? Have you done this or are you considering writing your will? It is never too soon to take care of this important responsibility, no matter your age or how healthy you are. Remember, you can always change or amend your will, but the peace of mind it can bring for you and your loved ones cannot be underestimated. Have you thought about what are often called your “Final Wishes?” Have you considered who you want to receive your monetary possessions as well as your sentimental valuables? Did you know that without a will there is no guarantee your wishes will be honored after your death? And, did you realize that, contrary to popular belief, sometimes death and grief do not bring out the best in people but, in fact, the worst and most selfish and angry aspects of a person? Have you thought about how you want to be cared for in your final months; at home or in an assisted living center, whether you want aggressive care to keep you alive at any cost, or prefer to have hospice and palliative care to allow your human processes to painlessly wind-down? Have you composed and signed a Living Will and designated someone you trust to make decisions about the end of your life in the event that you cannot make those decisions yourself? You may need to consult with a lawyer to do these things but you would also likely benefit from talking about these existential issues with a psychotherapist, especially one trained in death studies and counseling. These providers are available to you at Inspire Behavioral Health and are ready to begin the conversation with you when you are ready. We will all die someday; some of us will struggle with a serious illness, some with aging, and others will die suddenly, at any age and without any warning that death was imminent. Maybe August 2026 is the right time to think about and talk about these issues with a professional so that you can be prepared and protect your assets as well as help your loved ones to grieve over you when you are gone but not wonder what your wishes were and if they guessed your wishes correctly. Talking about how you would like the end to be and what you would like to happen after you are gone, may not be as sad an experience as we think. It may, in fact, be an empowering and even inspiring action we can take so that we can begin living the life we have with peace of mind, and with more intention and purpose.
CYCLOSPORA
Two people have died in the cyclospora outbreak in Michigan, state health officials announced Monday, August 3, 2026, the first deaths confirmed in the U.S. related to the microscopic parasite.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration. The department said it would not provide additional information about the deaths.
If you have any concerns about cyclospora, please see your doctor or go to the nearest Urgent Care Center or the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
It is Summer! Take care of yourself!
It is Summer! Take care of yourself! Summer makes it easy to swap screen time for sunshine with activities like going to the beach, staying out in the sun, biking, ball games or exploring a trail. Keep expectations low and enjoyment high so kids stay excited to move. Consistent, fun moments add up to a healthier, happier family, but be careful! |
Are You Hydrated? Summer heat puts extra stress on your body, making proper hydration essential for energy and temperature control. Remember to sip often and stay safe on hot days.
Protect Your Skin: Sunny days are meant to be enjoyed — but your skin needs protection to stay healthy. Before heading outdoors, give your skin the armor it needs.
First Aid: Tips and Tricks: Everyday injuries happen fast — from bug bites to bumps and burns. Learn simple home care tips and know when it’s time to get help.
According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but early detection is key to successful treatment.
The Five Types of Skin Cancer
- Basal and squamous cell skin cancer.
- Melanoma skin cancer.
- Merkel cell skin cancer.
- Lymphoma of the skin.
- Kaposi sarcoma.
Warning Signs
The most important warning sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that changes in size, shape or color. Remember the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: one half of the mole or birthmark does not match the other.
- Border: edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
- Color: color is not the same all over; may include different shades of brown or black sometimes with patches of pink, red, white or blue.
- Diameter: spot larger than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch).
- Evolving: mole changes in size, shape or color.
If you notice any of the above warning signs, consider talking to a skin cancer specialist. Also look for:
- A sore that doesn’t heal.
- Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin.
- Redness or new swelling beyond the border of the mole.
- Itchiness, tenderness or pain.
- Scaliness, oozing, bleeding or the appearance of a lump or bump.
- Any kind of mole that you are unsure of or causes you to worry.
Concerned About a Spot?
Early detection is crucial for successful skin cancer treatment. If you notice a new or changing mole, freckle, or unusual growth on your skin, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Did you know there are doctors you can see at Inspire Behavioral Health?
So, enjoy beautiful beaches and that almost endless sunshine, but enjoy them safely. The following are some tips on how to do just that:
- Protect yourself from ultraviolet rays from the sun and avoid tanning beds.
- Use water-resistant sunscreen (and reapply often!); wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing.
- Check your skin for new growths, changes in a mole or a sore that won’t heal.
- Check your own skin regularly — know what is normal for you — and talk with your doctor about whether you need a skin exam as part of your routine health checkup, especially if you are at higher risk of melanoma skin cancer.
August 2 is National Friendship Day
When we think about improving our lives, we often focus on things like career success, financial goals, or personal health, but strengthening your friendships is a real way to improve the quality of your own life and other’s lives.
But being a good friend does not always come naturally, especially in a world that keeps us busy, distracted, and often spread way too thin, but being a good friend is a skill you can work on and improve, like so many other things.
Here are some suggestions on friendship, ways to be a better friend, and how you can deepen the friendships that you already have.
What Makes a Good Friend?
Being a good friend is not about always knowing the perfect thing to say or hosting amazing birthday parties. It’s about presence, curiosity, and consistency.
“Being a friend is about being present, aware, and accepting,” says Dr. Andrew Kahn, a psychologist and associate director of behavior change and expertise at Understood.org. “Nothing feels better than being able to be ‘your whole self’ in front of another person.”
Good friends listen without judgment, celebrate your wins, stand by you during tough times, and create a safe space where you don’t have to perform or pretend.
Founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist, agrees. “A good friend is someone who shows up, listens well, shares in your joys, and supports you through challenges without judgment,” he says.
In short, you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be willing to show up with empathy and curiosity.
The Benefits of Being a Good Friend
We often talk about the benefits of having good friends, but being a good friend can also enhance your mental health.
When you show up for others, it strengthens your sense of purpose and connection, which are key contributors to well-being. Strong friendships are linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved self-esteem, and even longer life expectancy.
Some studies suggest that a strong sense of community is connected to reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress.
A 2022 study focusing on adolescent friendships found that friendships can be a “potent buffer” against stress from childhood trauma. Strong friendships are linked to positive mental well-being, even for those who faced early adversities.
Conversely, social isolation negatively affects health. A review of studies involving over 1.3 million people found that social isolation is tied to a higher risk of mortality.
The U.S. Surgeon General published an advisory on the Loneliness Epidemic in 2023, reporting that being socially disconnected has a mortality impact similar to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is also linked to poor mental health, as well as cardiovascular disease, dementia, and stroke.
Quality connections, not just being around others, are key to combating loneliness. This involves being a good friend and having good friends.
These findings point to the fact that humans need friendships to thrive, both mentally and physically.
5 Practical Tips to Be a Better Friend
Being a better friend isn’t about grand gestures; it is about small, meaningful actions that build trust and connection over time.
Here are some suggestions.
- Listen More Than You Talk
It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for your turn to speak. But true listening means being present—not planning your next comment while your friend is still talking.
As Dr. Kahn points out, sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is simply “listen, validate what your friend is feeling, and help them feel safe sharing.”
- Validate Their Experiences
You don’t need to fix your friend’s problems. Often, the best gift you can offer is validation, the simple but powerful act of acknowledging their feelings without minimizing, judging or offering unsolicited advice.
- Check in Regularly
You do not need an hour-long conversation to show you care. A quick “Thinking of you and how are you doing?” text can mean the world to someone.
- Celebrate Their Wins (Even the Small Ones)
Sometimes it is easier to support a friend through a hard time than it is to show up enthusiastically for their successes. But celebrating your friends’ achievements, no matter how big or small, is an important part of being a good friend.
- Respect Their Boundaries
Good friendships are built on trust, and respecting boundaries is a major part of that. Whether your friend needs space, is not ready to talk, or needs you to listen instead of giving advice, respecting their needs shows that you genuinely care.
August 30 is National Grief Awareness Day
August 30 is marked as National Grief Awareness Day. We all grieve our losses and sometimes special days or just about any day can be especially hard if you are grieving, struggling or missing someone. Many of us are seeking deeper connections these days and those connections can come with the intention of being kinder and more compassionate to ourselves and others. It can also encourage us to explore a deeper spiritual connection that may offer us support when feeling isolated, afraid, and alone. Connection can be a breath of hope. Disconnection can be a sigh and cry of pain and struggle. We’re all struggling in our own unique way. Perhaps that is our universal connection.
In moments of feeling disconnected, it’s important to know ways to self-regulate when feeling anxious, hurt or lonely. It’s also important to connect to tools that can invigorate and boost energy when we’re feeling tired and depressed.
Connection to those mind and body tools for support are important. We urge you to consider calling us for grief and bereavement counseling. You will find at Inspire Behavioral Health a supportive program where you can learn techniques to help you cope with the pain of loss, trauma, and change to find new and empowering ways to open your heart and move toward more love, connection, and purpose. Please call us to schedule an appointment to open the door to hope and healing that can help you to mend a breaking heart. Please let us walk the journey with you.
Men’s Education and Therapy Group
Men in this group offered at Inspire Behavioral Health and led by Psychotherapist, Ed Andrews, are taught the basic skills necessary to help manage life’s stressors and manage your physical health. This is done in a framework that helps men understand that we are doing the best we can while recognizing that there are new strategies we can learn that will be more effective than what we are doing now.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a compassionate type of behavioral therapy that is intended to help people move toward a more mindful, aware and purposeful life. Learn the four pillars of DBT which are Core Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation and Distress Tolerance. When you learn these four pillars and their accompanying skills and you will have to tools you need to build a “life worth living.”
This group is a safe, confidential place for men who are sustaining their recovery from substance (alcohol or drugs) and/or process (pornography, internet or gambling) addictions, or coping with chronic illness such as Prostate or other cancers. aging, managing stress, anxiety and/or depression, accommodating change in their lives, coping with loss and transition, dealing with sexual issues including identity and ED, and who are seeking support and growth. This is a place where men can explore their grief, sustain their recovery, talk about their role as a dad or new dad, and about how change, aging and growth can mix.
Please contact us for more information about this important group. Call Ed Andrews for more information about this program.
Thank you for being part of Inspire Behavioral Health. We appreciate you and wish you a happy August!
Office Location:
Vienna: 2110 Gallows Road Suite D, Vienna, VA 22182
Fairfax: 11211 Waples Mill Road Suite 150, Fairfax, VA 22030
Washington, DC: 3000 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 137, Washington, DC 20008
Sterling: 46090 Lake Center Plaza, Suite 103-104, Sterling, VA 20165
Bethesda: 6203 Executive Boulevard, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Ed Andrews, LPC, LMFT, Newsletter Editor
703-592-4600
info@inspirebehavioralhealth.com