Mental Health Awareness 2020

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS 2020 A look at Mental Health Awareness in the Hawkins County Region Saturday, October 17, 2020

This is a publication by The Rogersville Review

Page 2, Saturday, October 17, 2020

Mental Health Awareness

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‘We can only compare it to a natural disaster’ Nation facing widespread mental health decline due to pandemic

BY ALLISON F. GOLEY STAFF WRITER

A

s the nation continues the fight against COVID-19, many people are feeling the effects of the global pandemic whether or not they have contracted the virus.

The mental health of many Americans has largely declined during the pandemic, and healthcare providers are seeing these effects first hand.

In fact, Cicely Alvis, who is a Division Director at Frontier Health’s Turning Point in Johnson City told the Review that the nation is seeing mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse issues on a level similar to that seen after a large-scale natural disaster.

Like a natural disaster “There is a variety of things going on that are overwhelming for people,” Alvis said.

In regard to substance use and misuse, Frontier Health has seen an increasing number of people who are relapsing on drugs and alcohol as well as people using drugs that are resulting in non-fatal overdoses.”

As a whole, Frontier Health facilities have seen an increase in accidental overdoses.

“We’re also seeing an increase in people who are attempting suicide as well,” Alvis said. “And, I think that is trending across the country. With COVID-19, it’s interesting because the only thing to really compare to the mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence and even child abuse issues seen during the pandemic are that of natural disasters.”

She added, “For example, when there is a huge natural disaster, such as a hurricane, you see very similar things happening with people—they are losing things financially, they are losing homes and they are isolated from other people. School being ‘odd’ for right now doesn’t help the situation either. Nor does people being unable to work as they usually do.”

Alvis also noted that domestic violence issues typically increase around any natural disaster.

“Locally, in our area, there has been an increased in domestic violence-related homicides, and domestic violence as a whole is going up as well,” she said. “Child abuse is the same way. EVERYTHING starts to go up in these situations because its harder for victims to have a way to reach out for help if they are isolated at home with their abuser.”

For example, when an abused child attends school, he or she is seen more often, and physical signs of abuse are harder to hide. In domestic abuse situations, the victim may typically have times during the day when their abuser has left for work and is away. However, the abuser may now work only from home, due to COVID-19.

“There is less opportunity to leave or seek help, unless an incident occurs at the house and the police come,” she said.

“It came in waves” Alvis told the Review that the number of patients seeking Frontier Health’s services has “come in waves.”

“At first, when people were really worried about being out and about and we had less information, people really were staying at home,” she said. “We saw a lull in people coming in for services, but that has changed. Now, we are busy in our walk-in center at Turning Point, our units are busy for crisis stabilization and detoxification.

Now we’re starting to see more and more referrals for people who want to come in for residential treatment services.”

Frontier Health is also seeing another disturbing trend.

“We’re also seeing people who have relapsed after

COURTESY OF FRONTIER HEALTH

are safe. You want to make sure you’re doing the right thing every day, and it’s new territory for everyone.

There’s a lot of essential workers out there that you might not think about.”

Finding a new normal “I think COVID-19 is going to have an impact that will last a lot longer than [people first thought],” Alvis said. “I think, even several years out, it will be hard for people to feel comfortable being normal again. What does ‘normal’ look like? From a clinical perspective, I think, sometimes, if we kind-of expect things and manage our expectations, we will be able to develop more resiliency.

This is about resiliency building right now.”

She added, “We had to grieve the loss of our normal lives early on, so, eventually with grief, you have to come to the point where The mental health of many Americans has largely declined during the pandemic, and healthcare providers are seeing these you say ‘I am accepting this.

This is what happened, and effects first hand.

I’ve got to accept this new normal so that I can stay mentally okay.’” ease Control and Prevention ing home, and, especially, Accepting this ‘new (CDC) surveyed Americans not being able to see family like normal is very overnormal’ doesn’t mean on their mental health at whelming—not just for the expecting life to be this way the end of June and found person living in the nursing FOREVER. that “symptoms of anxiety home, but for the family “Accepting that there are and depression were up as well,” she said. “Sitting certain things I won’t be sharply across the board down and having a meal able to do for a while, and I between March and June, once or twice a week with will have to alter the way I compared with the same your kid, if you’re living in do the things I enjoy,” Alvis time the previous year. a nursing home, is a pretty said. “Just look forward and And young people seemed big deal. To have that taken do the best you can.” to be the hardest-hit of away and only being able to Resources any group,” as the article see someone by Facetime, Frontier Health also now reports. that’s not ideal. Especialhas a COVID-19 specific Around 11 percent of all ly if you don’t utilize that emergency line, which those surveyed said they technology much—it can be operates from 12 p.m. to had “seriously considered” 10 p.m. seven days per suicide in the past 30 days. challenging.”

She added, “It gets really week and provides FREE For respondents between COVID-19 counseling and the ages of 18 and 24, how- restrictive on what all you can do when you’re in a resources. ever, this number was one “People are clearly in four—more than twice as nursing home, anyway.

Taking away ANY sort of struggling in a variety of high. recreational activity, I can’t ways,” Alvis said. “This is “Teenagers are in a dea great way to help you get velopmental space where it imagine what that would do to someone’s mental connected to some resourcis critically important that health.” es—whatever it is that you they have regular contact Mental health in the might need.” with their peers and are incarcerated population You can also find more able to develop close and Frontier Health also information about these ongoing relationships with PHOTO BY ALLISON F. GOLEY adults outside the home, offers community justice services on the “Frontier A resident of Morristown’s Regency Retirement Village Health COVID Virtual Crisuch as their teachers, their programs in local courts enjoyed time with her grandson when the Village hosted a and jails, and Alvis noted sis Counseling” Facebook coaches, their advisers,” “bluegrass and barbecue” event last year. Unfortunately, that it has been “really page. says Lisa Damour, an adoCOVID-19 has made life more difficult for residents of assist- lescent psychologist who is challenging” to find a way to Alvis also noted that there ed living facilities, who are unable to visit family as often. a columnist and host of the provide these services while are several grants available following COVID-19 social through the department of podcast Ask Lisa: The PsyLONG periods of sobrito come to the communal chology of Parenting within distancing protocols—espe- mental health and subcially because many justice ety—years of sobriety,” she stance abuse services to living facility. the NPR article. “And I centers have released some help people who might not said. “We’ve also seen more Frontier Health is now worry very much about people seeking services who offering independent-livbe able to normally afford what it means for that to be inmates to reduce facility are new and haven’t been in ing facilities for victims of mental health services. disrupted by the pandemic.” overcrowding.

“With release planning detox or alcohol/drug resi“There’s so many options domestic violence.

This comes in a time going on in jails, it’s hard dential treatment before.” where people can receive “This will allow them to when youth suicide was to get people together to do these services for free—and “It’s really about receive all the same services already at a “record high,” the group therapy or the outreach in the commu- like they are in a shelter but even before the pandemic. if not for free, on a sliding group intervention sernity” scale,” she said. be in their own, indepenIt has increased every year Alvis explained that, in For example, crisis dent living facility,” she since 2007 and is currently vices we normally do in the the spring and early sumservices through Frontier said. the second leading cause of jails,” Alvis said. “In many mer, healthcare providers Health, such as talking She also specified that, death among people ages 10 of the jails, inmates aren’t even getting the visitations throughout Frontier Health though many of these facil- to 24. to a crisis therapist or a that they once got. I would really began reevaluating crisis clinician, visiting the ities are located in Johnson Alvis also noted that, in imagine it’s scary for people walk-in center, going to the way they provide care City, these same services Frontier Health’s Crisis who are incarcerated during a detoxification program, when they began noticing are available to Hawkins Services, the number of these disturbing trends. or crisis stabilization, are County residents as well. referrals to the Department a pandemic.”

This goes for those work- ALWAYS free—whether “It’s really about how “Young people of Children’s Services (DCS) ing with inmates as well. you’re doing outreach in the seemed to be the hardyou have private insurance, has increased locally.

“For people working with no insurance, TennCare or community,” she said. est hit” “Teachers, especially if the public in any way, it has anything else.

As Frontier Health noThough COVID-19 has class is held virtually, are been very hard,” she said. ticed upward local trends She added, “We will likely affected everyone’s seeing the insides of kids’ “Any ‘essential worker,’ it’s FIND a way to help you get in domestic violence, they mental health in some homes right now,” Alvis been hard on them, and it’s the services that you need— were faced with a whole fashion, there seems to be said. “I think it has been very stressful—making sure even if you are underfundnew dilemma of sheltering less attention focused on really eye-opening for that staff are safe, clients victims in a non-communal the mental health of young ed.” teachers.” living facility, to prevent the adults—those who often The number of children spread of COVID-19. considered most likely to be being helped through Frontier Health’s crisis services “What we found when we able to ‘beat’ COVID-19. has risen recently, though got calls to our domestic Alvis referenced a Sepviolence hotline was that tember article from NPR on she noted that the number of children in need of crisis people were scared to come this topic, which claimed Give us your business card into a communal living that “teen and youth anxiety services tends to rise when or let us design one for you. school starts in any given environment,” she said. and depression are getyear.

In fact, Frontier Health’s ting worse since COVID It will be displayed each Wednesday on the It’s hard on everybody local domestic violence lockdowns began in March, Business page, where your name will be sure Alvis explained that the hotline received calls from early studies suggest, and to catch the attention of Review readers. effects of COVID-19 on the 12 different households just many experts say they fear between March 15 of this a corresponding increase in elderly have also been particularly detrimental. year until May 15 who were youth suicide.”

“Isolation within a nursseeking help but were afraid In fact, the Center for Dis-

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COVID-19 Not Just a Medical Monster but a Mental Monster as Well COURTESY OF AMY HAYNES, MD

of our nation has definitely been affected.

BALLAD HEALTH MEDICAL According to a nationASSOCIATES FAMILY MEDIwide poll by Kaiser Family CINE Foundation more than half, about 53%, of US adults ho would reported their mental have thought health has been negatively 10 years, impacted due to worry and five years, or stress over the pandemeven one year ago that we ic compared to 32% just would be in the midst of a prior to the beginning of PHOTO COURTESY OF BALLAD HEALTH the pandemic. Fear, grief, pandemic that has caused Dr. Amy Haynes is a physiso much destruction, but and anxiety around the cian at Rogersville’s Ballad about which we know so virus itself has increased, little? By this time, many of Health Medical Associates but financial instability, job clinic. She specializes in us are well aware of all the loss, isolation, uncertainty physical symptoms that can Family Medicine. around school and work, accompany COVID-19 such and the well-publicized as cough, fever, shortness of as easily identified, and political disagreement have breath, diarrhea, headache, although are not necessarily all combined to create the fatigue, and loss of smell related to infection with the perfect storm that is wreakand taste, but how many of SARS CoV2 virus, they are ing havoc on our emotions. us are aware of the mencertainly a result of the panAnxiety, depression, and tal symptoms that are not demic? The mental health thoughts of suicide have

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been on the rise at a sharper rate since the pandemic began. Much of our distress is due to the all-encompassing nature and the vast amount of uncertainty that surrounds the virus. In this age of having limitless amounts of information at our fingertips, quite literally, we do not take well to the unknown and lack of good hard facts. That information deficit leaves us quite off balance and at risk for declining mental health.

Some of the symptoms of worsening mental health can include palpitations (fluttering in the chest), feeling nervous or restless, having a sense of impending doom or panic, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating,

trembling, feeling weak or tired, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, nausea, diarrhea, loss of interest in things previously enjoyed, loss of motivation to engage in activities, do chores, or go to work, feelings of sadness/unhappiness, anger , irritability, tiredness, or thoughts of self-harm.

Many times, these symptoms can be mild and self-managed, but they can also be more significant or severe to the point they interfere with an individual’s ability to function in daily life, and at that point, it is time to seek professional help with a medical or behavioral health provider.

It is important to understand anxiety and depression are medical

illnesses like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes. Although they can be caused by stress in our environment, there is a physiologic response in our bodies that causes the symptoms that are experienced. It is not “all in your head” and despite all efforts, the majority of the time, it cannot be “wished away” and takes professional help to be managed.

So, if you or someone you love is suffering from the mental monster associated with COVID-19 (or any other cause), realize you are not alone and there is help available. Contact your medical health or behavioral health provider or call the Crisis Hotline at 855-CRISIS 1 (855-274-7471).

A dreary combination Steps to defeat the ‘winter blues’ during a pandemic

BY ALLISON F. GOLEY STAFF WRITER “The winter blues are very common, with many of us experiencing a mood shift during the colder, darker days of winter,” reads an article published by Rush University Medical Center. “You may find yourself feeling more lethargic and down overall. Although you may feel more gloomy than usual, the winter blues typically don’t hinder your ability to enjoy life.”

For some people, however, these feelings may begin to affect all aspects of life.

For people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the onset of colder, dreary months already can bring on feeling of depression, hopelessness, low energy, trouble sleeping difficulty concentrating and thoughts of suicide, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Many medical experts are predicting that the combination of the approaching winter and the pandemic could spell disaster for Americans’ mental health.

Vaile Wright, Ph.D., senior director of health care innovation for the American Psychological Association said in an article in TODAY magazine, “The cumulative

effect, particularly for those prone to depression or seasonal affective disorder, is that they can start to feel hopeless. It feels like there’s no end in sight.

There’s nothing but bad news all the time. It can be hard to maintain any sort of optimism.”

“Everyone should be thinking about these things. Even people who tend to fare well in winter might be stressed about politics or finances,” Jon Weingarden, Psy.D., senior program director at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Western Psychiatric Hospital said in the TODAY article.

“People who don’t normally experience winter depression could have a harder time this year…”

This combination makes it all the more essential to let the public know about local options to seek help.

What is seasonal affective disorder?

According to an article published by Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, “Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year—most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may trigger a chemical change in the brain leading to symptoms of depression.”

What can I do?

There are several tips that people can implement to avoid the “winter blues”; however, it is also essential to recognize the symptoms of SAD and know when to seek help.

The aforementioned article from TODAY magazine recommended the following eight steps for beating the “winter blues:” 1. Bulk up your outdoor time in the fall

2. Spend time in sunlight 3. Maintain your routines 4. If you drink alcohol, keep it moderate 5. Talk to an expert about light therapy 6. Practice meditation or mindfulness 7. Get professional help 8. Connect with other people “Everybody’s tools are going to have to change,” said Cicely Alvis, who is a Division Director at Frontier Health’s Turning Point in Johnson City.

“Keeping a routine inside your house while you are indoors and being safe is key. Come up with a strategy and have structure. Getting up, making your bed, having balance and not just watching tv all day. Think about exercising inside your house and what that’s going to look like. Also, make sure you have the right kind of clothing so that you can spend time outside.”

Alvis noted that many gyms are open again and suggest visitors wear masks to ensure everyone can enjoy the gym safely.

“Strategies to be able to be outside AND inside safely are key,” she said.

She also explained that recent data shows that alcohol sales went “through the roof” during the first few months of the pandemic.

“Making good choices, eating healthy and trying to get some form of exercise is really important for people to stay mentally ‘sharp’,” she said.

If you or someone you know needs to seek professional help, check out the sidebar included in this issue with contact information for local mental health services.

Saving a life

BY ALLISON F. GOLEY STAFF WRITER 47,000 people in the nation died by suicide in 2017, with 1,163 being from Tennessee, 9 being from Hawkins County, and 2 being from Hancock County.

Suicide is ranked as the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control) 10th leading cause of death in the nation as a whole and the second leading cause of death for adolescents ages 15-19.

Chances are, nearly everyone has either thought about suicide, attempted it or know of someone who has.

So, what can we as a county do help someone who is suffering and potentially save a life?

Spotting the warning signs “If you think somebody might be suicidal, don’t worry about putting the idea in their mind by mentioning it,” said ETSU Counseling Center Director Dr. Dan Jones. “It’s better to go ahead and ask, ‘have you been thinking about suicide?’ so that, if they are, you can try and make sure they get the help they need.”

Jones suggested that changes in a person’s behavior can often signal a decline in his or her mental health, especially “changes in behavior from people who have a history of doing well or someone who has had problems in the past but is doing worse than usual.”

He went on to list some specific behavioral changes you might notice in someone contemplating suicide.

“Withdrawal: someone who has always been friendly and outgoing just kind of withdraws and separates themselves from the people in their life,” he

began. “Sometimes, people who have been doing okay begin drinking a lot more or using drugs. Sometimes people who are taking drugs or drinking a lot of alcohol are trying to self-medicate.

People who usually take care of themselves and keep themselves clean but suddenly aren’t shaving or taking baths. People who used to be doing a good job at work but aren’t doing as well as they used to be.

Students who have always gotten good grades, but their grades start to go downhill.”

He also noted that people contemplating suicide often “start giving away their property” as a way to prepare.

The TSPN (Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network) website also provides a list of warning signs that include the following: • Talking about suicide, death, and/or feeling no reason to live • Preoccupation with death and dying • Withdrawal from friends and/or social activities • Experience of a recent severe loss (especially a relationship) or the threat of a significant loss • Experience or fear of a situation of humiliation or failure • Drastic changes in behavior • Loss of interest in hobbies, work, school etc.

• Preparation for death by making out a will (unexpectedly) and final arrangements • Giving away prized

possessions • Previous history of suicide attempts, as well as violence and/or hostility • Unnecessary risks; reckless and/or impulsive behavior • Loss of interest in personal appearance • Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs • General hopelessness • Recent experience of humiliation or failure • Unwillingness to connect with potential helpers Do I need help?

TSPN’s website notes that, “nearly everyone at some time in his or her life thinks about suicide, though most everyone decides to live because they come to realize that the crisis is temporary, but death is not.”

However, if you or a loved one are in the middle of a crisis, those feelings are very real. TSPN explains that people experiencing a crisis often feel like they: • Can’t stop the pain • Can’t think clearly • Can’t make decisions • Can’t see any way out • Can’t sleep, eat or work • Can’t get out of the depression • Can’t make the sadness go away • Can’t see the possibility of change • Can’t see themselves as worthwhile • Can’t get someone’s attention • Can’t seem to get control What should I do?

If you or someone you know is exhibiting suicidal behavior, Jones explained

that, “it’s always good to get them (the at-risk person) to see a professional, but some people are embarrassed or ashamed to do that, and they refuse to go. You do the best that you can, and if you can’t get them to see a professional, maybe you can get them to talk to their minister or their best friend. You can contact their parents to let them know you’re worried about their child.”

Regardless of the situation, Jones explained that you should at least “do whatever you can to make sure somebody is checking on them (the at-risk person) and making sure they’re okay.”

It is also important to note that the suicidal person might give some push

back if you try to help.

“They (the at-risk person) might not like it,” Jones said. “They might even get mad at you for doing that (inquiring about their mental state), but I’d rather have somebody mad at me than dead.”

Cicely Alvis, who is a Division Director at Frontier Health, also explained the importance of removing a means by which someone could commit suicide if he or she is exhibiting warning signs.

“A lot that comes into play with suicide prevention is means restriction in the home for people who are vulnerable or at risk of suicide,” she said. “There’s a big focus on making sure people who are at risk of suicide don’t have access

to weapons or medication (that have not been prescribed to them) for a period of time in their life.

Safety planning and having a safe home is very important.”

She noted that this is particularly important in regard to youth suicide prevention.

“The latest data that I have says that 60 percent of the teens who died by suicide in Tennessee used a gun in the home or a family member’s home,” she said.

“There’s nothing wrong with having a gun in your home. It’s just important to make sure that people don’t have access. There are gun locks. These often come with guns when you SEE SAVING ON PAGE 4

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The elephant in the room

Stigma surrounding mental illness

BY ALLISON F. GOLEY STAFF WRITER

“Stigma is a big thing,” said Cicely Alvis, who is a Division Director at Frontier Health’s Turning Point in Johnson City.

And she’s right.

“Misunderstanding and stigma surrounding mental ill health are widespread,” reads the World Health Organization’s ‘10 facts on mental health.’ “Despite the existence of effective treatments for mental disorders, there is a belief that they are untreatable, or that people with mental disorders are difficult, not intelligent, or incapable of making decisions. This stigma can lead to abuse, rejection and isolation and exclude people from health care or support…”

What causes this stigma?

“I think there are a lot of troubled people out there who keep it to themselves, and they’re afraid they’re the only ones who feel the way that they do,” said Dr. Dan Jones, who is the director of the counseling center at ETSU. “Once they start talking—especially like you do in group therapy— they find out they’re not the only ones that struggle with those issues.”

He also noted that many people struggling with mental illness keep the issue to themselves for fear of burdening others.

“There’s also a stigma about seeking mental health assistance,” he said.

“There’s a lot of words that come along with stigma, like ‘I don’t want to see a counselor because I’m not crazy.’ ‘Crazy’ is not a clinical term, but it’s an embarrassing term.”

He also noted that a lot of the stigma comes from unhealthy cultural attitudes.

“A lot of families, a lot of parents and a lot of cultures feel like you need to keep a stiff upper lip, don’t talk about your problems, don’t cry, be strong and pick yourself up by your bootstraps,” he said. “If you’re not doing that, then that’s where the stigma comes in. It’s not healthy to have that kind of attitude about life where you can’t ask for help, you can’t cry and you can’t get people involved in your life.”

COURTESY OF FRONTIER HEALTH

Beginning in August, Frontier Health also began a podcast series called “Impact Stigma,” which discusses topics ranging from mental health crises, suicide prevention, body image and weight, and addiction.

People often feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness, but Jones likened counseling to seeking a regular business consultant.

“I see it as a sign of strength that you’re getting the help that you need,” he said. “If you are a business person, and you can’t figure out how to solve some of

your business problems, you might hire a consultant.

Getting counseling is just like hiring a consultant on yourself or taking a class on yourself. Then, you can get the help that you need.”

He also advocated for changing the culture surrounding mental illness and exercising compassion

towards those who might be suffering.

“We need to work to try and change [our culture] so that people don’t feel embarrassed about going to counseling or embarrassed about taking psychiatric medications,” he said. “We need to change the culture of that. Whenever we feel like someone is not doing well, we can reach out to them. The suicide rates are increasing nationally, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students—second only to car accidents.”

Preventing suicide begins with ending the stigma Alvis also noted that Frontier Health has been a huge advocate for ending the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance abuse through hosting public events, providing education and training and partnering with other agencies that do the same.

For example, Frontier Health partners with TSPN (Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network), which is broken into regions in the state and holds monthly meetings in addition to providing education and

going on in the community, and there’s a lot of anti-drug coalitions just trying to make it more well known that there are people who have mental illness and substance abuse disorders in our community, and it’s okay.”

‘Impact Stigma’ Beginning in August, Frontier Health also began a podcast series called “Impact Stigma,” which discusses topics ranging from mental health crises, suicide prevention, body image and weight, and addiction.

A new special guest is interviewed in each episode to share personal experiences and make the podcase lighthearted as well as informative.

“We are the voice for the voiceless, and our guests bring their experiences and wisdom to our listeners with a new spin on how stigma affects all of us,” reads the podcast description.

The podcast is free and can be found on almost any podcast platform.

Stigma and substance abuse disorder Frontier Health also provides numerous resources for people who are suffering from substance abuse disorders, which carry their own stigma.

In response to the ageold question of whether or not substance abuse truly training initiatives. constitutes a mental illness, Alvis explained that, part Alvis explained that, “Subof reducing and preventing stance abuse disorder and suicide begins with elimmental health often go hand inating the stigma surin hand.” rounding mental health and “When you are putting asking for help. a substance in your body, More information on there is a physiological TSPN can be found at reaction happening, and it’s http://tspn.org/. Check out changing your brain chemthe article entitled “Saving a istry. Your body begins to life” in this special publica- crave [the substance], and it tion for more information creates a lot of pain. There’s on how you can spot suicid- a lot of science and research al behavior and get help for that goes into exactly how those in need. our body responds to drugs, Stigma Stops Now and then, when the drug is The Frontier Health leaving our body, the physFoundation also puts on iological symptoms that an annual event they call come with that.”

‘Stigma Stops Now’ where She noted that the same a well-known person is is true of alcoholism or the brought in to share their abuse of any illicit subown experience regarding stance. mental illness or substance “So, there is a reaction, abuse. and it does change your The 2019 program feabrain chemistry,” she said. tured country music singer “It takes a long time for Trace Adkins who spoke your brain to get back to about his journey with its original state that it was alcoholism and his time in in before you started using rehab. alcohol or drugs.”

In the past, both muSo, join us at the Rogerssicians ICE T and Ashley ville Review in changing the Judd have served as keystigma surrounding mental note speakers. health. Reach out and check “Stigma is a big piece on your neighbor today, of what goes on in our exercise compassion and community,” Alvis said. make sure that people know “There’s a lot of education that help is available.

Local Mental Health Resources

SAVING CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

purchase them. It’s not really about taking anything away—it’s just about prevention.”

Means restriction is also especially necessary in the case of someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis or has recently been hospitalized for mental

health reasons.

“For a period of time, it’s really important not to have that kind of access,” Alvis said. “Not forever. It’s just about making sure that, when people are in that more vulnerable time, that they don’t have any sort of immediate access to something that could ultimately be life threatening.”

Step by step TSPN also offers the

following advice on properly addressing a loved one who is exhibiting suicidal behavior: • Be aware. Learn the warning signs.

• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.

• Ask if he or she is thinking about suicide.

• Be direct. Talk openly and freely about suicide.

• Be willing to listen. Allow

for expressions of feelings and accept those feelings.

• Be non-judgmental.

Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.

• Don’t dare him or her to do it.

• Don’t give advice by making decisions for someone else or tell them to behave differently.

• Don’t ask “why.” This

encourages defensiveness.

• Offer empathy, not sympathy.

• Don’t act shocked. This creates distance.

• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.

• Offer hope that alternatives are available, do not offer glib reassurance; it only proves you don’t understand.

• Take action. Remove means. Get help from indi-

viduals or agencies specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

For more information, visit TSPN’s website at http://tspn.org. For immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text “TN” to 741741. You can also live chat with a counselor 24/7 by going to https:// suicidepreventionlifeline. org/chat/.

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Veterans’ mental health: problems and solutions

BY ALLISON F. GOLEY STAFF WRITER Over 6,000 veterans died each year between 2008 and 2017.

These shocking numbers are not caused by heart disease or cancer—the CDC’s (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) top two leading causes of death for 2017.

Each of these 6,000 veterans died by suicide.

This information is part of the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report published by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, which is the most up-to-date report released by the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. This 6,000+ per year was broken down to a rate of 15.9 Veteran suicides per day in 2005 and 16.8 in 2017.

The report also states that, “in 2017, the suicide rate for Veterans was 1.5 times the rate for non-Veteran adults, after adjusting for population differences in age and sex.”

Though the problem is on an alarming scale, Danny Breeding, who recently retired as the Hawkins County Veterans Service Officer, wants veterans to know that there is help available.

Where can veterans seek help?

Veterans in need of mental health assistance or medical help of any kind can visit the Rogersville VA Clinic, which is located at 410 Scenic Drive #201 in Rogersville. More information about this office can be found at https://www. mountainhome.va.gov/locations/Rogersville.asp, and they can also be reached by phone at (423) 235-1471.

The Rogersville clinic is part of the larger-scale Mountain Home VA Healthcare System in Johnson City, which is located at Veterans Way and Lamont Street in Mountain Home, Tenn. More information about this office can be found at https://www. mountainhome.va.gov/locations/directions.asp, and they can also be reached by phone at (423) 926-1171.

Breeding noted that, whatever a veteran’s specific situation may be, there is a program for them.

“There are programs specifically for women veterans, group settings with family, programs for PDST (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury),” Breeding said. “Everything associated with mental health, the VA is involved with it.”

Help from the comfort of your home Breeding also noted that there are mental health options for veterans who do not feel comfortable visiting Mountain Home or another VA clinic.

Right now, the VA offers several kinds of mental health assistance online, such as The Veteran Training self-help portal for overcoming daily challenges, which offers free online courses designed specifically for veterans; numerous smart phone apps designed with a partnership between the VA and the Department of Defense; and a new tele-mental health program, which allows you to “connect with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in your home or at your nearest VA health facility.”

These are, perhaps, more useful than ever now that COVID-19 has made it difficult to gather in large groups.

Breeding noted that the Rogersville VA Clinic offers this kind of tele-mental help. The tele-mental health program is part of the VA’s telehealth program, which “helps ensure veteran patients get the right care in the right place at the right time and aims to make the home into the preferred place of care, whenever possible” according to the VA’s official website.

More information about the VA’s telehealth program as a whole can be found at https://www.telehealth. va.gov and more information for the aforementioned programs can be found at https://www.va.gov/health-

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Danny Breeding, who recently retired as the Hawkins County Veterans Service Officer.

care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/.

VA Crisis Line is available 24/7 The VA also runs a crisis line, which connects you to a qualified Veterans Crisis Line responder and is “private, free and available 24/7.”

This Crisis Line takes the form of a phone number you can call, a number you can use to correspond with someone via text, and even an online chat service.

To take advantage of this service, you can call 800273-8255 and then select 1 to speak to a live representative, text 838255 or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat to begin your confidential online chat.

At the aforementioned website, you can even take a self-check quiz to see what kind of VA or community-based service is right for you.

Why such high numbers?

“First, let’s talk about our younger veterans and the multiple deployments they’ve had to do over the years,” Breeding said when explaining some factors that contribute to veteran suicide rates. “These take a toll on their body both physically and mentally. It’s taken a toll on their family.

It’s even worse if they have to leave families or wives numerous times over a period of years.”

Breeding explained that, in the past, multiple deployments were unusual unless a soldier volunteered to do so. He explained that longer terms and multiple deployments began during the Gulf War. “My stent was one year, and you were done,” he said

of his own time deployed during the Vietnam War. “Your tour in Vietnam only consisted of one year unless you were a career soldier, and some of them volunteered to go back.”

TBI, PTSD and MST PTSD and TBI also naturally account for large numbers of veteran suicides.

“TBI is considered a ‘signature wound’ of our younger soldiers,” he said.

“Some of them can’t wait or don’t respond to treatment very well. Then, you also have a lot of soldiers who have lost limbs because of the IED’s—the explosive bombs on the side of the road that can just completely blow a vehicle up. Some people have more of those than other wounds.”

He explained that each war has a ‘signature wound’ that is common among combat veterans. The ‘signature wound’ from the Vietnam War, for example, is PTSD. Breeding also noted that there is a difference between TBI and PTSD in that “TBI is like a concussion” and PTSD is “more emotional issues like sleeplessness and irritability” though symptoms can often be similar.

“PTSD usually occurs years later, after the fact,” he said. “You suffer from TBI pretty much immediately.”

He also explained that the VA is also calling attention to MST (military sexual trauma) among soldiers and veterans.

“This doesn’t exclude the male soldiers, either,” Breeding explained. “We’ve seen both sides.”

The stigma surrounding mental health “For some of them, there

is a stigma,” Breeding said.

“They’re often too proud.

They don’t want to admit that they need help, and they think it shows weakness. I see that a lot with what I do here (as Veterans Service Officer), and I can tell them exactly ‘this is what you need to do,’ and they might say ‘no, I think I’m okay.’ Yet, they’ll tell me all of their symptoms and, yes, they have symptoms of PTSD. Sometimes you have to take the shoebox from

the shelf, open it up, and throw it away. You do that by talking about it.”

Breeding noted that this form of talking about your experiences is called Cognitive Processing Therapy.

“The ones who don’t want to do it (seek help) think it’s a sign of weakness, but, in my mind, it’s a sign of strength if they want to pursue it and use what the VA has to offer to help them cope. It’s going to make it easier on them and easier

on their family.”

He explained that a good way to get past this stigma is to find someone who understands what you’re going through and start talking.

The VA even offers group settings where veterans can do exactly that.

“From my experience, it’s helpful to sit and talk with someone who has beenthere-done-that,” he said.

“Not necessarily a young psychologist or sociologist.

We veterans feel more comfortable talking among ourselves. I have found that, since I’ve been doing this job, after talking with veterans who have had that stigma, once they reach out, they’re much better for it.”

How can I help a struggling veteran?

“Most people who are not veterans probably know a veteran,” Breeding added.

“Maybe there are some veterans who aren’t aware of the programs that are out there. If a non-veteran knows of a veteran who needs help, know that there is plenty of help out there.

Sometimes, it may take a family member to encourage that veteran to find help.”

He encouraged family and friends of veterans to educate themselves on the problems faced by veterans as well as the options for seeking help. Learn how to spot some symptoms of mental health issues and suicidal behavior.

For more information on the Hawkins County Veterans Service Office, call (423) 272- 5077, visit them at 100 E Main St #107 in Rogersville, or check out their website at https:// hawkinscountytn.gov/veterans_services.html.

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1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, lathering for at least 20 seconds.

2. If soap is unavailable, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol to clean your hands.

Wash your hands throughout the day, and particularly under these circumstances: • Before preparing food • Before eating • After using the toilet • After changing a diaper or helping a child use the toilet • Before and after exposure to someone who is sick • After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose • After touching an animal or picking up animal waste hand • After handling pet food or treats all of • After handling garbage or garbage cans so reme • Before and after attending to a cut or wound and do Information resource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Mental Health Awareness

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Saturday, October 17, 2020, Page 7

Mental Illness can take people away from you long before they are gone

T

hree times in my life I have prayed for God to please let someone die.

I felt horrible that I could ever even think such a thing, but it happened. In the same situation, I would probably do it again. I felt this way out of love, not out of hate. Let me explain.

My father, my mother, and my motherin-law all died with Alzheimer’s Disease. It all started with my father becoming forgetful as he aged. He started telling the same stories over and over, but they were good stories. He became withdrawn at first, but eventually he became suspicious and combative. By the end, he was always wanting to go home, even while sitting in his own living room. He got to where he hardly recognized anyone, and wasn’t even sure who he was. The man that was my hero was gone. His body was still alive, but he was no longer who he was. In the early days of his disease, my Dad and I talked about the fact that he didn’t want to live after he lost his mind. Still, he did live. He was miserable. His attention span became less than a minute at a time, and then everything in his world started over. He was a believer, so I prayed that God would stop punishing him, and take him on home.

My Mother was my father’s caretaker.

While looking after him, she had a heart episode, and lost consciousness. My Dad stood over her, and tried to wake her up, when she wouldn’t wake up, he started yelling for help. Fortunately, my niece, who happens to be a Registered Nurse came by, heard him from outside and called EMS. It was at this point that my Dad had to move into the nursing home. Every day, over and over, he struggled to make sense of what was happening, and kept wanting to go home, just as he had done when he was at

home. He tried, but just couldn’t grasp it. Within a couple of months, my prayers were answered and his suffering ended with his death.

Meanwhile, my mother recovered from her heart issues, but had suffered mild brain Richard damage. I suppose her issue was Clark dementia of some Editor & sort, but it all went Publisher the same way, just more slowly. As her condition slowly escalated, she started locking herself out of the house. I would hide keys outside, but she would find them and bring them in for safekeeping. One chilly day I got a call from her Sunday School teacher who had stopped by to visit for a bit. There was a gas space heater in the living room that had not been used since we had installed central heat and air a decade earlier. My mom had turned on the gas, and was sitting in the house with her coat on. Her teacher turned off the gas, and waited outside with my mom until I got there. She had another appointment and had to leave. I asked my mom to wait on the front porch while I opened some windows to get the gas out of the house. While I was doing so, I discovered that she was going behind me closing them all. Of course she was turning on the lights in each room as she went. Fortunately, enough of the gas escaped that we didn’t have an explosion. That was her last day in her own home.

A friend from my childhood was the manager of an assisted living facility. They didn’t have a memory care unit, but she said that if I could provide sitters to stay with her, that my mom could live there.

That was fine for a while, but, eventually, my mom also had to go into the nursing home. As was the case with my dad, her body was alive, but she was completely gone. At this point, my oldest daughter who was around kindergarten age stopped wanting to go with me to see her grandmother, and I didn’t make her. It hurt my heart so badly to go myself. My mom would tell me that her son Richard hadn’t been to see her in months, even though I had just been there the day before.

My younger daughter Lily didn’t mind the bizarre actions of the older folks at the nursing home a bit, nor the smells. She would ask me if we could please go see Grandmother again. She would get dressed up, and give every old person she saw a big hug, and sing a little song for them. Even though my mom rarely recognized Lily, that little girl loved her. Before Lily started going with me, I would end my visits by sitting in my car and crying for an hour or so, praying that God would let my mother go ahead and die. I don’t know if I could have made it through without my family’s support, especially Lily.

There was this one occasion, near the very end of my mom’s life when I stopped in to see her before going out of town on a business trip. My mom was absolutely lucid for about 15 minutes. We had the best conversation. She knew where she was, and why. She wanted me to tell her all about my wife and kids. She was delighted to learn that things were going well for me. I had her back. It was amazing. Then it ended,

and she was gone again. A few weeks later, God answered my prayer and she passed.

My wife was amazing through this difficulty, and took care of managing my mom’s affairs. A few years after my mom passed, we moved to Johnson City from my hometown of Eufaula, Alabama. My Mother-in-law moved up here with us, and got an apartment a few minutes from our house. I was glad that my three kids would grow up with a grandparent that they would remember.

My mother-in-law started down the same path with Alzheimer’s Disease. She lived alone for a long time, but we could see what was happening. We bought a house just outside of Kingsport that had a Mother-in-law apartment built into it.

She moved in with us, and we were able to provide her with a quality of life that she wouldn’t have had for five of her last seven years. It was difficult to see her deteriorate and disappear like my parents had done, but I also had to witness the emotional toll it had on my wife and three kids. The kids were troopers, and loved on their grandmother until the end, even when she got to the point that she didn’t know where she was or who anyone was. My brother-inlaws down in Alabama took care of their mom for the last two years before she died, with one of them becoming her full-time caregiver. Yes, I prayed that God would end her suffering.

I cannot imagine a more terrible way for a life to end than Alzheimer’s, or Dementia, or any other mental illness that so completely robs one of oneself. If there are conversations you want to have someday, or things you want to do with a loved one someday, make that someday come sooner, while you can.

Marsy’s Law for Tennessee Supports Domestic Violence Awareness Month with the #LightYourPorchPurple Campaign NASHVILLE — October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Marsy’s Law for Tennessee is urging Tennesseans to join us in supporting survivors and victims’ families.

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s most recent data, 73,568 offenses were flagged as domestic related in Tennessee in 2018.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has only further isolated people experiencing violence at home,” said Marsy’s Law for Tennessee Victim Outreach Director Marianne Dunavant. “This is a critical time to raise awareness and educate.

We hope shining a purple light on porches and businesses across the state will be a conversation starter and allow people to share the warning signs or open up about abuse they are experiencing.”

All month long, Tennesseans are encouraged to participate in the #LightYourPorchPurple campaign by replacing your porch light with a purple bulb, the color of Marsy’s Law for Tennessee and Domestic Violence

Awareness. Remember to snap a photo, share it on social media and tag #LightYourPorchPurple and #MarsysLawforTN.

Marsy’s Law for Tennessee is also encouraging Tennesseans to share the warning signs with their family, friends, and neigh-

bors.

Warning signs can include: • Their partner puts them down in front of

with friends and family • For more information, visit marsyslawfortn.com.

About Marsy’s Law Marsy’s Law for Tennessee would strengthen the rights of crime victims in Tennessee’s state constitution and would ensure that victims of crime have equal, constitutional rights on the same level as those accused and convicted of crimes.

Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983.

Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.

In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas has made it his mission to give COURTESY OF MARSY’S LAW FOR TENNESSEE victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights. other people He formed Marsy’s Law • Unexplained injuries for All in 2009, providing or marks on their bodies expertise and resources to • Unusual behaviors like victims’ rights organizano longer spending time tions nationwide.

TDMHSAS takes school-based mental health services nationwide BYCOURTESY OF TENNESSEE DEPT. OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES NASHVILLE —The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is expanding its School-Based Behavioral Health Liaison program to all 95 counties in the state. Governor Bill Lee budgeted and the Tennessee General Assembly appropriated an increase of $3 million for the current fiscal year to expand the program.

School Based Behavioral Health Liaisons provide

face-to-face consultation with classroom teachers who enhance learning environments for children who have or are at-risk for Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), behavior problems, or substance use disorders. Liaisons also

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possible and safe.

The expansion of the School Based Behavioral Health Liaison program comes as the department and its community mental health providers are expanding the Behavioral Health Safety Net (BHSN) to children and youth ages 3-17. The BHSN provides essential mental health provide training and educa- 11,000 individual counthe funding to expand this services to uninsured or tion for classroom teachers seling sessions and 7,300 much-needed service,“ said under-insured Tennesseand serve as a link between individual consultations.

TDMHSAS Commissioner ans. schools and families.

“With the COVID-19 pan- Marie Williams, LCSW. Learn more about the Liaisons currently serve demic affecting so many The school-based nature School Based Behavioral elementary, middle, and facets of life, there has of the service meant the Health Liaison Program at high schools in 36 Tennes- never been a time of greater current liaisons had to this link: TN.gov/behaviorsee counties. In state fiscal focus on the mental health adapt quickly to changes al-health/sbbhl year 2020 which ended of our children, youth, and brought on by COVID-19.

About the Department June 30, liaisons served young adults. It is both Liaisons pulled together of Mental Health and Subabout 7,500 children and fortunate and fortuitous community resources to stance Abuse Services: youth and 2,500 teachers. that Governor Lee and the support their students’ Our Mission: Creating Liaisons held more than General Assembly budgeted immediate needs in addicollaborative pathways to tion to their mental health resiliency, recovery, and needs. independence for TennesWith the new school year seans living with mental underway, liaisons have illness and substance use adapted to continue to disorders. in a great location? provide their core services Our Vision: A state of Start your journey in the new environment resiliency, recovery, and to a new home in Great Home using various forms of tech- independence in which Search!

Call 423-528-0659 nology, and they have been Tennesseans living with How to FIND US! Hawkins County Great Home Search holding small group trainmental illness and subPublished every six weeks by The Rogersville Review (If you LIKE US... SHARE US!) ings and meetings where stance use disorders thrive.

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Mental Health Awareness

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Congress passes National Suicide Hotline Act COURTESY OF TSPN NASHVILLE — On September 21, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (S.2661). This leg-

islation will implement the three-digit “9-8-8” hotline number through funding guidance, federal reporting, and specialized services for communities at high risk.

The bipartisan bill was passed unanimously by the

U.S. Senate in May 2020; the number change was also approved by the FCC in July 2020.

This act is being heralded as a win for suicide prevention advocates. “We continue to move in the right

direction,” stated Misty Leitsch, the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s Interim Executive Director.

“If we can educate and promote the 988 number, just as we do 911, we can save thousands of lives. I

believe, when taught early, properly, and consistently, we can reduce the stigma that is often associated with mental illness.”

The 988 crisis hotline will not be available nationally until July 2022.

Please continue to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800273-8255.

For more information on national and statewide crisis hotlines and resources, visit tspn.org.

Nearly One-Third of Tennessee Parents are Worried Their Child has an Undiagnosed Mental Health Condition, New Poll Finds COURTESY OF (social, emotional and growth and development.

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY The good news is that these behavioral health) before One-third of Tennessee parents with children ages 6-17 are worried their child has an undiagnosed mental health condition, a new poll from the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy found.

The findings in the poll led by researchers at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, also found that about 30% of parents said their child had been diagnosed with a mental health condition, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression.

“Mental health conditions are common among children and adolescents,” said S. Todd Callahan, MD, MPH, associate professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Health. “Mental health symptoms can be a serious threat to a child’s health,

symptoms usually improve with intervention and treatment.”

The findings were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted children’s academic and social lives in unprecedented ways. This underscores the importance of addressing and understanding mental health challenges in children to better keep them healthy and safe, said Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH, a neonatologist and director of the Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy.

“COVID-19 disrupted the routines of children across the state, creating stress for parents and children alike.

Now more than ever, parents should not be afraid to talk to their kids about mental health and well-being,” Patrick said.

The Vanderbilt Child Health Poll asked a statewide sample of 1,100 Tennessee parents about their concerns related to children and mental health

coronavirus began to spread in the state.

Attention deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder (16%), anxiety (11%) and depression (8%) were the most common mental health diagnoses, often in combination with another of these three conditions.

Nearly 20% of parents reported that their child had been diagnosed with two or more mental health conditions.

A notable finding for researchers is that 10% of parents reported they were unsure how to talk to their children about suicide and couldn’t identify warning signs. Over 500 young Tennesseans have died from suicide in the past 10 years, and suicide was recently declared a state crisis by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Parents were mostly afraid that talking about suicide would lead to more thoughts of suicide (16%), were worried others would

judge them (13%) or didn’t know how to help (13%).

“Parents are often afraid to discuss depression and thoughts of suicide with their youngsters and may not realize they don’t know how to express their feelings,” said Catherine Fuchs, MD, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, and Pediatrics at VUMC, who helped craft the survey. “Even though kids don’t admit it, knowing that parents are interested in how they are feeling and modeling how to talk about it can provide tremendous relief.”

Fuchs recommended using art activities, reading books about emotions or watching shows about appropriate expression of emotions to help guide the conversation.

Over 30% of parents surveyed said they would turn to their child’s physician for help with concerns about their child’s mental health. If parents have concerns about their children, they can talk to

their physician. Parents can also call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Tennessee Crisis Line at 855-CRISIS-1 in emergencies or with general questions.

The mental health of Tennessee children is a key priority for parents, and an issue that necessitates increasing attention in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Patrick said. Health care providers, policymakers, educators, faith leaders, and others involved in the care of children in Tennessee should make child mental health a priority, he added.

About the Vanderbilt Child Health Poll: The Vanderbilt Child Health Poll aims to understand the concerns and experiences of Tennessee parents. The poll was conducted among 1,100 parents statewide and explores parental concerns as a mechanism to inform the public and policymakers

of the challenges faced by Tennessee’s children. The Vanderbilt Poll for Child Health is sampled to be representative of Tennessee families and covers a variety of child health issues.

About Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy: The Vanderbilt Center for Child Health Policy (CCHP) strives to improve the well-being of children and families through research that transforms clinical care and public health policy. CCHP is a multidisciplinary center comprised of teams with expertise in neonatology, pediatrics, obstetrics, health policy, biostatistics, economics, implementation science and public health from across Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. CCHP focuses on conducting and disseminating salient children’s health research, informing evidence-based policy and building partnerships between clinicians, researchers, policymakers and the public.

Common signs of mental health or substance use disorders in young adults Repetitive behaviors, depression, anxiety, compulsions, and even phobias are just a few of the mental health issues millions of people across the globe deal with every day. Symptoms of these conditions may range from mild to debilitating.

The World Health Organization says that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders in their lives. Roughly 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, which puts mental disorders among the leading causes of ill health and disability worldwide.

Mental health is not something people may feel comfortable discussing.

Problems may go untreated for years, and some individuals may use self-medicating behaviors such as drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs to alleviate their symptoms.

Others continue to

persist with illnesses when they do not have to. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the more successful methods to address mental health issues.

The National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists defines CBT as a general term for a classification of therapies with certain similarities. It does not exist as a distinct therapeutic technique. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a practical form to problem-solving, advises Psych Central.

The power is in the hands of the person engaging in the therapy. The therapist simply provides the ideas to get started.

CBT is used to treat a wide range of issues, including insomnia, anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, relationship problems, and more. The process involves changing attitudes and behavior by focusing on

the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes that influence the way a person behaves.

The Mayo Clinic says CBT talk therapy is performed in a structured setting, with a limited number of sessions. CBT identifies negative thinking so that challenging situations can be viewed more clearly and perceptions changed. While it is a tool in treating mental health disorders, anyone can benefit from CBT, especially those looking to cope with stress or other hurdles.

Cognitive behavioral therapy was developed by psychiatrist Aaron Beck in the 1960s. Beck was doing psychoanalysis at the time and discovered there was a link between thoughts and feelings.

Beck discovered people weren’t always aware of automatic thoughts that popped up in their minds, particularly those negative in nature. By identifying

these thoughts, a client could overcome certain difficulties.

CBT is a balance between placing personal meaning on things and situations as well as the relationship between problems. Many therapists personalize CBT to meet the needs and personality of their patients.

Individuals who prefer a nonpharmaceutical approach to treating their mental health condition may find CBT can be helpful. Stress or uncomfortable feelings may arise, but therapists can work to avoid uncomfortable situations.

Finding a therapist with whom they feel comfortable can help people make the most of CBT. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a commonly used regimen for helping people change behavior by exploring their feelings and thoughts.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps many people work through their thoughts and feelings to change behaviors

Common signs of mental health or substance use disorders in young adults Young adulthood is a period of incredible transition marked by personal growth and a newfound sense of independence. Many young adults confront that transition while simultaneously dealing with a mental health issue or substance abuse disorder.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 had a higher prevalence of serious mental illness when compared to adults between the ages of 26 and 49 and adults age 50 and older. In addition, SAMHSA notes that more than five million young adults report having a substance use disorder.

Such issues can make the transition from teenager to young adult more challenging, potentially compromising young people’s ability to live full and independent lives. Treatment is vital when confronted by mental health or substance use disorders, and far too many young adults report receiving no treatment at all.

For example, SAMHSA notes that 87 percent of young adults with sub-

Learning to recognize these common signs may compel young adults to seek treatment, while loved ones of young adults who notice any of the following signs can encourage men and women to seek treatment.

stance use disorders report receiving no treatment for their conditions. Learning

to recognize these common signs may compel young adults to seek treatment,

while loved ones of young adults who notice any of the following signs can encour-

age men and women to seek treatment.

• Trouble sleeping or

oversleeping • Loss of interest in hobbies and friends • Feelings of anxiousness • Changes in overall energy levels • Changes in appetite and weight • Feelings of hopelessness • Difficulty in daily functioning • Extreme mood changes • Thoughts of suicide The National Institutes of Health urges anyone concerned with their mental health to bring those concerns to the attention of their primary care providers. The NIH notes that people with mental health conditions can be at risk for other medical conditions, including heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that addiction can increase a person’s risk for various diseases, including cancer and HIV/AIDS. People who suspect they or a loved has a mental health or substance use disorder are urged to contact their primary care physicians. Treatment options and additional resources also are available at www. samhsa.gov.