Tips for Considering New Year’s Resolutions

By: Anne Snider, RN, BSN

So with the New Year approaching many of us will make resolutions.  And, most of those will be based in trying to somehow change or improve ourselves.  And, most of us will fail.  

According to a 2007 study out of the University of Bristol, 88% of those who set New Year resolutions fail.  What do you suppose that might do to someone’s mood, self esteem, and anxiety level?  Many of these resolutions are improvement based, and there is nothing wrong with wanting to improve ourselves.  However, in setting these goals, we must be realistic. 

Post-Holiday Mental Health: Blowin' Down those Blues

By: Rosanne Parks,  BSN, MSN, Director SAGE Unit

For some people, the time period after the holidays can be more than just a “let-down.” After the holiday rush, family time is short as most people go back to work.  There is increased worry about money from all that Christmas spending, the weather is often cold, and daylight hours are in short supply until spring.  It’s no wonder that maintaining mental wellness gets put on the “backburner.” 
If this is a difficult time of year for you, keep in mind some measures to take which can help you cope. Research shows the best areas to focus on are: 

Depression is a Disease, Serious and Treatable

By: Peggy Cunningham, MA, NCC, LPC

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 10 adult in the United States suffers from Depression.  In the state of Missouri it is estimated that between 9.2% and 10.3% of the adult population suffers from depression.  This means that everyday in our workplaces, at the grocery store, in our neighborhood, or places of worship we see the face of depression.  Sometimes it is the elderly grandmother, sometimes it is the urban professional, other times it is the factory work, the medical technician, the high school football player or the third grade student who appears to be a book worm. The faces and lives of those suffering from depression surround us.

Supporting Those with Mental Illness is Our Responsibility

By: Mary E. Bellcock, LPC

As a manager of an Intensive Outpatient Program that serves adolescents with mental health and substance abuse issues, I have become increasingly aware of the necessity of outside support for these individuals. Equally important is the responsibility that parents and primary caregivers have in recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, in particular adolescent depression. According to the California Adolescent Health Collaborative (californiateenhealth.org), common signs to look for include, sleep disturbances, problems with academic performance, frequent statements about feeling sad and substance abuse.

When Life No Longer Seems Precious

By: Peggy Cunningham, MA, NCC, LPC

It is estimated that over one million people die by suicide worldwide each year - 1.8% of all deaths worldwide are suicides.  Global suicide rates have increased 69% in the last 45 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the significance of suicide and has declared September 10, 2013 as World Suicide Prevention Day.  WHO estimates that for every successful suicide there are twenty additional attempts.  It is estimated that 35,000 suicides occur in the United States each year.

Mind and Body - The Dynamic Duo

By: Anne Snider, RN, BSN

According to John Lennon, the six best doctors are sunshine, water, rest, air, exercise and diet.  And certainly, this is difficult to argue with.  However, life in general can present us with enough disruption that we can find ourselves out of sync and unable to maintain the healthy lifestyle we desire.  Coping in stressful times can be very challenging.  

Investigation, Not Accusation!

By: Jason Ulanet, MSCP

Mnemonic devices can be handy when there is something new to learn. They reorient us as we get overwhelmed by the difficult task of learning and applying new concepts. Anyone who’s had to learn to read music has probably used the Every-Good-Boy-Deserves-Fudge schema, which tells you which notes go on which lines of sheet music. Countless spelling errors have been avoided simply by repeating this familiar rhyme: “I before ‘e’, except after ‘c’”. Acronyms frequently are relied upon to remember sets of rules, concepts, or just long, clumsy names for laws (see: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act = HIPAA).

When I work with couples or families who are trying to learn how to improve their communication patterns, I use this rhyme as a mnemonic device: Investigation, Not Accusation!

Substance Abuse Among Teens

By: Doug Hall, RN, BSN, Nurse Director - Adolescent Unit

Not surprisingly, there are some adolescents that are at a higher risk for chemical dependency then others. These at-risk teens tend share several common characteristics. They are often children of substance abusers, adolescents with mental health issues, depressed or suicidal teens, or victims of physical, psychological or sexual abuse. Cultural or social norms can also influence teens to experiment and/or overuse drugs and alcohol.

Substance abuse treatment programs most commonly vary based on their length of stay.  Many inpatient programs are long term to help manage treatment and help with the detoxification process. Long term treatment programs typically provide group meetings, psychosocial support systems and drug free supervision with tests. Family support is absolutely key to the success of a patient that is struggling with a chemical dependency. Outpatient programs also feature groups, friend/family support and individual psychotherapy.

“I’m Too Busy!”

By: Anne Snider, RN, BSN

Nurse Manager, Partial Hospital Program

Many of us have a tendency to put our own needs on hold.  We may think that, “oh, this will pass” or “I just don’t have time to be sick”.  We all face demands, be they with work or school or family.  Unfortunately, left unattended, our difficulties often times mount instead of pass.  But, we all know that we can’t be for others what we would like until we are healthy for ourselves. 

Why Counseling?

Sometimes people come to see me, or they end up at the mental health facility, and wonder why they’re there.   It’s a common problem that people have, and it boils down to one question:
Why counseling?
Or more importantly,
Why would I need counseling?
First, I would like to say that one of the most common statements I hear from people that wonder if they made the right choice is:  “I was worried it looked bad/spoke ill of me if I went to counseling.”

You wonder what it says about you if you see a psychiatrist or counselor, and should friends/family/work find out. You encounter comments and sideways looks that make you question yourself.  It happens, and frankly, people can be insensitive to say the least.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help.