Venera R. Miller, MD, FAPA, FASAM.

11/22/2025

I am grateful for our global community raising awareness about mental health and addiction. Every voice matters!

I’d love to know where you’re joining us from—please share your country in the comments! Your support from all corners of the world inspires me every day.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Venera Miller, MD

11/19/2025

I’m seeing more and more requests in my practice for help with kratom addiction. In the past, I focused on education, but now it’s absolutely necessary to provide clear, evidence-based information to the public.

Kratom: The Hidden Dangers of a “Natural” Supplement

Kratom is a plant-based product gaining popularity in the U.S., often sold as a “natural” remedy for pain, mood, or opioid withdrawal. But “natural” does NOT mean safe.

How is Kratom Used?
• For pain, anxiety, or depression
• To self-treat opioid withdrawal
• Often taken daily, sometimes multiple times per day
• Consumed as capsules, powder, or tea

Why is Kratom Dangerous?
🔴 Unpredictable & Unregulated: Not FDA regulated—potency and contamination risks are high.
⚠️ Serious Health Risks: Linked to liver damage, kidney problems, seizures, heart issues, and even death.
💊 Addiction & Withdrawal: Regular use can cause dependence and withdrawal, similar to opioids.
❌ Dangerous Drug Interactions: Risk increases when combined with opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol, or certain prescriptions.
👵 Risks for Older Adults: Higher risk for dangerous interactions and falls.

🛑 Don’t Be Fooled by “Natural” Claims: Kratom is NOT a harmless herbal remedy. Its risks are real and can be life-threatening.

How Common is Kratom Use?
• About 1 in 100 U.S. adults used kratom last year
• Especially common among people who use other substances
• Much higher rates among those with opioid use disorder

What Should You Do?
• Be cautious—“natural” doesn’t mean safe
• Watch for side effects: yellow skin/eyes, confusion, seizures, trouble breathing
• Know the risk of addiction and withdrawal

Bottom Line:
Kratom is NOT a safe alternative. It can cause serious health problems, addiction, and even death. The safest choice is to avoid kratom.

Please share to help keep your friends and family safe!

Dr. Venera Miller
Addiction Psychiatrist

11/19/2025

Our thoughts and hearts with those affected by the fire, hope to support anyway we can.❤️

Update: Thank you to those who have donated! We have had a huge outpouring of donated items.
The support group is now only asking for monetary donations and/or donations of new items only. Your continued support is vital to our mission in supporting those in need.

Monetary donations can be sent to: https://baysidebaptist.churchcenter.com/giving/to/chesapeake-fire-relief-fund

If you wish to contribute, we welcome donations of new goods including:

*New clothes with tags
*New shoes with tags
*Unopened hygiene products

Thank you for your support and for coming together "For Such A Time as This." You are loved, appreciated and prayed for!

Love God - Love People!

This morning our community suffered a horrible fire in Chesapeake Beach. There are many families displaced at this time.

Pastor Glenn has been ministering to these families and continues to do so. Please join us in prayer for the families and emergency personel helping at this time.

Donations will be accepted at the church for the families for the time being (clothes, food, etc).
Bayside Baptist has set up a fund for monetary donations.
https://baysidebaptist.churchcenter.com/giving/to/chesapeake-fire-relief-fund

Both Town Halls were open to the families
https://www.chesapeakebeachmd.gov/home/news/apartment-fire-update-–-resident-check-community-informationPreliminary

Preliminary reports are that everyone got out ok (11 year old transported) and the neighbors are now being allowed back in.

Red Cross is on the way to assess and the Community Center is opened as a temporary shelter to help coordinate relief efforts. I know this Community will be there to support in any way possible, thank you for your support.

11/18/2025

Every day in my practice, I meet transgender individuals who show incredible strength just by being themselves. I see firsthand the pain that comes from being misunderstood or rejected—not just by strangers, but sometimes by family, friends, or the broader community. Many of my transgender patients struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma, not because of who they are, but because of how they are treated.

Globally, it’s estimated that about 25 million people identify as transgender. In the U.S., nearly 40% of transgender adults have reported attempting su***de at some point in their lives—almost nine times the rate of the general population. Rates of depression and anxiety are also significantly higher, largely due to stigma and discrimination.

What strikes me most is their resilience and hope, even in the face of so many obstacles. These are people who want what we all want: to be seen, respected, and accepted for who they are. I have learned so much from their courage and honesty.

If you’ve never met someone who is transgender, or if you find it hard to understand, I invite you to approach with kindness and curiosity. A little respect and compassion can make a world of difference. We all deserve to feel safe and valued in our communities.

Sincerely,

Dr. Venera Miller

11/16/2025

🌈🧠 Feed Your Brain with Color! 🧠🌈

Did you know that what you eat can make a real difference for your brain health?

🥦 Top Brain-Boosting Veggies:
🥬 Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula): Rich in vitamin K, lutein, and folate—supporting memory and executive function.
🥦 Broccoli: High in vitamin K and antioxidants, supporting memory and neuroprotection.
🥕 Carrots: Packed with beta-carotene and lutein, supporting vision and cognitive function.
🟣 Beets: Rich in nitrates, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain.
🥑 Avocados: Loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E, supporting brain structure and function.

How do these foods help?
🛡️ Reduce oxidative stress
🔥 Lower inflammation
💧 Improve blood flow to the brain
🧩 Support memory and learning pathways

Tip: Aim for 2–3 servings of leafy greens and cruciferous veggies daily. Whole produce is best—skip the juice to avoid extra sugar and get more fiber!

💬 Let’s make it fun!
What’s your favorite brain-boosting veggie? Share your ideas or photos below! 👇

11/15/2025

🌈🧠 Feed Your Brain with Color! 🧠🌈

Did you know that what you eat can make a real difference for your brain health? Science shows that certain fruits are especially powerful for memory, focus, and long-term brain protection!

✨ Top Brain-Boosting Fruits:
🔵 Blueberries: Packed with anthocyanins and flavonoids, they help improve memory and slow cognitive aging.
🍓 Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, great for memory and antioxidant defense.
🍒 Cherries: Full of polyphenols and anthocyanins, they can boost psychomotor speed and fight inflammation.
🍇 Grapes: Loaded with polyphenols (including resveratrol), supporting attention, memory, and healthy blood flow.
🍊 Oranges: Bursting with vitamin C and flavanones, they help enhance global cognition and vascular health.

How do these foods help?
🛡️ Reduce oxidative stress
🔥 Lower inflammation
💧 Improve blood flow to the brain
🧩 Support memory and learning pathways

Tip: Aim for 1–2 servings of berries or other colorful fruits daily. Whole produce is best—skip the juice to avoid extra sugar and get more fiber!

💬 Let’s make it fun!
What’s your favorite brain-boosting fruit? Do you have a creative way to add more color to your meals? Share your ideas or photos below! 👇

11/15/2025

I promised one of my patients that I would share a post about mental health during pregnancy, so here it is:

🌸 Pregnancy & Mental Health: A Complex Relationship 🌸

Pregnancy is a time of profound change—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. As a psychiatrist, I want to highlight how pregnancy can both challenge and support psychiatric well-being:

How Pregnancy Can Negatively Affect Mental Health:
• Hormonal Fluctuations: Rapid changes in estrogen and progesterone can destabilize mood, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, or relapse of bipolar disorder.
• Sleep Disruption & Physical Stress: Fatigue, nausea, and sleep loss can exacerbate existing psychiatric symptoms.
• Increased Vulnerability: Women with a history of mental illness are at higher risk for relapse or new onset of symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.
• Social & Economic Stressors: Financial strain, lack of support, or relationship difficulties can worsen mental health during this period.

How Pregnancy Can Positively Affect Mental Health:
• Enhanced Motivation: Many expectant mothers experience increased motivation to engage in self-care and treatment, leading to improved adherence and outcomes.
• Social Support: Pregnancy often brings increased support from family and community, which can buffer against stress and psychiatric symptoms.
• Neurobiological Changes: Some hormonal shifts, such as increased oxytocin, may promote emotional bonding and resilience.
• Reduced Substance Use: Many women reduce or stop substance use during pregnancy, which can have a stabilizing effect on mental health.

Key Takeaways:
✨ Every pregnancy is unique. The impact on mental health depends on personal history, support systems, and access to care.
✨ Untreated psychiatric illness during pregnancy can negatively affect both mother and baby, but integrated, compassionate care can lead to positive outcomes for both. Early intervention and a collaborative approach between psychiatry and obstetrics are essential for the best outcomes.

11/11/2025

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor and thank all who have served our country with courage and dedication. Your sacrifices have protected our freedoms and shaped our nation’s history.

As we express our gratitude, we must also recognize the unique challenges many veterans face after their service. Veterans are at increased risk for mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. These struggles are not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the profound experiences endured in service to our country.

You are not alone. Support is available:

Veterans Crisis Line:
Call 988, then press 1
Text 838255
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net

Local VA Medical Centers:

Washington DC VA Medical Center: 202-745-8000
Baltimore VA Medical Center: 410-605-7000
VA Maryland Health Care System: 800-463-6295
Richmond VA Medical Center: 804-675-5000
Additional Support:

Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387
SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
maketheconnection.net

Let’s stand together to support our veterans—not only in words, but through action. Reach out, check in, and offer your help.
Thank you, veterans, for your service and your resilience.

Warm regards,
Dr. Venera Miller.

.

11/09/2025

🌱 Why Balance Is Essential for Brain & Body Health: The Science Behind It 🌱
In our fast-paced world, “balance” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a neurobiological necessity. Whether it’s work, relationships, diet, or self-care, our brains and bodies are wired to thrive on equilibrium.
Here’s why:
🧠 Homeostasis: The Brain’s Balancing Act
Our brains are constantly working to maintain homeostasis—a stable internal environment. The hypothalamus acts as the command center, regulating everything from stress hormones to sleep cycles. Chronic imbalance (like ongoing stress or poor sleep) disrupts this system, increasing risk for both mental and physical illness.
⚡ Stress & Cortisol: The Double-Edged Sword
When we’re out of balance, our stress response (the HPA axis) goes into overdrive, flooding the body with cortisol. Over time, this can damage the hippocampus (memory), impair the prefrontal cortex (decision-making), and ramp up the amygdala (anxiety and reactivity).
🔄 Neuroplasticity: Wiring for Wellness
Our brains adapt to what we do most. Repeated imbalance—overworking, unhealthy eating, or social withdrawal—reinforces those neural pathways. But when we diversify our activities and prioritize rest, connection, and movement, we build resilience and cognitive flexibility.
💡 Reward System: Dopamine in Moderation
The brain’s reward system is designed for balance. Overindulgence (in food, substances, or even work) can dysregulate dopamine, leading to dependence and loss of pleasure. Balanced engagement keeps this system healthy and prevents burnout.
🤝 Relationships & Oxytocin: The Social Brain
Positive social connections boost oxytocin, reducing stress and promoting well-being. Imbalance—whether isolation or toxic relationships—can disrupt this, increasing risk for anxiety and depression.
🌙 Sleep & Circadian Rhythms: The Foundation
Balanced sleep is crucial for brain health. Disrupted rhythms impair mood, memory, and even immune function.
🥗 Diet & the Gut-Brain Axis
A balanced diet supports the gut-brain connection, influencing neurotransmitter production and inflammation. Poor nutrition can negatively impact mood and cognition.
Bottom line:
Balance isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about supporting the brain’s natural design for health and resilience. Small, consistent steps toward equilibrium in all areas of life can make a profound difference in mental and physical well-being.

11/07/2025

Let’s Talk About Self-Injury: Facts, Science, and Support 💬🧠

Did you know that up to 17% of teens and about 5% of adults have hurt themselves on purpose, like cutting? This is often a way to deal with really tough emotions or mental pain—not just “attention-seeking” or a sign of weakness.

Why does self-injury happen?
Research shows it’s linked to:

- Having a hard time handling strong feelings (sometimes seen in conditions like borderline personality disorder)
- Past trauma, like emotional, sexual, or physical abuse
- Mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or eating disorders
- Changes in brain chemistry that affect impulse control and pain perception
- Trouble understanding or talking about feelings (called alexithymia)

The good news:
There are therapies that really help!

- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have been shown to help people hurt themselves less and find healthier ways to cope. For example, DBT can cut self-injury episodes in half for many people! 🌟

Does talking about self-injury make it worse?
Nope! Research shows that open, caring conversations—without going into graphic details—can actually help. They reduce shame, encourage people to get help, and make a real difference. The way we talk about self-injury matters: empathy and understanding go a long way. 🤝💙

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: you’re not alone.
Support, understanding, and hope are possible. 🌈

#

11/04/2025

🧠💤 Ever been told to “sleep on it” before making a big decision or solving a tough problem? This age-old advice is deeply rooted in brain science.

When we “sleep on it,” our brains aren’t just resting—they’re actively processing, organizing, and strengthening the information and experiences from our day.

Here’s how it works:
🔄 Memory Consolidation: During sleep, especially in slow-wave (deep) and REM stages, the brain replays and reorganizes memories. This process helps transfer information from short-term to long-term storage, making it easier to recall and integrate new knowledge. Notably, memories linked to emotional or rewarding experiences are preferentially reactivated and consolidated, which can clarify what’s truly important to us.
🧬 Emotional Regulation: Sleep helps recalibrate the brain’s emotional circuits, reducing the intensity of negative emotions and allowing for more balanced, rational thinking the next day. This is why problems often seem less overwhelming after a good night’s rest.
⚡ Dopamine Reset: Dopamine, the neurotransmitter that drives motivation and decision-making, is replenished during sleep. Sleep deprivation disrupts this system, leading to impaired judgment, increased impulsivity, and difficulty weighing risks and rewards.
🧹 Neural Housekeeping: The brain’s glymphatic system is most active during sleep, clearing out metabolic waste and supporting optimal cognitive function.

So, the next time you’re facing a complex decision or creative block, remember: “sleep on it” isn’t just a saying—it’s a scientifically validated strategy for better memory, clearer thinking, and wiser choices.

11/04/2025

Are you struggling with low mood, nightmares, obsessive thoughts, anxiety, anger outbursts, addiction, rapid mood changes, constant worries, panic attacks, hallucinations, or other distressing symptoms—especially during the fall and winter months? If your current treatment isn’t providing relief, or if you’re unsure where to start, specialized support can make all the difference.

Effective care always begins with an accurate diagnosis. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.

We diagnose and treat a wide range of psychiatric and substance use conditions, and also provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for various types of surgery—including bariatric, plastic, and general surgery. In addition, we offer psychiatric assessments for court cases, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), independent medical opinions, nexus letters, and more.

Reach out today to schedule a confidential consultation. Together, we’ll work toward a clear diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan to help you regain control and improve your quality of life.

Warm regards,

Venera R. Miller, MD, FAPA, FASAM
Double Board-Certified Psychiatrist & Addiction Medicine Physician
Affiliated with Sibley Memorial Hospital, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Licensed in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Office Address:
242 Merrimac Court, #9
Prince Frederick, MD 20678

Phone: 410-535-6520
Email: dr.veneramiller@cipmexam.org
Website: www.veneramillermd-cipm.com

Dr. Venera Miller's Center for Integrated Psychosomatic Medicine is desined to implement conventional (psychiatry, psychotherapy, internal medicine