18 minute read
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Written by: Phil Jones | Photography by: Brandon Pham
According to The Free Dictionary, the phrase "to walk a mile in my shoes" is “to consider or understand another person’s perspectives, experiences, or motivations before making a judgment about them.” As a drug and alcohol counselor, Travis Hall can certainly put his patients at ease as he explains that he has indeed been where they’ve been. Hall works as a drug and alcohol counselor in Tifton, Georgia, helping those who are suffering from alcohol and drug dependency. He is approaching the 20-year mark in this field and finds his work both enjoyable and rewarding. While Hall mentors those suffering from various afflictions, it wasn’t that long ago that Hall himself was facing some of these same demons.
Hall was born and raised in Metter, Georgia, and graduated from Metter High School in 1989. It was during his high school days that Hall said his problems began.
“I started using alcohol only during high school,” Hall said.
In fact, Hall said that he was not only simply using alcohol during that time, but he was far beyond that point.
“I was most likely a full-blown alcoholic in high school,” he said.
One month after he graduated from high school in 1989, his problems with alcohol nearly cost him his life. He and two of his friends were enjoying a night on the town in Statesboro.
“We were at an establishment drinking and eating," he said.
As it turned out, there was much more drinking going on than eating. The group decided to head over to a friend's party, where the drinking continued. When the group left hours later, they headed back to Metter.
On the way to take the friends home, with Hall driving, they encountered a sharp curve at a high rate of speed. Unable to properly negotiate the curve, the car flipped and then rolled six times. Hall and one of the occupants were thrown from the vehicle, while the passenger in the backseat remained buckled in with his seatbelt.
Thankfully, the two friends sustained only minor injuries, while Hall sustained a broken femur in his left leg, along with a closed head injury. He was taken to Savannah Memorial Hospital, where he was hospitalized. In addition to the leg injury, Hall remained in a coma for three days. He eventually emerged from the coma with all of his faculties intact. He underwent surgery to repair the broken leg. His hospital stay lasted 31 days, and upon his release, authorities charged Hall with a DUI.
Hall and his friends were fortunate to not only survive that horrific crash, but to be able to return to their normal lives. For Hall, that meant enrolling at Young Harris College and taking advantage of all that comes with the leisure part of college life outside of the classroom. It meant returning to the same bad habits that had begun in high school... and then some.
“I joined a fraternity and, of course, drank a lot,” he said. “I also started using drugs once I got to Young Harris, something I had not done previously.”
That’s also when the fun ran out.
“The drugs and alcohol began to have a negative effect on me, and they started taking their toll on my mental state,” Hall said. “I really reached the end of my rope, so to speak.”
On Feb. 15, 1999, in the full throes of heavy drug and alcohol use and dependency, Hall drove to his parents' home in Metter, knowing his father kept a .38 special handgun in the home.
“I was so depressed from the drugs and alcohol that I was going to end it all right there,” Hall said.
Fortunately, he had what he calls a moment of clarity. He put the gun back in the case, locked it up, and began to break down, realizing how close he had come to ending it all. Less than a week later, he entered a treatment facility where he began to receive the help he so desperately needed. He stayed in intensive treatment for drug and alcohol dependency for a total of 13 months. That included a first month of intensive treatment, meaning a daily regimen totally devoted to group meetings and therapy. Hall transitioned to a halfway house where he lived and continued to focus on his recovery.
After 13 months, he was clean and sober, ready to get back to living. Of course, that also meant being around people and places that would always remind him of his past.
“Everywhere I went, there were reminders of places I used to go and things I used to do, but I stayed focused on what I knew I had to do,” he said.
He enrolled at Georgia Southern University, where he met his future wife, Melanie, in a psychology class after over two years of sobriety. They were married in May of 1999 and today have two children: Clark, 17 and a senior at Tift County High School, and Kenna, 13 and in the eighth grade.
Hall became a drug and alcohol counselor in 2001.
“The thing I enjoy the most about my job is helping other people realize that their lives are going to be so much better once they’re able to move away from the drug and alcohol abuse,” he said.
He should know. After all, he’s walked a mile in their shoes.
— Travis Hall
Meet Dr. Brown
Infectious Disease
Timing couldn’t have been better for Dr. Matthew Brown to hit the halls of South Georgia Medical Center. Dr. Brown specializes in infectious disease and never imagined he’d play such a critical role for hospitalized patients in the midst of a pandemic so early in his career.
According to Dr. Brown the road to becoming a doctor wasn’t a direct path. Coming from a medical family, he wanted to explore dierent avenues and went to school for mathematics and received his MBA in Marketing. But it was his time as a pharmaceutical rep that he realized his passion was medicine.
When asked what attracted him to his specialty he said, “Infectious disease is a remarkable specialty and one of the only fields where you can actually cure the disease.”
The field is very broad and encompasses all ages, race, and gender. He says it’s constantly evolving and a very exciting specialty to be in, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Brown says he’s thrilled to be a part of the treatment team and looks forward to developing the infectious disease program at SGMC.
As to what makes Dr. Brown unique, prior to his medical career you could find him playing in many bands. Dr. Brown is heavily involved in music and enjoys staying active and exploring new foods.
Dr. Brown will treat patients hospitalized at SGMC, as well as provide any necessary follow-up care. Future goals are to open an outpatient clinic to meet the growing demand for this specialized care in the region.
For more information visit sgmc.org.
QUICK FACTS
» Board Certified: Internal Medicine » Fellowship-Trained: Infectious Disease
Written by: Jay Summer
After months of COVID-19 outbreaks across the United States, the virus doesn't look like it will disappear any time soon. Anyone who experiences symptoms or might have come into contact with an infected person should get tested.
Testing for COVID-19 is an important part of preventing it from spreading further. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have COVID-19 need to completely isolate themselves from others for 10 days after their first day of symptoms. Then, they may only stop isolating if they have been free of a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
Because the pandemic has been deadly and is so frequently discussed, needing a COVID-19 test might trigger anxiety in some people. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can help calm your nerves and ensure the testing process runs smoothly.
Types of COVID-19 Tests
According to the CDC, there are two types of COVID-19 tests: a viral test and an antibody test.
These tests are conducted differently and serve different purposes. Most people who need a COVID-19 test will receive a viral test, which is also called a diagnostic test.
The COVID-19 Viral Test
The purpose of the viral test is to check if a person is currently infected with COVID-19. This is the test that is most commonly conducted. When the CDC and media outlets discuss COVID-19 test results, they are generally referring to the viral test.
When conducting the viral test, a medical professional uses a long cotton swab to collect a sample. Most of the time, they swab the patient's nasal cavity, which requires putting the swab up the patient's nose. This might feel uncomfortable, but shouldn't hurt.
Some healthcare workers take throat swabs instead of nasal swabs, though these are less common. Less common still are saliva tests, in which the medical professional obtains a sample by asking a patient to spit into a cup.
The COVID -19 Antibody Test
The purpose of the antibody test is to see if a person has been infected with COVID-19 in the past. When a person has a viral infection, their body develops antibodies to that virus. As a result, we can know that anyone with COVID-19 antibodies present in their blood once had COVID-19.
The antibody test is a blood test. It requires a medical professional to draw a small amount of blood, usually from the patient's arm. The antibody test does not reveal if a person is currently infected with the virus.
Preparing for your COVID-19 Test
There are a few things you can do to prepare for your COVID-19 test.
Schedule an Appointment
If you think you have COVID-19, do not simply show up to your doctor's office or the emergency room. Instead, set up an appointment in advance either online or over the phone. The Georgia Department of Public Health offers free testing to anyone who wants it.
Because COVID-19 is so contagious, doctors' offices and hospitals are limiting the number of patients they admit at a given time. If you show up without an appointment, you might be turned away.
Bring Identification
Whether you're being tested by your primary care physician or at a free drivethrough clinic, it's wise to bring your ID. Even if you don't have insurance and are receiving a free test, ID might be required. Bring yours so you aren't turned away.
Wear a Mask
Your testing site will likely require everyone waiting for a test to wear a mask. Be sure to bring yours. Without it, you will either be given one to wear or sent home.
Expect to See Protective Gear
The medical professionals conducting COVID-19 tests wear protective gear to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. Expect to see healthcare workers in face masks, goggles, plastic face shields, gloves, gowns, and other protective gear. Ask How to Receive Results
Make sure you know how to receive your results before you leave. Some testing centers call patients, while others require you to make a phone call or check a website to find out your status.
Millions of Americans will require COVID-19 tests in the coming months.
The Georgia Department of Public Health offers free COVID-19 tests to any state resident who wants one. If you experience symptoms or come into contact with someone who has COVID-19, getting tested is the smart, kind thing to do.
Dr. James Davis Dr. Jared Sanders Dr. David Parker
For a comprehensive list of procedures and physicians using robotic surgery at SGMC visit sgmc.org/davinci.
Surgeons oer General/Colorectal
Robotic Surgery
Close to Home Patients need to know they Surgeons at South Georgia Medical Center are don’t have to travel to committed to getting surgical patients back to receive the most advanced their lives sooner. surgical care, it’s here at According to Dr. James Davis, colon and rectal SGMC! -Dr. James Davis surgery, as well as hernia repairs, aren’t as scary as they once were.
In the past, surgeons made large incisions in skin and muscle so that they could directly see and work on the area of concern. This is called open surgery. Today doctors still perform open surgery, but can also perform many general and colorectal procedures using minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery.
At SGMC, the Davinci XI robotic system, the newest version to date, changes the game. Patients experience a shorter hospital stay, fewer complications and less risk of having to switch to an open procedure. Although, the biggest satisfier is probably the aesthetic benefit of only needing a few small incisions.
“Patients need to know they don’t have to travel to receive the most advanced surgical care, it’s here at SGMC,” said Dr. Davis.
The Davinci XI robotic system at SGMC is used for general, colorectal, and gynecological surgeries.
COVID-19 Carrier (Without Mask) COVID-19 Carrier (With Mask) COVID-19 Carrier (With Mask)
Possibility of Transmission 70%
Healthy Person
(With Mask)
Possibility of Transmission 5%
Healthy Person
Possibility of Transmission 1.5%
(Without Mask)
40% of transmissions happen BEFORE symptoms. You wear a mask to protect others. They wear a mask to protect you. WE, NOT ME. We all MUST keep our masks on to keep each other safe.
Healthy Person (With Mask)
The Mental Health Era
Written by: Tyrah Walker
Several stigmas are associated with mental health and attending therapy. There’s the stereotype that if you’re going to therapy, you must be crazy. Or your pride might have you thinking you don’t need any help from anyone and can fix it on your own. Denial might make you think you're fine and that nothing is wrong. But have you ever given therapy a chance?
Why is it for some that mental health is a taboo or touchy subject to speak on? While some people engage in therapy, many others may not partake for several reasons. Those reasons include but are not limited to judgment, embarrassment, religious beliefs, and financial burdens.
Registered mental health counselor intern Sakina McCoy believes that everyone should take the time to attend therapy, especially adults. Her belief is that if traumas are ignored, they can easily get passed from generation to generation.
“It is especially important for anyone to seek therapy instead of ignoring,” McCoy said. “Adults specifically because various changes can happen in life, and it’s not uncommon for adults to be holding on to traumas that never got resolved in childhood. It affects adults in the workplace and in their relationships - social, familial, and romantic.”
With judgment being one of the many reasons people are afraid to attend therapy, McCoy said there are options for those who are not comfortable.
Group counseling is one option if you’re more comfortable being in a group setting with six or less people. She’s seen that this option works best for people who struggle with anxiety.
Another option is using services that allow you to speak to counselors over the phone or by video chat. McCoy finds it to be less invasive, and patients can receive counseling without leaving their homes.
Depression and anxiety can be caused by a variety of factors, but according to McCoy, social media can have a huge impact on someone’s mental health. Many people are affected by it without acknowledging it. She also spoke on internet bullies and how that can have a negative impact on users.
“Many people use social media as a source of validation, and that could be for many reasons, (like) low self-esteem,” McCoy said. “Having the ability to constantly portray yourself in a certain light to get acceptance and approval continues to be the footing for the unhealthy feelings and ways of coping.”
Social media doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. When used appropriately, McCoy said it can be extremely helpful for businesses and community outreach.
Genetics, environment, illness, stress, grief, and social circles can all also affect mental health.
“I like to say there is no one exempt from, at some point, experiencing something that can affect their mental health,” McCoy said. “It is just a matter of how the ‘thing’ is dealt with.”
McCoy believes that the mental health field is being portrayed in a better light on television as of late. In the past, she felt people just got the idea that a person just sits in a chair and the therapist asks the questions, but she said it’s a lot more than that and that she’s glad people are becoming more aware every day of the benefits.
If you’re not in need of counseling but know someone who is, how can you be of help? Being supportive if someone you know is deciding to go or not is one way; however, McCoy said therapy is different for everyone, so tread lightly.
“There’s actually a high chance (that) talking to someone that's not in therapy may hurt the process,” McCoy said. “It’s not uncommon for other people to minimize the therapy process.”
If you are seeking counseling, continue to be a voice that shares the benefits. Celebrities such as radio announcer Lenard McKelvey, better known as Charlamagne Tha God, are advocates for mental health, especially within the African-American community.
What are some other ways to cope? There are several options if you can’t afford to attend a session, McCoy said.
“Many therapists are willing to adjust their fees to help,” she said. “If seeking a therapist is not an option, I would recommend meditation, journaling, exercising, or even talking to a close family member or friend.”
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Social Media’s Effect on the Psyche
Written by: Jay Summer
Social media gained widespread popularity with MySpace in the mid-2000s. Now, nearly 80% of Americans are active on at least one social media platform, according to Pew Research Center.
When social media first began, no one knew how it would affect users. As social media has majorly expanded over the past decade and a half, we've all essentially been part of a real-time experiment. Experts are just starting to understand the impacts of participating in virtual social networking.
Social Media and Mental Health
Most experts agree: Social media use impacts mental health.
Some people feel more joyful after using social media, having posted good news or connected with family and friends they wouldn't have otherwise. Other people tend to feel down, a result of comparing their lives and bodies to those they saw on screen and deciding they don't measure up.
Some people, especially adolescents, experience online bullying and harassment that leaves them depressed and afraid. Perhaps just as bad is the feeling of being ignored or ostracized. Teens and young adults can experience low self-esteem after receiving few likes or positive comments on posts. Another common experience is FOMO, a fear of missing out, as they view posts from events they weren't invited to.
These varied experiences are reflected in academic research on social media. More research is needed, however. At this point, different social media studies have returned different results. Some research suggests that social media increases anxiety and depression, while other studies show no effects in those areas.
The issue is more complex than labeling social media as good or bad. How social media affects an individual person depends on multiple factors, such as what they do on social media, how much time they spend on it, and if they're already experiencing mental health issues.
What Are Social Platforms Doing About Mental Health?
Social media networks have taken some efforts toward making their platforms healthier.
Instagram is experimenting with hiding "likes" on the site, though they haven't rolled the feature out to the whole platform. The idea is that without likes, users are less likely to compare themselves to others and feel badly about themselves.
TikTok, a popular video app, shows videos reminding users to take a break from the app if they scroll for too long. Since social media overuse has negative impacts, nudges like this might help people limit their time logged on.
Unfortunately, aside from these small experiments, most social media networks haven't done much to promote healthy social media use. More engagement means more profit, so social media networks are invested in having people scroll and click as much as possible.
If a person wants to limit their social media use for the sake of their mental health, they (or their parents, in the case of children) will have to take efforts to do so on their own.
