Trying Self-Guided Mental Health Support: My Experience With Teladoc Health

Between work, pets, parenting and all the behind-the-scenes household management, it’s hard to find time for myself. Like a lot of parents, I’ve gotten used to putting my own needs on pause. 

But when I learned that Oakland Community Health Network offered free access to the Teladoc Health app, I saw an opportunity to check in with my mental health — on my own time and terms.

I downloaded the Teladoc Health app from my phone’s app store and used the code OAKLANDCHN to unlock the mental health resources at no cost.

Getting started with free online mental health support

I’ll admit, the tech didn’t work right away. But after a quick call to Teladoc’s tech support, I was pleasantly surprised. I spoke with a live, knowledgeable person who quickly walked me through the setup.

• Parent-to-parent advice: Don’t give up if you hit a glitch. The support team is helpful, and once you’re logged in, you’ll have access to a library of self-guided mental health support programs.

Week-by-week with Teladoc Health

Week 1: I logged in… then ignored it

My first session prompted a few questions about my emotional health. Based on my responses, the app suggested a program called “Moving Through Grief.” I had recently lost my mom, so this felt incredibly relevant.

After that, though? I didn’t use the app again. The push notifications popped up, but I was either working or too exhausted to follow through.

Would this app, like so many others, fade into the background?

Week 2: Making it work for me

The shift came when I realized I could access Teladoc Health from my desktop computer. That small change — opening the platform in a browser tab — made all the difference. 

Now, instead of reaching for my phone, I could tap into a breathing exercise or meditation during a quick work break.

This was my first real use of the app’s self-guided mental health support, and it worked. I felt calmer and more in control.

Week 3: Tools I keep coming back to

By the third week, I’d built a habit. A few minutes a day made a noticeable difference in my mindset, especially when things are chaotic at work or at home.

Here are the tools I’ve returned to again and again:

• Flip the Switch: A 3-minute meditation for moments when everything feels overwhelming
• Log Your Sleep: A personalized program to track rest and improve sleep hygiene
• 1-Minute Meditation: A quick re-centering exercise when I need to reset
• Connect: A tool that helps assess whether I might benefit from therapy or more personalized care

Other programs worth exploring

The app offers a broad range of free online mental health support programs. Some I’ve browsed and bookmarked for later include:

• Navigating Life: Resources for parenting, teen mental health, pregnancy, LGBTQ+ identity, caregiving, divorce, and more
• Building Resilience: Tools to manage stress, loneliness, low self-esteem, and intense emotions
• Treatment Approaches: Introductory guides to therapy methods like CBT, DBT, and medication-assisted recovery
  

What I learned — and what I recommend

Apps like Headspace or Calm charge $70 or more per year — even more for families. Teladoc Health, thanks to Oakland Community Health Network, is completely free.

Whether you’re grieving, overwhelmed or just need a quiet place to reflect, this app offers accessible, self-guided mental health support on your schedule.

My advice? If you’re a parent juggling a full plate, this could be one of the simplest ways to prioritize your mental health — without spending a dime.

For non-emergency access to intellectual or developmental disabilities, behavioral health, or substance use disorder services, call (248) 464-6363. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. 

This content is sponsored by Oakland Community Health Network. 

OCHN manages and funds a service provider network for approximately 30,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and support that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.”

Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at oaklandchn.org.

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Where Can I Go? Finding a Recovery Community That Feels Safe

Choosing recovery means making big changes — where you go, who you spend time with and how you spend your day. The social shift can feel overwhelming, especially when your old routine no longer fits your new life.

“Getting clean is easy, believe it or not. It’s staying clean that’s challenging,” says Denise, a Clinical Director at Meridian Health Services in Waterford. A licensed Social Worker and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Denise has spent decades helping others build new lives in recovery. She also brings her own lived experience — more than 32 years in recovery — to her work supporting others.

So where can you go? What does a supportive environment actually look like? And how do you start rebuilding your life with people who understand what you’re going through? We share Denise’s expert tips.

 

What do you do with all that time?

Recovery can feel like a void at first. Suddenly, your days have space — and it’s easy to feel lost. That’s because when you were using, so much of your day may have revolved around one goal: getting high or staying drunk.

“When you’re actively using, you have no concept of time,” Denise explains. “You wake up and your goal is to get high. It might take you to five o’clock to accomplish that desire, but you’re still not watching time.” In recovery, it’s different. “You’re watching the time. It’s like 9:00 a.m., 9:05, 9:10 — because you don’t know what to do with yourself.”

That’s why filling the hours with something healthy and positive matters. 

“Early recovery is really about learning to discover yourself,” Denise says. She recalls learning fundamental things she may like to do when she started focusing on her recovery.

You might try things you’ve never done — or things you thought you’d never like. And that’s part of the process. You don’t have to love every new experience, but each one brings you closer to knowing yourself.

 

What kinds of things can you actually do?

Not everything in recovery is a formal meeting. Often, it’s about doing everyday things with people who understand what you’re going through. Here are just a few of the social, sober-friendly activities Denise sees in her work:

• Going out for coffee or a meal after a meeting
• Hanging out at an Alano Club
• Dancing at sober events
• Playing pool or darts
• Joining a bonfire or “fire pit” meeting
• Horseback riding
• Bowling
• Reading or joining a book club (that doesn’t include alcohol)
• Casual sports like softball
• Volunteering or giving back

These aren’t just ways to pass time — they’re ways to reconnect with joy, community and a sense of normalcy.

 

What recovery communities can offer

Recovery communities come in many forms, and you don’t have to commit to one forever. 

Whether it’s NA, AA, SMART Recovery or another path, there’s space for you to explore what fits. You’ll find meetings, mentors and people who’ve been where you are. During holidays — when triggers and isolation can be intense — many groups hold marathon meetings, running 24 hours to make sure no one has to be alone.

And it doesn’t stop when the meeting ends.

“So you go to a meeting, and then after the meeting, people are going out to eat, people are going for coffee. It’s called a meeting after a meeting,” Denise says. 

Alano Clubs often host gatherings and are open throughout the day and into the evening. 

Photo Credit: Oakland Community Health Network

Not ready for a meeting?

If the idea of sitting in a circle feels like too much, you can start smaller. Alano Clubs often host gatherings and are open throughout the day and into the evening. 

“They can walk into Alano Clubs,” Denise says. “People go there just to have coffee.” You can also find recovery-related social events online — like a casual softball game or a group hike. Just showing up is enough.

And therapy helps too. A therapist might point you toward activities or groups that fit your pace. If you’re not ready to talk, try attending an open talk — where someone shares their experiences, strengths and hopes and you can just listen.

 

What if you feel like you don’t belong?

It’s normal to feel awkward at first. Denise remembers standing against the wall at her first NA dance, certain everyone was watching her. She says her sponsor assured her that everyone present had the same worries.

Recovery is full of people who understand what it’s like to feel out of place. But over time, connection builds. “I had to learn to ask for help. And that’s not an easy thing to do because that’s not what we’re accustomed to.”

 

A reminder you might need

If you’re waking up one morning thinking, Maybe today is the day — know this: “People just need to believe that there’s life after active using. They’re worthy and they deserve it,” Denise says. “Our addiction doesn’t define us. It’s only part of who we are.”

If you or a loved one are looking for a place to begin your recovery journey, call the OCHN Access line at 248-464-6363.

 

This content is sponsored by Oakland Community Health Network. 

OCHN manages and funds a service provider network for approximately 30,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and support that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.”

 

Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at oaklandchn.org.

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Kid Seem Extra Tired This Summer? These Health Reasons Could Be Why (Especially in Metro Detroit’s Allergy Season)

Some sluggishness is expected when school’s out. But if your child is unusually worn out this summer, it might be more than later bedtimes and lazy mornings.

“It’s often in the context of not drinking a lot of water,” says Dr. Allison Tripi, a senior staff pediatrician with Henry Ford Health in metro Detroit, who practices in Hamtramck. “It is pretty common with the change of weather getting so hot. We may not have shifted how much water we’re drinking.”

Parents may chalk it up to summer’s slower pace. But if that tiredness persists — or disrupts daily activity — it could signal something more. Here’s what southeast Michigan parents need to know.

Signs it’s not ‘just summer tired’

Tripi watches for symptoms that go beyond what’s typical.

She says, “If your child is lying around and it’s lasting more than a couple days — more than what you might expect for a typical cold, or you don’t really see a reason for it — shoot your pediatrician a message or, if you can, go in to be seen.”

Some signs to watch for:

• Lack of interest in play. “Kids like to play,” says Tripi. If they stop, that’s a red flag.
• Daytime sleepiness or naps after a full night’s sleep
• Poor appetite or weight gain changes
• Skin issues like eczema
• Persistent fatigue beyond two weeks

Plus, don’t dismiss loud or frequent snoring. Tripi says it could be a sign of sleep apnea.

“Do they snore every night?” she says. For instance, “If it’s an 8-year-old who needs to take a nap every day, even if they’ve had 10 hours of sleep,” that could be another sign. School-age kids “really shouldn’t need a nap the next day.”

Tripi adds, “Your pediatrician will get into the nitty-gritty details about if they’re getting enough sleep.”

What’s behind the fatigue?

Tripi says pediatricians dig into all possibilities — from viruses to nutrition and mental health. 

• Allergies: “Often, they’re just up all night itching,” she says. “Or parents will say, ‘I can hear their congestion. They just can’t fall asleep.’”
• Low iron: “Low iron or iron deficiency anemia is quite common,” Tripi notes, especially in picky eaters or menstruating tweens and teens. “If a child is drinking too much milk, it can actually make it harder for their body to take in and absorb the iron.”
• Sleep disruption: From allergy-related congestion to later sunsets, summer often shifts bedtime routines.
• Mental health: “If kids are feeling anxious or down, they may be sleeping a ton more. They may be feeling tired,” she says. And families under stress — from food insecurity to lack of safe parks — can see this reflected in their kids.
• Thyroid issues: “It is less common, but it is something I’m always asking about,” Tripi adds.

Don’t overlook metro Detroit’s allergy season

Ragweed hits its peak in August — and southeast Michigan’s sticky air doesn’t help.

“We’re seeing that a lot right now,” Tripi says. “There are the outdoor allergens we think of, but also indoor allergens, like dust mites, thrive in environments with more humidity.”

Symptoms that may point to allergies include:

• Sneezing, itchy or watery eyes
• Clear, runny nose
• Poor sleep, which may lead to brain fog or crankiness
• “They could be clearing their throat more because of the mucus,” says Tripi. “Sometimes we get headaches associated with our allergies, too.”

Allergy-related eczema is also common. Tripi points to a recent case of a parent bringing their toddler in. “They said, ‘This baby is not sleeping, and neither am I.’”

In that case, she says, a topical steroid and antihistamines helped the itching. “We talked about daily care, like Vaseline and Aquaphor,” she adds. “Any type of oily emollient or lotion can be helpful.”

What parents can do

• Encourage water: Younger kids need around 4 cups of water and milk daily, while active preteens may need 8 or more, Tripi says. “We need a lot of water. The more active they are, the more water they need.”
• Keep routines when possible: Even loose structure helps.
• Wash bedding weekly: It cuts down on dust mites indoors
• Note symptom duration: “An allergy could last for over three weeks,” Tripi says. Colds tend to improve in under two.

And most of all, trust your gut. “If the child is being active, choose water or milk to stay hydrated,” she says. “But if it’s affecting their day-to-day activities, that’s not expected.”

This content is sponsored by Henry Ford Health. For related content, visit Top Kids Health Questions Answered!

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4 Must-See Fall Museum Exhibits That Will Wow Your Metro Detroit Kids

Explore a diverse array of captivating exhibitions in metro Detroit this fall and beyond, celebrating history, art and science. From honoring the legacy of Dr. Charles Howard Wright at The Wright Museum to showcasing the evolution of African American art at the Detroit Institute of Arts, these four exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to connect with culture, creativity, and discovery.

Whether you’re venturing into the prehistoric past or exploring groundbreaking African American art, these exhibits promise an enriching experience for metro Detroit families.

Read more: Metro Detroit Museums Families Should Visit at Least Once

New metro Detroit exhibits to check out with kids

Luminosity: A Detroit Arts Gathering at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History

Now-March 31, 2026 

• Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
• Cost: $10 along with general admission

See 60 artworks spanning in photography, painting, sculpture and more, one for each year of The Wright Museum.

I, Charles Wright at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History

Photo credit: The Wright Museum

Now-June 30, 2026

• Address: 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
• Cost: Included in general admission

To celebrate the Charles H. Wright Museum’s 60th anniversary, this exhibition honors Dr. Charles Howard Wright (1919-2002). It is presented as a first-person narrative. The exhibit showcases his life and legacy through personal writings, images and artifacts, with contributions from his family.

Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs at Cranbrook Institute of Science

Sept. 28, 2025-Jan. 7, 2026

• Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
• Cost: $8-$9/adult, $6-$7/ages 2-12 along with museum admission for non-members

Travel back 290 million years to an Earth crawling with bizarre creatures and prehistoric wonders, just before the largest extinction event. See life-sized models and fossilized skeletons, dig for fossils, enjoy interactive computer games and more. For all ages.

Reimagining African American Art at the Detroit Institute of Arts

Opens Oct. 18, 2025

• Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
• Cost: Free for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne residents and ages 0-5; $14/adult, $6/ages 6-17 for non-residents

This reimagined installation traces the growth of African American art from the 1800s to the 1980s, spotlighting artists from early pioneers to those gaining global acclaim. It explores key movements across four galleries, including the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights eras, through powerful works in painting, sculpture, photography and more.

This article was recently updated on Aug. 5, 2025, by Metro Parent’s Content Writer, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her featuring the best kid-friendly museum exhibits to check out this fall. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.

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Get Set for Success at Metro Detroit’s Back-to-School Events

As summer winds down, metro Detroit is gearing up for an exciting array of back-to-school events aimed at helping kids and families get ready for the school year. Whether you’re looking for free school supplies, community celebrations or family-friendly fun, there’s something for everyone across the city.

From giveaways and games to music, food and activities for all ages, these local events are the perfect way to kick off the school year with excitement and joy. So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy a variety of fun-filled days designed to make the return to school a little brighter for kids and parents alike!

Back-to-School Events in Metro Detroit

Back to School Fun Day! in Detroit

Aug. 2, 2025

• Address: 11301 Greiner St., Detroit

Stop by the corner of Greiner and Beland for free school supplies, local vendors, food, games, music and more. 

Back-to-School Rally

Aug. 2, 2025

• Address: Union Grace, 15001 Dexter Ave., Detroit

Children in elementary school through high school can enjoy food, fellowship and other fun at Union Grace. 

School Supply Giveaway

Aug. 9, 2025

• Address: Gateway Church, 25978 S. Knollwood Drive, Chesterfield

Stop by Gateway Church for their back-to-school community event offering children free school supplies.

Back to School Bash 2025

Aug. 15, 2025

• Address: Heilmann Recreation Center, 19601 Brock Ave., Detroit

This event features a backpack giveaway (while supplies last), face painting, crafts, music, bounce houses, food and more.

5th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway & More!

Aug. 16, 2025

• Address: Party with a Tee, 3158 S. Wayne Road, Wayne

Grades K-12 students from all districts will receive a brand-new backpack, while supplies last, at this event. There will also be games, music, refreshments and more. Registration required.

7th Annual Sevens Tournament and Free Back To School Giveaway

Photo credit: CM4 Productions

Aug. 16, 2025

• Address: Shadyside Park, 155 Shadyside Drive, Mount Clemens

Along with the seventh annual Sevens Tournament, this event offers an abundance of activities and a backpack and school supplies giveaway for the children in attendance. There will be bounce houses, face painting, a rock climbing wall for kids, the splash pad and more.

Campus Kids Day: Back to School Bash

Aug. 17, 2025

• Address: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit

This back-to-school bash features fun activations and giveaways to get kids excited about going back to school at this Campus Kids Day.

Back to School Stop-N-Shop

Aug. 20, 2025

• Address: Care House, 30521 Schoenherr, Suite 210A, Warren

Families can come shop clothing items, food items, school supplies and more at this back-to-school event. All items are free for Macomb County families.

Back to School L.O.T. Party!

Aug. 23, 2025

• Address: Taylor Christian Church, 11425 Telegraph Road, Taylor

The eighth annual Back to School L.O.T. Party offers free backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, inflatables, face painting and giveaways.

This article was recently published on July 31, 2025, by Metro Content Writer Kari Zaffarano. The post included her adding back-to-school events in metro Detroit to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and then adding the best events to this roundup. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.

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Macomb Community College Launches Free Tuition Program

The struggle for most people who want to go to college is finding the finances to do so. This is why Macomb Community College thought it was imperative to help students and parents alleviate some of those costs.

Carrie Jeffers, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Services at Macomb Community College, spoke with us about a program called Macomb Tuition Advantage — and how helpful it is for Michigan residents wanting to attend college in the future.

What is the program

“Macomb Tuition Advantage provides free tuition to individuals with family incomes of $70,000 or less,” says Jeffers. “Any Michigan resident who qualifies for the program must enroll at Macomb Community College full time — a minimum of 12 credit hours — to be eligible.”

This program applies to any Macomb Community College degree program and all modalities are eligible, including online courses.

“All of the programs are eligible as long as it’s a Macomb Community College program,” she explains.

When is the deadline

For most scholarships and grants, students must apply before a certain deadline, but Macomb Community College doesn’t have a specific deadline for this program.

“There is no deadline for Macomb Tuition Advantage,” says Jeffers. “Because we are a community college, we have open admissions.”

Macomb Tuition Advantage is offered to both new students as well as existing Macomb Community College students.

How parents can help

“From a parent perspective, we would really like to see the support of enrolling the student full time,” she explains. “Students that are engaged in full time enrollment tend to graduate with their degree sooner.”

Although this program is renewable up to three years, Jeffers encourages students to take advantage of being able to focus on completing their degree without worrying about the financial burden of college.

“This program allows students to use their finances to support them holistically — things such as rent, food, all the basic necessities,” she says. “We eliminate that cost of college for any Michigan resident.”

Prospective Macomb Community College students can get started by visiting the college’s website and learning more about the Macomb Tuition Advantage.

For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.

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