Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance comes to Research Psychiatric Center

By: Jason Ulanet, MSCP

For many of those suffering with Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder, the feeling that they are either incapable or not permitted to discuss their struggles openly serves as a demoralizing obstacle to progressing with treatment and recovery. This frustrating sense of isolation, of not feeling validated and understood, often deepens and lengthens their suffering. Conversely, communicating openly about painful feelings with those who will listen without judgment can bring an invaluable sense of relief and comfort.

Remembering Anna

By: Ed Plese, RN, BSN

I would like to share some thoughts about my sister-in-law Anna, who passed away last week.  Anna was diagnosed with schizophrenia when she was a young adult. She struggled with the symptoms of the illness throughout her years, and at times felt overwhelmed to the point that she required hospitalization and medication adjustments. She was able to survive some of the difficult times with the support of the O.U.R. HOMES community in Lincoln NE.

Managing a chronic mental illness and living a productive life is possible with the support and understanding of mental illness by the community.  All of us have a part to play with understanding and accepting people who act differently from the “norm”.

If Our Receptionists/Switchboard Didn’t Exist, What Would Happen to Our Organization?

By: Peggy Tyson, SPHR, Human Resources Director

Have you ever wondered what PBX stands for?  PBX may refer to any one of the following:

      - Polymer-bonded explosive

      - Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox

      - Private branch exchange, a telephone exchange that services a particular business or office

That led to more questions, but I think #3 tells me the answer I was seeking – Private Branch Exchange

The term PBX was first applied when Switchboard Operators ran company switchboards by hand. As automated electromechanical and then electronic switching systems gradually began to replace the manual systems, the terms PABX (private automatic branch exchange) and PMBX (private manual branch exchange) were used to differentiate them. Now, the term PBX is by far the most widely recognized. The acronym is now applied to all types of complex, in-house telephony switching systems.

2012 - A Great Year!

By: Peggy Tyson, SPHR, Human Resources Director

For 2012, I’ve adopted a quote from Louise Hay's daily calendar. The page reads:

"I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life."
I’ve hung this page in my office where I'll see it every day.
Doesn't it sound like the perfect guiding principle for a New Year?
Decide, right now, to make the rest of your life, the best of your life.

With this principle in mind, consider these questions:
What new opportunities would you like to pursue in 2012?
What exciting changes are you ready to make?
Who will help make the journey fun and inspiring?
What one, helpful habit are you willing to develop to support your efforts?

Aging: Where Are We Going?

 By: Richard Failla, CEO

There are a great many 'Baby Boomers' who will turn 65 this year. For those of us who grew up with the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Woodstock, and Vietnam Nam, what now? What's the next developmental stage? Will we as the poet Dylan Thomas said 'go gentle into that good night', or will we storm and rage at the sight?

Carl Jung, the Psychoanalyst, suggested a stage of development that pointed toward spiritual development. When the body no longer helps focus on the physical achievements of life it is time to focus on our spiritual selves. Erick Erickson spoke of Generativity versus Stagnation. Generativity is motivated by us passing on to our younger colleagues all that we have learned from our years of contributions to our families and our careers. The final stage for Erickson is how we resolve Ego Integrity versus despair. It's in this stage that we accept who we are and where we are in life.

New Year’s Resolutions, the Stages of Change and Moving Towards Healthier Behavior

By: Jason Ulanet, MSCP

New Year's has always served as a convenient deadline for initiating behavioral change; "I'll begin changing as soon as the calendar changes" is the underlying message of all New Year's resolutions. The first steps on the path leading away from longstanding unhealthy habits are often intimidating and confusing, leaving us discouraged and demoralized. As a result these resolutions wind up either partially or completely broken and change does not occur. Becoming familiar with the Stages of Change model can help clarify why some efforts to change are successful and others are not.

Timely Tips for Medications and the Holidays

By: Lisa Conrad, RPh, Pharmacy Director

Lisa Conrad

Holidays are often a time for travel.  Here’s a timely tip:  “Plan ahead and bring your meds!”  Be sure to check your prescription vials for an adequate supply to last through your vacation.  Your pharmacy may have to call your insurance company to authorize an early refill if you are due to run out of medication while you are out of town. 

Call ahead to your pharmacy as this required authorization can cause a delay in getting your prescription filled.  Keep your prescriptions in original containers while traveling. 

Support and Education through NAMI of Greater Kansas City

By: Ed Plese, RN, BSN

Ed Plese

I would like to thank NAMI of Greater Kansas City (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for empowering, educating and supporting consumers with mental illness as well as their families.  Illness affects consumers and families with mental illness.  The consumer needs to be the expert of their illness.  Families need assistance in learning about mental illness.

Unfortunately since the advent of Managed Care and decreased hospital stays, patients and family do not receive enough information about their illness during inpatient stays.  This applies to consumers with diabetes as well as those with mental illness.

A Primer in Positive Psychology

By: Richard Failla, Chief Executive Officer

Richard Failla

If you listen to the news it is very easy to feel like the world is a place of endless suffering, and no matter what you do it will not change the negativity that is everywhere in our lives. At Research Psychiatric Center we see what happens when people give up and decide that life is not worth living and they are admitted because of thoughts of suicide.

Over the years there has been much focus on psychopathology but very little focus on positive psychology.

It is a Wonderful Life!

By: Peggy Tyson, SPHR, Human Resources Director

Peggy Tyson

This time of year reminds me of the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life. Do you remember the story of George Bailey in the movie?  He wasn’t happy with his life because he felt discouraged and didn’t feel he had met up to his potential.  He goes to a bridge to end his life, and he ends up jumping in to save Clarence, his guardian angel (Clarence had been sent down to earth to earn his wings by helping George).  Clarence shows George what life would have been like without his life of service at the Building and Loan that George ran. How his wife never would have married and his children never would have been born. George is reminded of the important ways he has touched so many people in the town.