Manzar Naqvi’s Post

A recent article in The Lancet highlights the alarming prevalence of multimorbidity among individuals with severe mental illness, underscoring the need for comprehensive care. These are things we already knew but have now been tactfully validated by the good authors of this paper. But to me… here’s the crux: Prevention MUST start at home. 🏠 When children are well-connected with their families, they are less likely to fall into the traps of phone addiction, substance abuse, and youth crime. Some Key Takeaways from The Lancet Article🗝️ Prevalence of Multimorbidity: People with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder, face higher rates of both physical and psychiatric multimorbidity compared to those without severe mental illness. [Go figure!] Impact on Health Outcomes: The presence of multiple chronic conditions significantly worsens health outcomes for individuals with severe mental illness. Younger Populations at Higher Risk: Younger individuals with severe mental illness are at a higher risk of physical multimorbidity compared to older populations. Need for Comprehensive Care: Addressing both physical and psychiatric conditions is crucial for improving overall health outcomes in this population. Those of us here have been advocating for this all along: Prevention is what we need to focus our efforts and resources on. Because once these issues become as complicated as that… well… it’s a mess. Good luck fixing that. Prevention is key to addressing mental health issues, and parents, alongside educators, must be the linchpin in this effort. Strong family connections can make a world of difference. It cannot be about treating symptoms anymore; it’s about creating an environment where children feel understood, supported, and valued. Let’s work together to empower parents and educators to build these vital connections. Because when we invest in prevention, we invest in a healthier, brighter future for our children. #MentalHealth #Prevention #EmpathicParenting #FamilyConnections #ChildPsychiatry

🌍Honored to Serve First-Generation Patients🌍 As a first-generation (first-gen) psychiatrist, I have the unique honor of working with first-gen individuals from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Each story reflects the complexities of balancing life as an American while maintaining the culture of their family's homeland. 🧠 Understanding Mental Health and Cultural Stigma Growing up as the child of immigrants in the U.S. comes with unique challenges: 🌱 Navigating two worlds that sometimes clash 💭 Dealing with cultural stigmas around mental health 🧡 Giving grace to parents who were learning on the fly in a country with different customs 👥 Managing expectations while creating their own path For many, seeking mental health support—like therapy, medication management, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—can feel like breaking a taboo rooted in cultural shame or fear of judgment. My goal is to help my patients find peace in embracing these resources, understanding that caring for their mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness. 👨👩👧👦 Parenting the Next Generation First-gen parents raising second-gen kids face the challenge of blending cultural traditions with American lifestyles. It’s okay to seek guidance in navigating this journey. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where they can openly discuss these struggles and find therapeutic support. 💬 Finding Common Ground Despite our cultural differences, there’s a shared humanity in the first-gen experience. We all know the push and pull of expectations, the desire to honor our heritage, and the struggle to make sense of our dual identities. Understanding this is key to building connections and supporting each other. 🙏🏾 It’s an incredible privilege to be a mental health provider and confidante to these dynamic individuals. Together, we explore the benefits of therapy, medication management, and TMS—helping them thrive, break down barriers, and find peace. #FirstGen #MentalHealthMatters #CulturalCompetence #Psychiatry #ImmigrantFamilies #Therapy #TMS #MedicationManagement #BreakingBarriers #MentalHealthAwareness

Suicide Prevention: A Personal Commitment to Hope and Healing I thought I would share one of my favorite songs (Eminem Beautiful) as I reflect on what suicide prevention means to me. This past year has been one of the most challenging times of my life. I watched my 20-year relationship fall apart, missed crucial professional opportunities, and questioned nearly every decision I’ve ever made. To say I was struggling would be an understatement. What stung even more was the silence from people I thought were my friends—they never reached out, never asked how I was doing. It left me feeling hollow and alone. But instead of letting that break me, I took this as a chance to reflect on who my real friends are, and I focused on building myself—mind and body—stronger than ever. I refused to let this hardship define or defeat me. When patients tell me they’re at their breaking point, I understand that feeling. But I also know they’ve only tapped into a fraction of their strength. There’s so much more to give, more life to live. During dark times, it’s easy to feel unheard and invisible, but I promise you—I’m here, I’m listening, and we can get through anything. If you or someone you love is in a dark place, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and your story is far from over. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you’re not beautiful—because you are. #SuicidePreventionMonth #YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #ReachOut #psychiatry #psychiatrist #mentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate

🎗️ July 31 is National Day of Action on Overdose Prevention. Let's spread awareness of how drug-related deaths affect families and communities. Making harm reduction strategies a top priority and making sure people with substance use disorders can get help is very important. We can change things if we work together. Don't overdose. Stop the stigma. Help people get better. 💙 📞 (551) 306-4000 📧 info@portumbehavior.com 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gGnH2EPG #overdoseprevention #endstigma #supportrecovery #mentalhealth #health #wellness #addiction #awareness #healing #selfcare #anxiety #depression #love #selflove #sober #therapy #motivation #mentalillness #rehab #center #ptsd #addictionrecovery #trauma #hope #change #recovery #psychiatrist #newjersey #USA #portumbehavior

I don't mean to bombard my feed with 3 posts back-to-back, but this is an important thought. We have databases for medication side effects, both from clinical trials and after-market reports. Why do we not have a database for coming off of a medication? As a #patient and #advocate with Tardive Dyskinesea, I know firsthand the harm meds can cause when tapered too quickly or stopped cold-turkey. In the #TD community, there is a huge distrust in big pharma. Doctors downplay the risk or are just plain ignorant. As someone with multiple disabilities, I can't go the #ayurvedic route. I can't treat myself with #supplements and go #natural. I know pharmaceuticals have a place in my treatment, but with so many meds it is hard to tell what is causing what side effect. That is why a tool to educate patients and providers on what detox looks like could be so beneficial! As I currently taper off of buspirone, a process that will take about a year with the plan my provider and I have established, I have to wonder what is to come with each step down. #TardiveDyskinesea #Psychiatry #MentalHealth #Anxiety #Depression *Photo created with Hotpot.ai

The state of mental and behavioral health in the U.S. has reached a critical juncture, with needs far outstripping available resources. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, 1 in 5 Americans grappled with mental illness. Sadly, depression rates hit record highs in 2023, while suicides soared in 2022, and child mental health emergencies surged. Adding to the challenge, nearly half of the U.S. population resides in areas facing a severe shortage of mental health professionals. But amid these daunting statistics, Eternity Healthcare offers a beacon of hope. Our team is dedicated to bridging the gap between demand and supply through innovative solutions. With our robust revenue cycle management (RCM) services, we ensure mental health providers receive prompt and accurate reimbursement, enabling them to focus on delivering vital care. Through telepsychiatry services, virtual therapy sessions, and tailored mental health programs, we're breaking down barriers to access. Regardless of location or resource constraints, individuals can receive the care they deserve. Let's join forces to create a future where quality mental healthcare is accessible to all. Contact Eternity Healthcare today to explore how we can support your mental health initiatives and contribute to a healthier society. 🧠💙 #MentalHealthAwareness #BehavioralHealth #Telepsychiatry #EternityHealthcare #Medicalbilling #Revenuecyclemanagment

The recent findings from The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on Youth Mental Health have forced me to do some serious soul-searching. These insights are not just statistics; they are a wake-up call for all of us. It's time to stop complaining about the broken mental health system and start taking action where it matters most—at home. Key insights for us parents: 1.The commission emphasises the importance of early intervention in preventing mental health issues. This means being vigilant and proactive if we notice signs of mental distress in our children. Early support can make a significant difference in their long-term well-being. 2. Creating a stable, loving home environment is crucial. The commission highlights that children who grow up in supportive settings are less likely to develop mental health issues. This underscores the importance of nurturing relationships and emotional security. 3. Active parental involvement is essential. Studies show that children with engaged parents tend to have better mental health outcomes. Simple actions like spending quality time together and being present in your child's life can have a lasting positive impact. 4. Educating ourselves about mental health and reducing stigma is vital. The commission calls for increased awareness and education to help parents understand and address mental health issues effectively. Knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions and seek appropriate support. 5. Community resources and support systems can significantly benefit both parents and children. The commission advocates for better access to mental health services and community support. Don't hesitate to reach out to local resources for assistance and guidance. On a personal note, I've faced the sleepless nights and constant worry. But I've also seen the incredible resilience and joy that children bring into our lives. knowing that we have the power to shape our children's futures through love, support, and education is incredibly empowering. These findings stir us to action. We can fix this, and it starts at home. I believe we can help foster a generation of resilient, well-adjusted children. Do you? #Parenting #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #EarlyIntervention #SupportiveEnvironment #ParentalInvolvement #Education #CommunitySupport

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, we’re revisiting one of our most important blog posts: "From Despair to Hope: Recognizing and Responding to Suicidal Thoughts". In this article, we discuss how to recognize warning signs and offer support to those who may be struggling. It’s crucial that we continue to educate ourselves and others, staying prepared to help guide someone from despair to hope. We invite you to read or revisit this post and help spread awareness this month and beyond. 💚 👉 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gbhbYrS7 #SuicidePreventionMonth #MentalHealthMatters #DesertCloverPsychiatry #FromDespairToHope

Complete wellness is unattainable without prioritizing mental health. At Athra Systems, we are your “easy button” for behavioral health solutions, addressing the most acute cases that others overlook or avoid. What behavioral health challenges can Athra Systems solve for you? #MentalHealthMonth #AthraSystems #BehavioralHealthSolutions #EasyButton

Someone asked in one of the comments how we should improve the delivery of mental healthcare to our most vulnerable populations. Here are my thoughts. 1. Make the delivery of healthcare responsive to the community factors such as homelessness and poverty. 2. Focus on integration and not isolation. We want our patients to feel connected with the community. Too much emphasis has been placed on stabilization and then isolation of these individuals. Patients and staff will feel less burnt out this way and the world might just be a better place. 3. Focus on using medication to improve people’s lives, and not medication as the answer to every problem. Focus on helping people find meaning and purpose through roles and responsibility. Who knows maybe get off medication completely for some individuals. 4. Make the services consistent and ubiquitous, patients should have services available when they are needed without excessive red tape and long waits. 5. My favorite, focus on helping people get a life by building effective relationships, gaining employment, and establishing permanent housing. Best thing anyone can do for their mental health is get a life. #psychiatry #psychiatrist #doctor #mentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthprofessionals #mentalhealthtips #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealtheducation #mentalhealthmatters #community #communityhealth #communityengagement