10 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com Issue 11.3 May/June 2022 Publisher CULLEN MURRAY-KEMP [email protected] Managing Editor THERESA STRATFORD Assistant Editor MOLLY SHERMAN Copy Editor BRIAN SHERMAN Art Director KIM HALL Webmaster GEORGE CONKLIN Internet GENE PHAN Sales Manager MANDY WILLIS [email protected] Writers Media Consultants ANDY BIMONTE [email protected] BRANDON CLARK [email protected] CRYSTAL WILSON-CHAMBERS [email protected] ERIC WILSON [email protected] Photographer JENN CADY [email protected] TO ADVERTISE IN HEALTHLINKS, PLEASE CALL 843-732-4110 Distribution Manager CAROL CASSIDY Administration & Bookkeeping GINGER SOTTILE Distribution U.S. Post Office, Harris Teeter, Publix, CVS, Food Lion, Medical Offices MEDICAL MARKETING GROUP HealthLinks Charleston reserves the right to refuse advertisements. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply the service or product is recommended or endorsed by HealthLinks Charleston. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from Medical Marketing Group, LLC. Medical Marketing Group 4 Carriage Lane, Suite 107, Charleston, S.C. 29407 843-732-4110 • [email protected] CHARLESTON In my last publisher’s note, I spoke pretty candidly about the challenges I was facing with mental health. I alluded to the circumstances – my father passing, buying this business, stress around sleep – that pushed me to ask my doctor about adding a prescription medication – SSRI – to my mental health “toolbox.” Two or so months later, I can say that I am happy that I decided to try the medication. Important side note: It takes five or so weeks for most SSRIs to take effect, so don’t worry, as I did, if you don’t feel any reprieve within the first few weeks. In taking the medicine, I was concerned about losing my edge and competitiveness with my business and various activities. The edges have been smoothed but not lost. I still passionately despise losing! With the help of meditation, exercise and a relatively healthy diet, I have found a rhythm in life that was previously absent. My perspective changed a bit, too. Previously I struggled with the “never satisfied” complex – my work – and really, myself, were never enough. My new focus is to offer myself a more gentle, self-appreciative approach. Smile and laugh more, with the clear understanding that not everything is dependent upon this one moment or decision. Another realization I’ve come to understand through the quietening of my anxiety storms is that I must slow down and truly engage with people. Because I was so wrapped up in my self-criticism, my anxiety didn’t allow me to pause, think and engage with life. I’ve found that sometimes I’m even more productive when I move slower and with more purpose. Ultimately, anxiety never gave me a choice. It’s a health challenge without bias. Without warning, it can bound any of us at any moment. We can only be disciplined in our efforts control it. We must equip ourselves with a “mental health toolbox” that allows us to keep moving forward. Fortunately, there are an ever-growing number of mental-health resources that surround us in this community. Be it mental, physical or emotional health, our hope is that HealthLinks can help connect our readers with the best-possible providers and health solutions for them. Cheers to good (mental) health, Cul len Murray Kemp Cullen Murray-Kemp PUBLISHER'S NOTE LAURA HAIGHT JILL HARPER CINDY LANDRUM STACY DOMINGO BRIAN SHERMAN HOLLY LAPRADE COLIN MCCANDLESS MOLLY SHERMAN ISABEL ALVAREZ ARATA HELEN MITTERNIGHT L.C. LEACH III CHRISTINE STEELE JANET PERRIGO KATHERINE WATERS BILL FARLEY DENISE K. JAMES Scan to discover our other HealthLinks platforms!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1