Riverbend Community Mental Health Spring 2021 CURRENTS

CURRENTS SPRING 2021

Mental Health Awareness Month Fire Poppy Back to Basics Telehealth Insurance Reimbursements Update

A PUBLICATION OF RIVERBEND COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH, INC.

CURRENTS IN THIS ISSUE...

01 A Letter From Lisa Madden Happy Spring!

06 Fire Poppy By: Lauren W.B. Vermette

02 Mental Health Awareness Month May 2021

08 Back to Basics How Getting Outdoors Positively Impacts Mental Health

10 In the News: Telehealth Insurance Reimbursements UPDATE - HB 602 13 Mental Health Awareness Calendar of Events

C U R R E N T S I S G E N E R O U S LY B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y : B O R I S L O W I N S U R A N C E A N D D A R T M O U T H - H I T C H C O C K

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A letter from Lisa Madden

HAPPY SPRING! I might be a few days early, and there is always the chance of a snow storm, but April in New England is the perfect image of hope and resilience. It can be windy and cold, there is always mud, and then, we see the unmistakable signs of renewal as color returns to our landscape.

This has been a long, challenging winter. We have persevered through the pandemic: watched countless movies, broke out the board games and puzzles, made way too much banana bread, and fixed anything and everything in our homes. We did this as we struggled with the uncertainty of the future, as we cared for and did our best to protect our loved ones, and as we waited for the opportunity to be vaccinated.

We all have stories of loss and hardship, but my message to you today is about our ability to remain hopeful and resilient through it all. I have seen many acts of kindness and compassion towards our colleagues and our clients. We are welcoming our teams and our clients back to the office slowly and safely. We are starting more groups, nurturing and rebuilding resilience for those living with mental illness and addictions.

People are eager to move forward, to be creative and tell their stories. We are preparing for our next “This is My Brave” presentation, our annual effort to showcase people’s recovery journey. We are here to support our community as we start to heal from the trauma of COVID. Hope is the light at the end of this tunnel and it is getting brighter.

I wish you all a very happy spring, and one last thought:

Lisa Madden, CEO, Riverbend Community Mental Health

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.

Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”

- Helen Keller

“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”- Helen Keller With gratitude,

Lisa Madden CEO - Riverbend Community Mental Health

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH, MAY 2021

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See Page 13 For The Full Calendar Of Events NEW HAMPSHIRE’S KID GOVERNOR IS ON A MISSION In 2020, a year when it was challenging to find positivity, New Hampshire was introduced to a bright young boy who was brave enough to tell the world that he was one of many kids whose mental health was being impacted by restrictions of a worldwide pandemic.

“I felt anxious, stressed and fearful of what the future would Charlie Olsen, 10-year Old N.H. Resident be like,” said Charlie Olsen.

Charlie, a ten year old fifth grader from Auburn, acknowledged his changing feelings and spoke up.

Now, he’s on a mission to make sure other kids know they have support.

“I want kids to know that if they’re feeling sad or depressed, even anxious, you don’t have to be afraid to talk about it. I was lucky because I wasn’t afraid to talk about it because I had teachers, parents, and people to talk to. But I know that some kids are too afraid to talk about it,” Charlie said.

Charlie is New Hampshire’s 2021 Kid Governor and his platform is

childhood depression. His ability to discuss his goals and his own mental health journey is impressive, eloquent, and well beyond his years.

“Kids are social beings so if you’re stuck at home for a year, that’s similar to ten years for an adult,” he said.

Charlie has his hands full as a student (who’s happy to finally be back in the classroom) and as an advocate. He hopes to bring mental health education to schools and is working on a mentoring program. He’s also putting together a monthly blog and a poster contest, both of which will spark conversation about mental health for kids.

Keep an eye out for him on TV as he’ll be standing alongside Governor Chris Sununu

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BRATE MENTAL HEALTH promoting an open dialogue.

would live to tell his story.

“I want to get rid of the stigma. Kids aren’t afraid to say they skinned their knee at recess so I want them to know they can talk about their feelings too. Talking to someone is the only way that you can get better,” he said.

His book, Knot Today: From Honor, Character & Integrity to Hell. And Back., tells his decades-long journey of suppressing trauma and post-traumatic stress, abusing alcohol, losing relationships, attempting and surviving suicide, and then living to share his experience in the hopes of inspiring others to get the help they need.

Keep up the good work, Charlie!

RIVERBEND READS: KNOT TODAY, BY SCOTT AUBIN On October 26, 2014, Scott Aubin woke up on the floor of his garage realizing he had survived rock bottom and Scott Aubin, Author

“I was sexually abused as a child and I learned how to internalize my feelings so people wouldn’t find out. That did a lot of damage to me,” Aubin said. As a young adult, he joined the Air Force in the hopes of escaping his past and traveling the world. While he did travel, his past trauma and lack of coping skills followed him.

“I witnessed death and it shook me to my core. Emotionally and mentally I was not ok, but I didn’t know it because I was bottling up those feelings,” he said. “I manipulated

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conversations so I didn’t have to deal with it.” Aubin focused on work and drank as soon as the workday ended, all in an attempt to mask his pain. It didn’t work.

“I was full time Air National Guard when September 11th happened. All those emotions came out as anger and rage. Eventually my drinking cost me my career in the military. I couldn’t hold a job after that because I was triggered by my emotions from my past. A siren or a balloon pop would send me over the edge,” he said.

Immediately after attempting suicide, Aubin regretted his decision. When he woke up on the floor he felt a sense of relief. Not long after, he saw a church sign that inspired him to move forward: “how to take your mess and make it a message”.

Aubin sought help and found he would open up in the presence of a service dog. He has had one by his side ever since. His first Great Dane ‘Dash’ is now retired but lives with him and his current service dog ‘Grey.’

Grey joins him for his motivational speeches and is a hit with audiences.

“I travel all around the country and I let people know it’s ok to talk,” Aubin said. Aubin addresses suicide awareness to high schools, colleges, first responders, and veteran groups.

He’s also started the nonprofit Knot Today Inc., which provides funding for lodging and transportation to veterans and law enforcement seeking treatment. Aubin tells audiences that it’s important to let people know that you’re willing to listen.

“One of our greatest gifts is communication,” he said. “A person

who is out of control needs you to try.”

Aubin will be discussing his book and his story as part of the upcoming Riverbend Reads series during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.

BRAVE STORYTELLING RETURNS IN 2021 In a setting that would normally take place in-person with balloons, refreshments, music and a celebratory cake, 8 strangers sat muted and poised at their computers, anxiously waiting for the first This Is My Brave – New Hampshire rehearsal to begin.

This Is My Brave (TIMB), a national non-profit storytelling event that aims to reduce stigma by sharing real and original stories from folks who have struggled with and recovered from mental illness and substance misuse, is coming to New Hampshire for its third year in a row. As have many events over the past year, TIMB has moved to a mostly virtual event - a major difference from the originally planned-for live production.

“There’s something to be said about sharing your story so openly and vulnerably in front of an audience of hundreds,” says Rebecca Wolfe,

a member of the TIMB – New Hampshire production team. “This will be our second year in a row presenting the event in a virtual format, and while I certainly miss the exhilaration that accompanies a live production, we’ve also found many surprising advantages to holding the event online.”

Because the show typically takes place in May during Mental Health Awareness month, auditions are held in late February. At times, the wintry New England weather can be a hindrance for those who are anxious to travel. Not only have virtual rehearsals eliminated this problem, they’ve also allowed storytellers to audition from all over the state and even across state borders, opening up participation to many who might’ve been deterred by hours-long travel for auditions or rehearsals.

“Producing a virtual show has also allowed for the cast to meet more regularly and really get to know one another, albeit online,” Wolfe explained. Rehearsals are run by the Director, Ellen Desmond, who spends the first hour workshopping pieces in small groups of 2 or 3, who are then joined in the second hour by the whole cast to provide constructive feedback.

“It’s always really special to watch our storytellers grow from the experience.

Many of them audition thinking that there is only one way to present their story, but after working with Ellen and getting feedback from their peers, they’re able to really break out of their shell and view themselves in a different and more positive light.”

Wolfe said.

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Virtual rehearsals will continue through early April, and the show will be taped socially-distanced and inperson at historic Phenix Hall. This Is My Brave – New Hampshire is set to premiere on YouTube on May 27th, 2021.

report released by the Asian Pacific Policy Planning Council.

“This kind of harassment of Asian Americans taking place where they are a dominant voice and an integral part of society, imagine what it’s like in other parts of the country where there isn’t the same level of integration,” Nafshi said.

In New Hampshire, the population is 3% Asian, 1.8% Black, and 93.1% white.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH Historically, international and national crises exacerbate long-standing disparities for those in marginalized communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with an increase in hate crimes among Asian Americans, rising race relation conflict, and brought isolation to members of the LGBTQ community.

“There has been a lot of fear and skepticism. There has been misinformation,” said Rabbi Robin Nafshi from Temple Beth Jacob in Concord.

In August, the United Nations issued a report announcing “an alarming level” of racially motivated violence against Asian Americans.

In California, where Asian Americans represent 15% of the population, more than 800 COVID-related hate incidents were reported from March to May 2020 alone, according to a

“It is so difficult to live in a community and not see yourself reflected,” Nafshi said, and is a reason why she will be hosting a Diversity Panel as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Her goal is to have a conversation that encourages acceptance and understanding.

“People are already feeling a sense of being marginalized, not part of the majority, and being looked at as unusual,” she said.

Those within the LGBTQ community are struggling through the pandemic because many already feel a sense of isolation and have had to distance from their close contacts.

COVID-19 vaccine surveys have shown skepticism among Black and Hispanic communities which have led to vaccinations at significantly lower rates than white people.

The discrimination of people on the basis of race or ethnicity have resulted in reactions of fear and mistrust of institutions that have historically failed them, Nafshi said. This includes the government and the medical community.

Nafshi hopes the Diversity Panel will

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attract medical professionals, vaccine administrators, and those within communities that can help educate and ease concerns.

“It’s a hope that people can become sensitized and understand the underlying feelings that some people may be facing. It’s ok to say to a person, thank you for being here and ask what can be done to put them at ease. An acknowledgement means a lot,” Nafshi said.

celebrate

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#mayandeveryday

Other calendar highlights: • Messages from the State House: Virtual Kick-off • Mental Health First Aid • Orchestrating Change • Brain Food: Support the local farmer’s market

FIRE POPPY

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By: Lauren W.B. Vermette Fire Poppy: a type of flower that only blooms after a devastating wildfire My story is written in flame and smoke, in soaked tissues and felt-tip pens, on the surface of a raging river, in the stagnant ripples of a beaver-dammed pond. Mine is the story of a swinging pendulum and the flowers that follow fire.

And it starts with an Admission.

Admission Have you thought of hurting yourself?

Ribbons upon ribbons of red that spill from my open wrists, the pocketknife slit in my left bicep, seven tattoos inked down my spine, pinyin safetypin scratches, missed med doses, overdose Have you wanted to die?

As a wolf in a trap, gnawing off my own leg, a headlong run into a furnace to escape the heat of the noonday sun, while rocking myself to sleep with the cool steel of a gun barrel against my temple, a star sending its last light for you to wish on Have you tried?

Seven pills in a circle, yes, seven pills swallowed one-at-a-time, yes, at my desk with a razor against my wrist, yes, bent over a bridge rail held back by my ex-boyfriend, yes

What led you to hold back?

The will to push against the grill of an oncoming truck, to flatten the toad croaking that I should be fertilizer, to hone a butcher knife but never eat meat, to waive my medical rights so that my husband can commit me to your care

Do you feel safe to go home?

Home is a heart tattooed around an old scar, home is vomiting liquid charcoal down the front of a hospital dressing gown, home is opening amber pill bottle after amber pill bottle night after night after night and never feeling better, wondering if I will ever feel better, is there a way for me to feel better?

Have you thought of killing yourself?

-WB Vermette

That was me, 12 years ago, being admitted to a facility where I was finally diagnosed and treated for Bipolar. Bipolar is an insidious, exhausting illness where you have no control over your emotions. Everything is amplified- your joy, your sorrow, and for me, even the volume of the world is cranked up- I could hear everyone’s feelings, and in the pendulum downswing of my depression, I could hear voices inside my head telling me I was worthless, a waste of perfectly good fertilizer. The upswing of mania is even more terrifying- my fundamental, gentle self was locked in the trunk of my mind, gagged and bound and screaming to be let free, while my exterior exploded into a wildfire of ribald frenzyI became a vicious flirt, a femme fatale.

Mood stabilizers are what saved my life and continue to be my saving grace. I had a friend once express fear about taking a medication to combat mental illness, that it would somehow erase who they were as a person. For me, medication is just the opposite- it liberates me to be who I genuinely am. And who I am is:

The fire-follower, the seed split open by smoke, rooted in ash, proud stalk straining towards the bright the alpha breaking through the omega, the beginning following the end, the opened window after the closed door.

I am gentle petals unfurling into flames of color: hot-coal red, fire-heart orange, heat-trail yellow; I vanquish anguish, extinguish frenzy’s final sparks.

I am the calm after the firestorm, a reminder that the sun will rise for those facing their longest nights; that every fallen forest is covered with a carpet of living light.

-WB Vermette

LAUREN W.B. VERMETTE Lauren W.B. Vermette is a word-painter who makes her home in Dover, NH. Her poetry has appeared in Edge, Good Fat Zine, Lunation: An Anthology of Women Poets, and Rat’s Ass Review Journal. Her first collection, And The Form Falls Away (2018), was published

by Senile Monk Press. To learn more about her book, please visit senilemonkpress.com.

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Peer Living Room at Riverbend’s Behavioral Health Crisis Treatment Center

BACK TO BASICS How Getting Outdoors Positively Impacts Mental Health For the average person, getting outside has been a sweet relief to the cabin-fever felt all around the globe. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has restricted social gatherings and eliminated many events, forcing folks to find new and creative means of entertainment and socialization.

For some Riverbend clients living with mental illness, getting outdoors has been an integral part of their treatment plan.

We connected with Amy Ordile to share with us why getting outdoors is so important for mental health. Ordile is a member of Riverbend’s Silver Team, a team specializing in young adults struggling with mental illness, and she’s also developed an Outdoor Adventure Therapy group consisting of 12 week sessions.

“Being out in nature and challenging myself with conquering something is always new and exciting. Not only is the exercise an all-natural ‘high’ with endorphins, you can view the world at its very best or even at its worst,” says Ordile.

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“You can hike the same mountain on a day filled with sunshine and a cool breeze and also hike that same mountain in bitter cold temperatures with winds almost whipping you off the ledge. It takes determination and motivation to get out of your comfort zone.”

And of course, there’s a proven science behind why getting outdoors and exercising have such positive impacts on mental health.

“With any kind of exercise where you are getting your heart rate to an increased level, your brain will release endorphins, which impacts the dopamine receptors. Many individuals battling addiction find exercise as a therapeutic aid to help with increasing dopamine levels rather than using a chemical substance,” Ordile explains.

“There are many different activities one can participate in to get the desired effect of raising dopamine and ultimately help change the brain chemistry to increase serotonin levels. Some people will have a chemical imbalance and will require medication treatment regardless. Being outdoors and exercising can help relieve mental health symptoms like depression and anxiety.”

Getting outdoors in a group setting can also allow for growth in interpersonal skills by building trust, experiencing healthy interpersonal functioning, and practicing positive communication skills to complete certain group activities.

“Conquering certain goals outdoors or achievements with exercise goals can boost confidence and increase

the likelihood of reducing obesity due to mental health symptoms and/or medications,” Ordile said.

In February of 2021, the University of New Hampshire (UNH) announced that their Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center will receive nearly $3 million in grant funding to conduct a “firstof-its-kind” randomized study on the effectiveness of wilderness therapy: a prescriptive treatment for teens struggling with mental health and substance misuse disorders.

The article, published by UNH Today, shares that this clinical trial will compare treatment and outcomes for youth with varying mental health needs by randomizing 84 teens and providing half of them with wilderness therapy and the other half with traditional, cognitive behavioral therapy available in their community.

For Ordile, she’s seen the effectiveness of this treatment firsthand. She reflected on a trip where she brought a group of young adults to a popular, 4.5 mile hiking loop in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

The group prepared both mentally and physically for 11 weeks ahead of the trip.

“Some were terrified that they would fall on some of the steeper areas. Others made sure to help each other overcome their fears and anxieties to accomplish getting to the peak. Many of the individuals were ecstatic that they were able to complete something that was so long and

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challenging. Seeing the happiness on their faces and for some moments, hopelessness replaced with confidence, makes it all worth it in the end,” Ordile said.

“One of those individuals had a pretty significant suicide attempt about 8 months before this trip which resulted in ICU care. I remember this individual telling me that ‘perspective really is everything’ and that they were actually grateful they got to experience this day and hadn’t died after their suicide attempt.

I truly am a big believer in nature and exercise being one of the best and most addictive drugs around.”

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IN THE NEWS: TELEHEALTH INSURANCE REIMBURSEMENTS UPDATE — HB 602 The House Health & Human Services Committee voted to delay acting on a bill that would reduce insurance reimbursements for telehealth services. The committee voted 21-0 to retain House Bill 602, meaning no action will be taken this year. The issue may be revisited in 2022.

HB 602 would allow insurance companies to lower the reimbursement rate for telehealth appointments. Medical providers testified that it would negatively impact patients and further limit accessibility.

The bill was widely opposed by

Dartmouth Hitchcock, the NH Psychological Association, the National Association of Social workers, and mental health practitioners from around the state.

The bill was cited by many as discriminatory against some of the State’s most vulnerable populations; the poor, the elderly, and those in rural parts of the state who already have limited access to technology and the means required to successfully receive treatment during the time of COVID. Additionally, many mental health professionals hope that reimbursement for telehealth

services will remain in place for years to come, to continue to reach those underserved populations.

In the year 2020, as a response to the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, NH lawmakers voted to ensure that Medicaid and private insurers would cover all telehealth appointments.

Currently, the services can be delivered through video and telephone and are billed at the same rate for in-person sessions.

WE’RE CLEARING THE AIR TOGETHER CURRENTS

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RIVERBEND LOCATIONS ARE NOW

TOBACCO AND NICOTINE FREE. Please refrain from smoking, vaping, or tobacco use of any kind while on our proper�es including the parking lot and surrounding green space.

For ques�ons or concerns, please see a member of your treatment team. For further support and resources visit quitnownh.org to access materials, or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free confiden�al phone counseling.

Riverbend prohibits smoking, vaping, and the use of other nico�ne-delivery and tobacco products by employees, clients, visitors and contractors while on Riverbend grounds, in any Riverbend buildings, and in any Riverbend vehicles, as well as at any Riverbend-sponsored events. Riverbend also prohibits smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco products by employees in any loca�on (regardless of that loca�on’s policies regarding these ma�ers) while providing services to client(s).

Thank you for not smoking or vaping.

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WHO IS YOUR CHAMPION FOR MENTAL HEALTH? A Champion for Mental Health is an individual who:

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Advocates for greater access to mental health services;

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Contributes extraordinary time, talent or treasure to improving the lives of people with mental illness; and/or

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Publicly gives voice to those with mental illness, helping eliminate the stigma and stereotypes that surround the disease.

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Riverbend is now accepting nominations for the 15th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards to be held in October, 2021.

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Make your nomination today! Visit our website at www.riverbendcmhc.org The deadline for nominations is May 31st, 2021.

Current Riverbend Employees and Board members are not eligible.

ABOUT RIVERBEND COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH Founded in 1963, Riverbend Community Mental Health is a private, nonprofit organization providing specialized behavioral health services in central New Hampshire. Core programs include: • Addiction Treatment and Recovery • Counseling & Mental Health Services for Children and Adults • Psychiatric Emergency Services

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

John Barthelmes, Chair Jim Doremus, Vice Chair Cinde Warmington, Secretary

Lisa K. Madden,MSW Chief Executive Officer

Frank Boucher Leslie Combs Christopher Eddy Lucy Hodder, JD Nicholas Larochelle, MD Rabbi Robin Nafshi Bradley Osgood Glenn Shepherd

• Residential Programs for Adults

James Snodgrass, Med

• Wellness Education

Carol Sobelson

Currents is a publication of Riverbend Community Mental Health, PO Box 2032, Concord NH, 03302-2032. All Rights reserved. Mailed free of charge to friends and supporters, Currents is also available at riverbendcmhc.org.

LET’S GET SOCIAL:

EX OFFICIO Lisa K. Madden, MSW Chief Executive Officer Riverbend Community Mental Health Robert P. Steigmeyer Chief Executive Officer Capital Region Health Care

Jennifer Griffey Chief Financial Officer Chris Mumford, LICSW Chief operating Officer Jaime Corwin VP of Human Resources Sarah Gagnon, LICSW VP of Clinical Operations Kevin Irish VP of information Services Karen Jantzen, CFRE VP of Community Affairs Sheryl Putney VP of Quality Assurance

celebrate

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MENTAL HEALTH

#mayandeveryday

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All events are FREE, please register in advance at www.riverbendcmhc.org!

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Messages from the NH State House

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Register by May 5

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Discussions on Diversity & the Added Mental Health Impacts of COVID 7 PM

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Visit a local farmer’s market!

Spend some time outside!

6 PM 4:30PM

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PO BOX 2032 CONCORD, NH 03302-2032

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Concord, N.H. Permit No. 763

T R E AT M E N T W O R KS

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#mayandeveryday

riverbendcmhc.org

NEED TO TALK? 1-844-743-5748