This week’s Mental Health Moment with WMTW explores how staying active—especially during Maine’s cold winter months—can boost your mood. Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette shares why winter activities like skating, skiing, or even a simple walk outdoors can lift your spirits, increase endorphins, reduce isolation, and help you stay present.

Plus, learn about an upcoming free community event: Ice Skate for Sweetser on Saturday, January 31, at the Waterhouse Center in Kennebunk. A perfect way to get outside, connect, and beat the winter blues!

Learn more about Ice Skate for Sweetser.

Weight‑loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic continue to surge in popularity, with spending on GLP‑1 drugs increasing more than 500% between 2018 and 2023, according to the American Medical Association. The recent approval of Wegovy in pill form is expected to make these medications even more accessible.

While many patients have seen significant benefits, medical professionals are raising red flags. Dr. Marc Kaplan, Medical Director at Sweetser, notes that not all providers are adequately screening patients before prescribing these medications. His primary concern: individuals with undiagnosed eating disorders may be put at risk.

Watch Dr. Kaplan’s interview with WMTW’s Jacob Murphy:

Read the full article: Sweetser’s medical director weighs in on weight loss drugs

A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association shows that many Americans are entering 2026 with elevated anxiety. The top concerns include:

The holidays can be a joyous time of year, but for some it may be a struggle. One of the biggest challenges that people may face during the holidays and into the new year is grief from the loss of a family member or loved one.

WMTW’s Ronnie Parrillo sat down with Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan to discuss dealing with grief and loss during the holiday season.

Watch the full segment below:

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 at any time. You can also call Sweetser’s Peer Support Line at 866-771-9276.

When someone is overwhelmed, in crisis, or unsure where to look for a path toward change, knowing the right number to call can make reaching support faster and far less stressful. Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette sat down with WGME’s Adrienne Stein to discuss the differences among Maine’s key mental health resource lines ensures that people receive the most valuable help at the most opportune time.

Watch the full segment below:

You can read the full article here.

• Access Mental Health/Recovery Services: 1-800-434-3000
• Access Immediate Crisis Support: 9-8-8
• Access Free Peer Support: 1-866-771-9276

Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, stopped by WGAN to chat with Steve Woods and Dr. Jeff Barkin as they discuss how Sweetser plans on serving the youth of Maine with the first psychiatric residential treatment facility for our state coming in 2026.

Click to listen to their conversation.