MENTALNOTE Quarterly Magazine
Summer 2021
Mental Health and Well-Being for All
the more you know ... Parents who show a genuine interest in their children’s athletic events, musical performances, art shows, and school activities demonstrate that they care for and value the effort their children contribute to these accomplishments. Get to know your children’s friends and ask your kids to explain and involve you in other activities they like to do, such as playing their favorite video game with them.
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MENTALNOTE
WE PROVIDE HIGH-QUALITY MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE IN MULTIPLE COLORADO COMMUNITIES, ONE PATIENT OR FAMILY AT A TIME. OUR EXCEPTIONAL MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOCUS ON ASSISTING YOU WITH COUNSELING, PSYCHIATRY, ADDICTION, AND CRISIS SERVICES. FEEL CONFIDENT IN THE CARE YOU RECEIVE. CONTACT US TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AND GET STARTED TODAY.
P4: Community Update
P5 & 26: Client Experience
P6: Spotlight
Client testimonials about Diversus Health.
Spotlighting events and providers at Diversus Health.
P8: Race Against Suicide
P9: Back to School
P10-11: Benefit of Counseling
P12-13: Counseling for Kids
P14-15: 7 Famous Women
P16-17: MH First Aid
P18-19: How to Help Someone Who is Suicidal
P20: Pillars of Health
A letter to the community from the President & CEO.
PPSPP virtual and in-person walk/run.
Speaking out about mental health.
P21: Get Back to Nature
You don’t have to travel far.
School-based services are available.
Counseling is important for our mental health.
How to help someone with a mental health issue.
We all have a role to play.
P22-23: Help P24-25: Get Someone With PTSD Involved Compassion and acceptance.
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What’s happening at Diversus Health.
P7: Mental Health Month Mental Health month activities at Diversus Health.
Professional mental and behavioral health care services.
Diversus Health is Winning with Wellness.
P27: Heroes Without Capes Rebranding our organization.
Community Partner
UPDATE Dear Valued Community Partner:
I hope this message finds you safe and well. For over 145 years, our organization has existed to help people with challenges they are facing in their lives. Over the course of that time, we have built countless partnerships with organizations like yours, and on behalf of our company, I thank you for that continued partnership and the work you do.
Lastly, the organization has not been sold and is not changing leadership. We are still governed by a volunteer Board of Directors as a non-profit community mental health center. Rather, we undertook this project with the goal of it being foundational to improve the client, employee, and community partner experience. The last year has been filled with many lessons, and in the face of challenges and uncertainty, I have been inspired by the collective work and persistence across so many communities to achieve our shared goals. The clients Diversus Health serves deserve the very best care and experience we can offer. I am humbled to have you as part of the journey to deliver that to them and thank you for your support.
For the better part of a year, we have been working on a comprehensive rebranding project that includes a new branding identity and a new name. We framed this project around the understanding that no two mental health journeys are the same, and the diverse experiences each individual carries with them can be a catalyst for positive growth and development. Our new brand aims to champion that diversity, while embodying a commitment to an experience that is both different and distinct. I am proud to share our new name: Diversus Health. We have also developed a new tagline, Mental Health and Well-Being for All, and in the spirit of our partnership, I humbly thank you for the special role you play in helping us capitalize on that promise.
If we can be of assistance and answer any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Vice President of Marketing and Communication Strategy, Elario Rickey, at Elario.Rickey@DiversusHealth.org. ADAM C. ROBERTS, MBA PRESIDENT & CEO DIVERSUS HEALTH
On January 20th, AspenPointe transitioned its brand, naming identity and image to Diversus Health. We have launched a new website (www. diversushealth.org) designed to deliver a more streamlined experience for learning about our core service offerings. There will also be a media campaign over the next several months to educate our stakeholders on our new brand identity, and I wanted to be sure you were aware of these changes and where they were coming from in advance. This change will not disrupt the care we deliver or the populations we serve, and clients have been notified of this change as well. 4
Experience & Voice I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR DIVERSUS HEALTH.
They have helped me come such a long way from being lost in the world to having a solid foundation. If you are struggling with anxieties, depression, and/or addictions they can guide you back to safety. I was so lost and very sick my first time walking through their doors and over the past decade Diversus Health has helped me to find freedom from the darkness that was all I ever knew. I can now see the light and beauty in life.
DIVERSUS HEALTH PROVIDES the mental health
care and support that I need to live a healthy, happy life! They are considerate, professional, polite, and attentive. They are punctual and compassionate. I am truly blessed to have them to rely upon!
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Spotlight DIVERSUS HEALTH EVENTS AND PROVIDERS
Diversus Health is a Proud Sponsor of the 2nd Annual Becky Baker Foundation Charity Golf Tournament at The Broadmoor The Becky Baker Foundation (BBF) works to prevent breast cancer by providing awareness and sponsoring thermograms and mammograms for women, especially those who cannot afford it. The BBF offers continuing education and assistance for men who become supporters or caregivers for their wives, girlfriends, and moms. Every dollar raised goes directly towards the BBF mission in Colorado Springs. Diversus Health is proud to be a gold sponsor in support of the Becky Baker Foundation and their mission to helping individuals fighting breast cancer in Colorado Springs.
The BBF was founded to honor Becky, a courageous Stage IV metastatic cancer patient who was given three months to live in 2013. She committed to a fourfold mental and emotional plan that included Lifestyle, Attitude, Food, and Faith. She lived until 2017.
Provider Spotlights
Kristy Gill (right)
teenagers keep me young!”
Kristy Gill has been at Diversus Health for over six years. She works with adolescents in the Child & Family Network. Kristy enjoys supporting youth through a tumultuous time in life that has so much risk and opportunity. She loved watching young people explore and grow in a complicated world. “The
Kristy has recently started a new adventure at Diversus Health as a clinical supervisor. She looks forward to learning from and supporting her colleagues. Outside of work, Kristy likes to hike, read, practice arts and crafts, and drink fancy coffee. Dr. Elizabeth Garcia-Janis serves as a child and adult psychiatrist and has been with Diversus Health since 2017. She brings a wide breadth of experience to our team, including time as a medical director in a child and adolescent units in hospitals in Louisville, KY; chief medical officer in comprehensive psychiatric care agencies in Louisville, Kentucky and Holland, Michigan; served as medical director in hospitals and organizations in Louisville, KY, as well Dr. Elizabeth Garcia-Janis as serving as the only psychiatrist at the Pine Ridge Hospital, serving 40,000 Lakota Native Americans, in response to the tribal emergency regarding youth suicides. Dr. Garcia-Janis’s passion is global humanitarian and disaster relief work, through which she has provided aid to the Katrina evacuees in Texas, tsunami victims in Thailand, refugees in Costa Rica, as well as clean water work in Africa, and volcanic eruptions in the Philippines. She founded the Phoenix Global Humanitarian Foundation with the mission to serve those who suffered disasters, losses, and tragedies. She has written and published six books, and holds numerous other awards for local and global humanitarian work. 6
Mental Health Month MAY 2021 May was Mental Health Awareness Month. As part of our ongoing mission to raise awareness and promote mental health and well-being for all, Diversus Health ran a variety of fun and exciting activities throughout the month of May, including a coloring contest for all ages, conversations with our mental health professionals to address common questions from our clients, and a wellness event for all staff at Cheyenne Mountain State Park called Diversus Health Rocks! Thank you to all who participated to help make Mental Health Awareness Month a huge success. *Photos included below showcase our coloring contest winners and families and staff at our wellness event, Diversus Health Rocks!
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Diversus Health is proud to be a sponsor of the 2021 RACE AGAINST SUICIDE 5K Walk | 3K Run VIRTUAL & IN – PERSON
Run, hop, or skip alongside your Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention community at their amazing Colorado Springs 5K run or 3K walk at El Pomar Youth Sports Park on September 19, 2021. Be sure to stop by the Diversus Health tent! Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the state of Colorado. This scary reality is something we can work together to change. Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership has been serving the Pikes Peak Region in the name of suicide prevention since 1993. PPSPP provides free suicide resources and suicide support services to our community in efforts to increase awareness, provide education and to connect individuals and organizations to needed resources. pikespeaksuicideprevention.org
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School-Based Services
Diversus Health is co-located in various school districts in Colorado Springs. The clinicians, located inside these schools, provide initial diagnostic, individual, family and group therapy as well as case management services. Our school-based services are adapting as the school year progresses. School-based therapy can provide easier access for students and their parents/guardians, while creating collaboration with school counselors. Currently, we are located in the following school districts: 2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 14, and 49.
Safe-to-Tell Reporting
It is important for parents, teachers, students, and friends of students to keep an eye on any changes they notice in those around them. You may notice isolation, changes in appetite, sleep, or lack of motivation to engage in schoolwork or activities they enjoy. If you see or hear something that concerns you, call or text it in ASAP. CALL 1-877-542-7233 (SAFE).
LGBTQ+ Resources
Inside Out Youth Services has compiled a list of resources that can be accessed from home for those needing more support, information, or just some cheering up right now to help provide access to vital support services for LGBTQ+ youth, the LGBTQ+ community more generally, as well as their families and loved ones. https://tinyurl.com/3zvteuhr 9
As the school year begins, anxiety related to the unknowns is normal. Asking questions and having an open conversation can help to understand and identify your child's emotions and feelings during these times. Need extra help? We offer services to assist both the parents and the children target specific challenges. Contact us at (719) 572-6100 to get started today.
What is the Importance & Benefit of Counseling? COUNSELING IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH
Professional counseling can have a profound impact on the lives of individuals, families, and communities that revieve counseling services. At Diversus Health, counseling services help people navigate difficult and often stressful life situations, including the death of a loved one, divorce, natural disasters, stress related to school, the loss of a job, and more. Our providers at Diversus Health are equipped with the tools and insights to manage mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Counseling is important and benefits people by empowering individuals to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Katie Blickenderfer, LCSW and interim Chief Clinical Officer at Diversus Health, says, “It is natural, when encountering life stressors, to have experiences that are different than your normal everyday experiences. If you notice a change in your or your loved one’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are concerning, connect with a mental health counselor for help and support.”
making lasting, positive change. Schedule an appointment with one of our caring providers at Diversus Health to get started today.
An addiction counselor may focus on teaching and encouraging skills that allow individuals to reduce their cravings or dependency and eliminate triggers from their lives. Professional mental health care providers may assist WHY IS COUNSELING SO recovering individuals in IMPORTANT DURING developing habits that For many, RECOVERY? resist temptation and having a replace destructive Few tools and caring provider behaviors with resources are who listens is positive practices more important helpful. that build better than counseling as bridges in relationone journeys the road ships with others to recovery. Whether an and themselves. In many individual has been the victim situations, counseling can help in of domestic violence or struggles overcoming trauma, navigatwith an addiction, counseling ing mental and emotional can play a vital role in helping roadblocks, and regaining to overcome the mental and feelings of self-worth and emotional challenges associated confidence. The goal may be to with personal situations. Every reduce stress and anxiety, form person’s recovery process is healthy relationships, or take different. For many, having a other positive steps toward caring provider who listens is recovery. helpful. For others, having access to informed advice and support can be advantageous in 10
4 REASONS WHY COUNSELING IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR MENTAL HEALTH There are many stigmas surrounding counseling. It is common for people to think that visiting with a counselor makes an individual “less than” those who do not seek out this type of treatment. The truth is counseling can be beneficial for everyone. “Asking for help for mental health concerns is no different than asking for help for physical health concerns and it is important that we continue to normalize mental health care in our community,” Blickenderfer says. Here are four reasons why counseling is important to integrate into any lifestyle:
1. SPEAK YOUR MIND FREELY Visiting with a professional counselor allows individuals the opportunity to speak freely and truthfully, without filters or fear of judgment. Counselors are available to listen and alleviate concerns of burdening others with heavy conversation. At Diversus Health, our providers act as a support system, giving patients the permission and freedom to speak their way to healing.
Counseling and mental health treatment is an important benefit for everyone. Consider talking to one of our professional counselors at Diversus Health to begin improving your everyday life. To learn about our counseling services for children, read our article on Counseling Services for Kids at Diversus Health.
2. RECEIVE VALIDATION & CLARITY It can be difficult to understand and process emotions alone. Rather than remain confused, seeking out professional counseling and care can be the best way to digest uncertain feelings and find clarity. Counselors can provide validation to help support individuals through life challenges, guiding clients toward healthy ways of coping with and processing emotions.
3. GAIN ADVICE & EXPLANATIONS Counselors go through rigorous education and certification programs in order to analyze and assess the human condition and psychology. Chances are likely that providers have worked with many individuals who have faced a multitude of struggles. Having access to a professional allows people to ask questions, gain advice, and obtain explanations for what and why certain feelings arise.
4. FEEL ACCEPTED & CARED FOR Talking to a stranger about personal life burdens and struggles can be difficult. It can be especially challenging to open up and be vulnerable when fear is involved. Taking the step to seek counseling is an act of bravery. Counselors at Diversus Health are here to help people feel accepted and cared for. Our providers can help guide individuals toward healthy avenues of self-improvement and positive life changes. Book an appointment with us today. 11
(719) 572-6100 Walk-in Center Available 24/7/365 Call 1-844-493-TALK (8255) Text “TALK” to 38255 Drop by 115 S. Parkside Dr. Colorado Springs, CO
Counseling services for kids at Diversus Health Diversus Health provides professional mental and behavioral health care and counseling services for kids of all ages. At Diversus Health, we provide professional mental and behavioral health care and counseling services in Colorado. Our professional counselors and licensed providers work with children in early childhood through adolescence. We believe it is important to hear your voice and we listen to your experiences. We encourage healthy engagement throughout the counseling and therapy process in order to help guide you through the healing process. 12
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD WILL BENEFIT FROM COUNSELING SERVICES? Parents and guardians of children who may benefit from engaging in counseling services at Diversus Health often wonder what signs and symptoms to look for prior to booking an appointment for professional care. We tend to look at multiple environments as an indication of mental health concerns with children. In some cases, it may be something in the environment creating a concern that can easily be remedied outside of traditional therapy.
Q. How long will my child be in treatment?
Some of the biggest behavioral indicators include:
A. Depending on the rapport developed between your child and the therapist, the collaboration of parents and the therapist, and the degree of the mental health concerns evaluated, each situation is unique. Your therapist can discuss this in further detail with you in the first few sessions after they have developed a better sense of you and your child’s needs.
• A decline in your child’s grades. • Withdrawal from friends and family relationships. • An increase in negative behaviors. • Uncontrolled anger or heightened emotional reactions. • Feeling unsafe, having frequent nightmares, or significant changes in sleep. • Expressed hopelessness or statements of selfharm. If you feel that any of these signs or symptoms resonate with you and your child’s experiences, call or contact us at Diversus Health to schedule an appointment today. We are dedicated to providing you and your child with the care you need, when you need it.
Q. What can I do to help the therapy process?
A. Parents play a vital role in the therapy process. Being open-minded to suggestions and the education your therapist provides is a great start in helping the therapy process progress smoothly. Children often enroll in therapy with a system that requires support and therapists need your help with that process. As a parent, you are the expert of your child and his or her needs. Your therapist is the expert in the mental health field. The collaboration of both parties is essential in your child’s therapeutic success.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health crisis and need immediate assistance, call our crisis hotline at 844-493-8255, or text ‘TALK’ to 38255.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELING FOR KIDS Q. What can I expect from the first few weeks or months of treatment at Diversus Health?
We offer teletherapy services. Connect with us in the comfort of your own home, using a smartphone, a tablet, or a computer. Learn more about our counseling services at Diversus Health and call us to book an appointment to get started today.
A. The first couple of weeks or months is dedicated to getting to know you and your child. Rapport and relationship-building are the most fundamental elements of therapy. Some children develop a relationship with their therapist quickly, while others may take some time to engage. During this time, your therapist will need your support and collaboration to learn about your parenting style and your child’s personality. A team approach between parents and therapists will help engage your child in therapy more quickly and help readily address the most significant concerns.
Contact Center: (719) 572-6100
Q. Is what my child experiencing normal?
A. Every child and situation are unique. Your therapist can help you understand what behaviors are typically seen in children undergoing similar situations and can help you understand what is typical for the age and development of your child. 13
7 Famous Women Speaking In recent years, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a shift in how people perceive and talk about mental health. Today, as we celebrate women across the globe, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight seven female celebrities who have opened up to speak out about their own mental health struggles. The media often portrays mental and psychiatric illness in a negative, stigmatizing, and dangerous fashion. According to mental health experts, public figures who are willing to discuss their struggles with depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health challenges are not only important, but effective for helping to break down the stigma, spark essential dialogues, and inspire individuals to seek treatment. The following female stars have spoken candidly about their mental health battles with everything from postpartum depression to PTSD. BILLY EILISH
ZENDAYA
Singer Billie Eilish has frequently spoken out about her mental health struggles as a growing artist in the music industry and said that asking for help “doesn’t make you weak.” In her recent documentary on Apple TV+, Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry, Eilish reveals the reality of her mental health struggles while on the rise to global super stardom. Her honesty about her personal experiences with Tourette Syndrome, body dysmorphic disorder, and depression has given voice to historically underrepresented communities. Throughout the documentary, she gets candid about the dark secrets of her life, admitting that when she was 14 or 15, she used to cut herself and had thoughts of suicide. Eilish says, “You should be able to ask anyone for help.”
In the September 2020 issue of InStyle magazine, the Euphoria star, Zendaya, opened up about her struggles with anxiety, saying, “I think a lot of it stems from the pressure I put on myself, wanting to do my best and not make a mistake.” She told the magazine, “I definitely don’t have it under control yet…I do find that talking about it is helpful, and that can often mean calling my mom in the middle of the night.
DEMI LOVATO
SELENA GOMEZ
Pop star, Demi Lovato has spent several years speaking out about her struggles with addiction and mental illness. At the National Council for Behavioral Health in Washington, D.C., she said, “I think it’s important that people no longer look at mental illness as something taboo to talk about. It’s something that’s extremely common, one in five adults has a mental illness, so basically everyone is essentially connected to this problem and this epidemic.”
After battling the challenges of lupus over several years, singer and actress, Selena Gomez revealed details about her mental health struggle during the April 3, 2020 episode of Miley Cyrus’s “Bright Minded” Instagram Live show. She opened up to explain how she discovered she was bipolar after going to a mental hospital for treatment. She indicated that her diagnosis helped her to learn more about herself, saying, “When I have more information, it actually helps me. It doesn’t scare me once I know it…I wanted to know everything about it, and it took the fear away.”
She went on to say, “The problem with mental illness is people don’t look at it as a physical illness. When you think about it, the brain is actually the most complex organ in your body. We need to treat it like a physical illness and take it seriously.” 14
Out About Mental Health KRISTEN BELL
LADY GAGA
ARIANA GRANDE
Actress Kristen Bell, who struggles with depression and anxiety, is an outspoken advocate for mental health. In an essay written for Motto, she slammed the stereotype that people who suffer from mental illness are weak. Instead, Bell emphasized the significance of mental health awareness and the importance of having regular mental health check-ins. She wrote, “There’s nothing weak about struggling with mental illness. For me, depression is not sadness. It’s not having a bad day and needing a hug. It gave me a complete and utter sense of isolation and loneliness. Its debilitation was all-consuming, and it shut down my mental circuit board. I felt worthless, like I had nothing to offer, like I was a failure.”
In 2016, during her visit to the Ali Forney Center for homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City, Grammy Award-winning singer, Lady Gaga opened up about her suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sharing that she doesn’t remember anything from when her career took off, she said, “It’s like I’m traumatized. I needed time to recalibrate my soul.” Gaga previously revealed in 2014 that she was raped at the age of 19.
Singer/songwriter, Ariana Grande continues to open up about her mental health struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often taking to Twitter and Instagram to share her experiences with the world. In addition to the deadly terrorist attack at her 2017 concert in Manchester, England, Grande has endured many challenges in the public eye, including suffering the loss of her exboyfriend, Mac Miller, and breaking off her engagement with Pete Davidson in 2018.
“Anxiety and depression are impervious to accolades or achievements,” Bell wrote. “Anyone can be affected, despite their level of success or their place on the food chain. Now, after seeking help, I can see that those thoughts, of course, couldn’t have been more wrong. It’s important for me to be candid about this so people in a similar situation can realize that they are not worthless and that they do have something to offer. We all do.”
Later, in an interview on the Today Show, Gaga said, “The kindness that’s shown to me by doctors, as well as my family and my friends, really saved my life.” She went on to pen an open letter about her PTSD for her nonprofit organization, the Born This Way Foundation, writing, “There is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but it’s important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery.” 15
In 2019, Grande shared a brain scan to show how severe her PTSD is compared to that of a brain without the effects of PTSD, captioning it “not a joke.” She then told her fans, “I didn’t mean to startle anyone with my brain thingy. It just blew me away. I found it informative and interesting and wanted to encourage y’all to make sure you check on your brains/ listen to your bodies/take care of yourselves too. I am constantly working on my health/learning how to process pain (aren’t we all).” Earlier that same year, she wrote, “…Honestly therapy has saved my life so many times. You don’t have to be in constant pain, and you can process trauma. If you’re afraid to ask for help, don’t be.”
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
THESE COURSES WILL TEACH YOU HOW TO APPLY THE ALGEE ACTION PLAN:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm Listen nonjudgmentally Give reassurance and information Encourage appropriate professional help
WHAT IT COVERS
Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Why Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Who should take it? Community members, employers, HR specialists, hospital staff, first responders, faith
leaders and other caring individuals.
• Signs and symptoms of most common mental health challenges and substance misuse • How to have a supportive conversation • How to connect a person with help • Self-care for the caregiver
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YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Why Youth Mental Health First Aid? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 5.5 hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
STATS
This program can benefit teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents and others who work with youth.
64.1%
1 in 5
– Mental Health America
– National Alliance for Mental Illness
of youth with major depression DO NOT RECEIVE ANY MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.
teens and young adults LIVES WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION.
5.13%
of youth report having a SUBSTANCE USE OR ALCOHOL PROBLEM. – Mental Health America
• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness in this age group, including: anxiety, depression, eating disorders and ADHD • Common signs and symptoms of substance use • How to connect the person with help • How to interact with a child/adolescent in crisis • NEW: Expanded content on trauma, addiction, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying
First Aiders will complete a 2-hour self-paced online class and then participate in an interactive 5.5 hour instructor led video conference. Must have access to video and audio to participate.
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(719) 352-1471 mhfacoordinator@gmail.com diversushealth.org
How to Help Someone Who is Suicidal Suicide can be prevented. As family members, friends, coworkers, and neighbors, when it comes to keeping the people we care about safe, we all have a role to play in our communities. It can be intimidating to talk about suicide or ask individuals about what they are going through. The more we are aware of and understand suicide, suicide prevention, and mental health, the more we can do to help save lives.
• Seeking access to the means to kill themself, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills.
HOW TO TELL IF SOMEONE IS SUICIDAL
• Sleeping constantly or experiencing insomnia.
We often do not want to believe a loved one could be suicidal. Most times, individuals will exhibit multiple signs of suicide. “It is important to work together as a community to help save lives, and one of the best ways to help is to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal and then be available to listen to whatever your loved one needs in that moment,” says Dr. Helen Littrell, Diversus Health Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Clinician.
• Being preoccupied with death, dying, or violence.
Here is a list of signs of suicide that may be helpful to look out for in the people you care about.
You may be unsure of what to do or how to help. You may worry whether you should take talk of suicide seriously or be concerned if your intervention might make the situation worse. It is always the best choice to take action and take expressions of suicidal ideation seriously, as opposed to dismissing suicidal talk and ideations.
SIGNS OF SUICIDE: • Talking or writing about death or suicide. • Expressing feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation. • Exhibiting dramatic mood shifts or changes. • Withdrawing from loved ones and society or wanting to be left alone.
• Increasing use of alcohol or drugs. • Behaving recklessly, participating in risky or self-destructive behavior. • Developing personality changes, seeking revenge, or expressing uncontrollable rage. • Experiencing anxiety or agitation, unable to self-soothe or calm down.
• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing so.
It can be upsetting to hear someone say they are thinking about or considering suicide.
“The goal is for anyone who feels suicidal to be able to openly talk about it in a non-judgmental space and receive appropriate care,” says Dr. Littrell. 18
START BY ASKING QUESTIONS The first step to helping someone who is suicidal is to find out whether they are in danger of acting on their suicidal feelings. Determine the urgency of the situation by assessing for risk of suicide or harm. Be sensitive and ask direct questions, such as: • How are you coping with what’s been happening in your life? • Do you feel like giving up? • Are you thinking about dying, hurting yourself or suicide? • Have you ever thought about suicide before, or tried to harm yourself? • Have you ever thought about how or when you would kill yourself? • Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself? Offering an opportunity for an individual to talk about their feelings may reduce their risk of acting on suicidal feelings. Some people believe that mentioning suicide may cause someone to consider suicide for the first time. This is untrue. You are more likely to help someone feel less alone if they were considering suicide by talking about it with them. All thoughts of suicide must be treated seriously. If someone has a plan and is ready to carry out that plan, call 911 immediately and ask for a mental health professional to be dispatched so that an assessment can be made. 19
If you think an individual is in danger, keep the person safe. Stay with them for as long as you can. An actively suicidal person should not be left alone. If you cannot stay, find someone who can be with the person until help arrives. You can always call our Diversus Health crisis hotline for assistance, at (719) 635-7000.
ENCOURAGE PROFESSIONAL HELP If you are concerned for a suicidal person’s immediate safety, call 911. If you are concerned and know that the situation is not immediately urgent, ensure the person has a safety contact available at all times. If you are sure the crisis has passed, the individual is not actively suicidal but has suicidal thoughts, encourage them to seek appropriate professional help. THE DIVERSUS HEALTH WALK-IN CENTER IS AVAILABLE 24/7/365. 1-844-493-TALK (8255) Text “TALK” to 38255 115 S. Parkside Dr. Colorado Springs, CO
AWARENESS For more information about how you can help someone with suicidal thoughts and ideations, sign up and join us for our free, virtual QPR suicide prevention training (see page 20 for details), and learn more with Diversus Health today.
Pillars of Health HOW DIVERSUS HEALTH IS WINNING WITH WELLNESS
In an effort to support the health and well-being of its’ employees, Diversus Health has adopted the Three Pillars of Health as part of its employee wellness program and provides opportunities to enact NNECTthe pillars with employee and family events.
PILLARS OF HEALTH MOVE: Physical activity is movement for daily life function. Inactivity invites disease, and can cause the onset of many health disparities. Be active daily. FUEL: Nutrition, hydration, and intake of foods to sustain energy for work, and life functions. Begin to modify eating habits, and provide your body with nutrients needed to live a healthier life. CONNECT: The mindfulness component and journey. Finding oneself. Providing growth in financial footholds, career paths, the environment and connecting with family, friends, the universe, nature, and the world.
Diversus Health employees and their families and friends participate in wellness activities, including biometric screening and attending a Switchbacks soccer game.
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Get Back to Nature YOU DON’T HAVE TO TRAVEL FAR FROM HOME The next time you go outside, take notice of nature (green spaces, fresh air, birds chirping) and how it makes you feel. The natural world is all around us, and spending time outdoors can have a positive effect on your health and well-being. Here are some ways that nature can give you a boost.
GET FIT. Spending time outdoors provides plenty of ways to move your body, whether you’re
going for a hike in the woods or a walk around the block.
INCREASE VITAMIN D. A daily dose of sunlight can help improve your levels of vitamin D. Be sure to protect yourself by wearing sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
BOOST YOUR MOOD. Sunlight can raise your body’s serotonin levels, which may also help
improve your mood. Spending time outdoors may even improve your outlook and help you tap into some positive energy.
IMPROVE YOUR FOCUS. Taking a break to step outside can help clear your mind. And doing so may also help you refocus your attention when you return to your task. LOWER YOUR STRESS.
When stress builds up, a change of scenery can help you feel better. The sights and sounds of nature may help calm your mind while reducing stress and anxiety.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS. When you’re outside, you might cross paths with others who are out walking, biking or just getting some fresh air. Even the smallest interactions along the way can help you feel connected to your community. SLEEP BETTER. Getting outdoors in the sun helps keep your sleep cycle on track. This helps you feel energized during the day and ready for sleep at night.
TRY SOME FUN WAYS TO ADD MORE NATURE TO YOUR DAY. • Explore your own backyard or neighborhood. • Add a bird feeder and birdbath to attract wildlife. • Go outside for a walking meeting. • Read a book under a tree. • Go hiking, fishing or camping. • Step outside to admire the night sky.
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Source:1. WebMD. Health Benefits of Getting Outside. https://www.webmd. com/balance/ss/slideshow-healthbenefits-nature (last reviewed/updated June 9, 2019).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often occurs when an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Common trauma can include affects from natural disasters, severe accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, unwanted or non-consensual sexual conduct or sexual violence, death threats, or serious injuries. “PTSD can develop from prolonged exposure to something that is perceived as harmful,” says Michelle Wright, LPC, MA, and Supervisor of Clinical Programs at Diversus Health. “Exposure to an unhealthy environment such as a work situation, an unhealthy marriage, or possibly effects of this pandemic. At first glance, these situations may not be considered an event that would cause PTSD.” Affecting approximately 3.5 percent of adults in the U.S. annually, PTSD can occur in any person, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, culture, or age. It is imperative to seek treatment for PTSD early and before symptoms become more severe over time. For some people, PTSD can last for many years. Individuals with PTSD experience intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the incident that triggered their trauma, which can last long after the event has ended. Some may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares. It is not uncommon for people with PTSD to feel sad, fearful, angry, detached, or estranged from others. PTSD may cause individuals to avoid situations or people who remind them of the traumatic event, and something as ordinary as a loud noise or an accidental touch may trigger strong negative reactions.
The Best Way to Support Someone With PTSD
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HOW TO HELP SOMEONE WITH PTSD PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can at times be debilitating. Like depression or other mental and behavioral issues, PTSD is not something an individual can easily snap out of. Symptoms can arise any time after the triggering event. Common traits of PTSD often include: • At least one re-experiencing symptom, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or frightening thoughts.
for everyone involved. Talk to a loved one or a professional and acknowledge spoken or unspoken feelings. Be patient with yourself or your loved one who is suffering with PTSD. It is important to show your support in all ways and encourage treatment for recovery. Compassion and acceptance can go a long way in helping to support someone with PTSD.
• At least one avoidance symptom like evading crowds or activities which include many people. • At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms, such as having a short fuse or getting easily frustrated. • At least two cognition and mood symptoms, including negative self-esteem, guilt, aggression, skittishness, explosive outbursts, or blame.
TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE There are treatment options available amid the feelings of hopelessness. People suffering with PTSD have options to help tackle the mental health issue, including educational resources and seeking the help of a professional mental healthcare provider. A few additional options include seeking therapy as a partner of someone with PTSD, encouraging individuals with PTSD to seek a specialist in PTSD, attending couples therapy, and finding support groups for PTSD.
“I have seen people be confused by their symptoms because they do not believe the ‘thing’ they went through was severe enough to cause PTSD or their family has that belief,” says Wright. “This can become a barrier in people seeking treatment or others being supportive or understanding of what they are going through.” Learning about PTSD can help you understand and relate to what you or your loved one is going through and what to expect.
COMPASSION & ACCEPTANCE CAN GO A LONG WAY
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We all experience trauma throughout our lives, but we do not have to let it define us. The most resilient people I know have had a diagnosis of PTSD, but because they sought treatment, they were able to heal and make meaning from their suffering.”
People suffering with PTSD often feel unlovable and undeserving. At times, PTSD can make the world seem like a dangerous and untrustworthy place. If left untreated, negative thoughts can become generalized so that negativity permeates all aspects of an individual’s life. These negative traits can carry over into an individual’s relationships, creating insecurity, distrust, and causing irrational behaviors and even emotional meltdowns. This can lead couples to feel disconnected, isolated, and caught in the vicious psychological cycle.
Many people find answers in formal treatment. Psychotherapy and medication can be effective for recovering from trauma or you can learn about cognitive behavioral therapy used to treat PTSD. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of PTSD, our providers at Diversus Health are here to support you. Schedule an appointment to speak with one of our providers and get your journey to recovery started today.
“We all experience traumatic events throughout our lives, and even if we do not develop PTSD, I believe the more we can learn about trauma and understand its impact the easier we can heal from it and support others who are struggling,” says Wright. “There is a lot of confusion regarding trauma and PTSD which makes it more important to provide education and ways to seek help.” Individuals with PTSD often feel a lack of selfcontrol. When talking to your loved one about PTSD, be a good listener. PTSD can be challenging
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(719) 572-6100
Get INVOLVED Join Us for Free, Virtual QPR Suicide Prevention Training In 2021, suicide rates continue to rise across America. It is important we work together as a community to help save lives. Diversus Health is partnering with Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Coalition to provide FREE QPR suicide prevention training.
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What Are the Benefits of Participating in QPR Training? Talking about suicide can be difficult. This evidencebased seminar focuses on discussing suicide, life, and death in a healthy, supportive way, as well as the normalcy of feeling anxious when talking about suicide with others. Diversus Health Suicide Prevention Coordinator and Clinician, Helen Littrell, says, “This 1.5 hour training can help anyone have more confidence in asking their loved ones about suicide or help them get to the care they need, no additional training required.”
of teens who die by suicide show clear warning signs.
Do you know what signs to look for or what to do when someone you love demonstrates suicidal symptoms or tendencies?
How to Register for Our FREE QPR Training
What is QPR Training?
These trainings are open to Diversus Health clients, families and friends, as well as the general public. This training is held virtually, every third Friday of the month. Each session will focus on the same training material, so you can join once or as many times as you need. Sign up today to attend our upcoming QPR training and learn more about how you can take a role in participating in healthy and supportive conversations to prevent suicide.
QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer, an acronym used for gateway training in suicide prevention. When it comes to saving the life of someone in a mental health crisis, QPR is the equivalent of CPR training. This training educates participants in basic suicide prevention and how to support those who may be at risk of suicide. Every responsible community member should know how to identify the signs of suicide and how to seek help.
www.cognitoforms.com/PikesPeakSuicidePreventionPartnership/ TrainingRegistrationForm
*QPR participants with personal experience of suicide should be aware that some of the material presented may trigger intense emotions. QPR trainers will be available for a period after each session to check in with anyone who may need to talk and/or be connected with additional support. Participants triggered or affected by the training material are encouraged to seek support with QPR trainers via the training chat.
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Using Language to Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health Words can be a barrier to those seeking help and a motivator for making discriminatory remarks acceptable. WORDS MATTER. The way we use words to describe mental health matters. Mental health has been systematically stigmatized for many decades, with generations of people growing up in a society that unconsciously accepted terms like “psycho,” “schizo,” “crazy,” and “loony,” to list a few. Stigma surrounding mental health has permeated our language more than any other area of health. Negative connotations involving mental health language can trap individuals in a vicious cycle of thinking they are suffering from something that may not be diagnosed, or worse, that they are somehow defined as lesser community members. As humans, we all have two systems of thinking. The first system of thinking is quick and automatic. We seem to have no sense of voluntary control over this system of thinking and it operates with little to no effort. This part of our brain is considered our “feeling brain.” To continue reading this blog post, please visit us online at diversushealth.org/mentalhealth-stigma.
With a commitment to championing diverse experiences and providing you with the resources you need, Diversus Health is aiming to open doors for a community in need of better care today to enjoy a better tomorrow. Sign up for care and learn more at DiversusHealth.org.
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Experience & Voice I REALLY APPRECIATE MY COUNSELOR.
Otha is amazing and always helps me with the bigger picture. All of the staff is really friendly as well.
I REALLY ENJOYED MY APPOINTMENT.
Carlos was awesome. He makes everyone feel like we’re all equal and he talks about his mistakes and he’s no different than we are. He encourages us to do what we need to do – he wants us to do well and finish. It’s a nice feeling. Thank you very much.
FROM THE START the team was terrific, kind, and
compassionate. They were willing to do whatever it takes to help get me to a place that I felt safe again. The walk-in clinic for emergencies is top notch and the kindness of the staff is unparalleled to anything I’ve experienced before. Period. From the staff to the food (completely delicious), right down to the department of MHT. Thank you very much all!
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Heroes Without Capes REBRANDING OUR ORGANIZATION
Recent efforts to rebrand our mental health organization from AspenPointe, Inc. to Diversus Health has been a journey to better align our business and services with our community and partners across El Paso, Park, and Teller Counties in Colorado. Our goal in this venture aimed to develop a brand identity that is distinguished, easy-to-recognize, and inspires confidence in our mental health care and expertise, while supporting a positive user experience for clients to seek help, easily schedule appointments, and receive quality health care. To fulfill this aspiration, we started by diving into a website redesign to streamline and revolutionize the digital face of our organization. When redesigning our website to Diversus Health, we sought to ensure that our prospective and existing clients would have a warm introduction to our new brand. We intended to develop a simple, yet sophisticated web design that would incorporate visual elements to help articulate our Diversus Health story and quality of care. In order to establish our needs and execute this strategy, we needed to pinpoint and align our organization with a brand archetype. A brand archetype is a universal persona that associates a business with its target audience, making the brand relevant and familiar to its customer. Considering our clients and community, as well as our healthcare providers and staff, we researched and compiled data organized around a variety of different archetypes, ultimately determining that Diversus Health would exist to leave a positive mark on the world. As leaders in the mental health industry throughout our community, we molded to identify our organization with the hero archetype. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The core desire of a hero archetype intends to prove one’s worth through courageous acts. At Diversus Health, our mental health professionals and staff work to support, care for, and validate our clients on a daily basis, always with the intent of improving our community and the world at large. With the establishment of a strong brand identity, our new website evolved to welcome and invite our patients, partners, and community members to choose Diversus Health for our exceptional mental health care and expertise, where we provide mental health and well-being for all. 27