Saturday, May 18, 2019
Saturday, May 18, 2019
| MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
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May is Mental Health Month In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to visit us online for tips and information about Depression, Anxiety, and other mental health/emotional health and wellness issues. To take one of our free online mental health screenings, visit: www.ncbhs.org/online-screenings. Some Symptoms of Depression • Difficulty concentrating • Fatigue and decreased energy levels • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
• Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping • Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems • Thoughts of suicide/suicide attempts
Anxiety will often accompany symptoms of depression as will depression accompany feelings of anxiety. Individuals who are suffering from anxiety will describe feelings of apprehension and fear that are often pervasive, persistent, and uncontrollable. People who are anxious will worry constantly, feel generally on edge and are easily tired. Some Symptoms of Anxiety: • Restless • Fatigue • Difficulty concentrating
• Irritable • Muscle tension • Sleep disturbances
When to Seek Help Most of us feel anxious, sad, lonely or depressed at times, but when these feelings become overwhelming, they can keep you from leading a normal, active life. This is when it is time to seek help.
For more information, visit www.ncbhs.org or call (815) 224-1610 SM-PR1661552
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Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The project will allow the health departments and their partners to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma about mental health care. “A key component of NCI-Cares is that this project will allow the BPMCHD and our partners to provide free mental health first aid training to over 2400 persons in seven counties over the next three years,” said Hector Gomez, Administrator of the Bureau, Putnam, Marshall County Health Department. “It will help to address a significant need in our area.” “NCI Cares is an important part of our efforts to improve the overall health and wellness in our communities.” Gomez added.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reminds us this month that:
• 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. lives with a mental health condition. • 1 in 25 (11.2 million) adults in the U.S. lives with a serious mental illness. • 46.6 million adults in the U.S. face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental illness. • Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24, but early intervention programs can help. In addition, in Bureau and Putnam Counties, 17% of high school sophomores and seniors that participated in a youth health survey have reported that they have seriously considered attempting suicide. 35% of 8th graders and sophomores, and 31% of seniors have reported that they have felt so sad and hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row in the past year that they stopped doing some usual activities. (Illinois Youth Survey, 2016) Mental Health has been identified by community members as a health problem in the last two community health needs assessments for Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments. There are many professional services and community agencies and organizations in the Bureau County area that are addressing mental health concerns in many different ways. The Bureau, Putnam, Marshall County Health Departments have recognized mental health concerns and related issues as important to the overall health and wellness of our counties. In response to mental health related issues in our communities, BPMCHD has been instrumental in
• The creation of Community Partners Against Substance Abuse (CPASA)
• The continuation of the Living Works Suicide Walk , and
• The development of the North Central Illinois Cares (NCI Cares) Project.
NCI Cares is a new project of the Bureau, Putnam and Marshall County Health Departments. The project is funded by a grant from the U.S.
“Like the Community Partners Against Substance Abuse (CPASA) coalition which was started by the health department over 10 years ago, and the Living Works Suicide Walk and its related suicide prevention and awareness education and programming which is now a part of CPASA, NCI Cares provides a means for the community to come together to address a pressing need.” He said. Peer-reviewed studies show that individuals trained in the program:
• Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illnesses and addictions. • Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or addiction. • Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress. • Show increased mental wellness themselves.
The program also reduces the social distance created by negative attitudes and perceptions of individuals with mental illnesses. Mental Health First Aid is a program that has proven to be effective.
The project will provide evidence based mental health first aid training to: • Families, caregivers, and service providers in contact with armed services personnel, veterans, and their families, who may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other mental disorders that may be impairing their functioning in daily life activities. • Law enforcement and emergency services personnel who are in regular contact with the general public and may need to safely de-escalate crisis situations. • Teachers and school personnel who interact with children and youth in a school setting. • Parents and caregivers of children and youth with a serious emotional disturbance or youth experiencing a first episode of psychosis, and • Primary care and specialty providers of medical care who provide prevention and treatment services to the general public. • Rural residents generally, and • Seniors and their family members and caregivers.
The program will host free Mental Health First Aid classes for schools, health care professionals, community organizations, the public, and others. Check the NCI Cares Facebook page for information about upcoming classes in the area or call the Bureau County Health Department office at 815-872-5091.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS| Saturday, May 18, 2019
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
Saturday, May 18, 2019
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Understanding
DEPRESSION and its triggers and symptoms
Many people periodically have bad days when they just seem to be in a bad mood. When a bad mood isn’t short-lived, this might be a potential indicator of depression. Depression is a common mental disorder that, according to the World Health Organization, affects more than 300 million people across the globe. The WHO notes that despite the fact that there are known and highly effective treatments for depression, fewer than half of those suffering from depression receive such treatments. Furthermore, in many countries, fewer than 10 percent of people with depression receive treatment. Learning about depression and how to recognize its symptoms may compel people battling it to seek treatment for this very common and treatable disorder.
Why do I have depression?
Everyone has a bad day here or there, but people with depression may wonder why theirs are more than just a bad day. The WHO notes that depression is a byproduct of a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. Exposure to adverse life events, such as unemployment, the death of a loved one or psychological trauma, can increase peoples’ risk of developing depression. Depression also may be caused by physical conditions. The WHO says cardiovascular disease can lead to depression.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The Mayo Clinic notes that one in 10 people whose depression goes untreated commit suicide. That only highlights the importance of recogniz-
ing the symptoms of depression and acting once any have been identified or suspected. Symptoms can include: • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions • Fatigue • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and helplessness • Pessimism and hopelessness • Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness or sleeping too much • Irritability • Restlessness • Loss of interest in things once deemed pleasurable, including sex • Overeating or appetite loss • Aches, pains, headaches, or cramps that won’t go away • Digestive problems that don’t get better, even with treatment • Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings • Suicidal thoughts or attempts Anyone who has exhibited any of the aforementioned symptoms or even those who haven’t but suspect they might be suffering from depression should visit a physician immediately. The WHO notes there are a variety of treatments available to people who have been diagnosed with depression, and doctors will determine which might be the best for each patient. To make that determination, doctors may inquire about the duration and severity of symptoms as well as family history and whether or not the patient has a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Depression is a common mental disorder that too often goes undiagnosed. Seeking help the moment symptoms are detected or suspected can help people overcome the disorder.
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Community Partners Against Substance Abuse announces the 10th annual Living Works Suicide Walk for Prevention and Awareness, scheduled for Saturday June 1st, 2019 in Princeton.
be sold during this event at $1 each or 12 for $ 10. There will be a signing wall, guest speakers, face paintings, snacks, ice cream from Grandma Rosie’s and food from Princeton Jaycee’s.
The Walk will begin with registration at Darius Miller Park at 9am. Gary Swanson will be providing music and announcements. The Walk begins at promptly 10 am and proceeds down main street until Zearing Park. A water station is provided in front of Covenant Church. Festivities will start at approximately 11 am, once all walkers have arrived.
You can register for the walk either by picking up a form at The Health Department or The Princeton Chamber of Commerce, or online at Living Works Suicide Walks Facebook site.
If you are not a walker you are welcome to join us at Zearing Park. Music is provided by Long Ladder Home. Raffle tickets will
Register early for a $5 discount. Tshirts pre-registered can be picked up early on May 22 and 23 at The Princeton Library between 6 and 8 PM. This years T-shirt has a new logo designed by 2 students with the theme Nobody can play your part. Walk to support Suicide Prevention June 1st in Princeton.
NO ONE ELSE CAN PLAY YOUR PART
SUICIDE WALK
JUNE 1ST! 815-872-5091 / Princeton www.facebook.com/livingworkssuicidewalk SM-PR1662314
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS| Saturday, May 18, 2019
Living Works Suicide Walk for Prevention
The effects of
STRESS
on your body
Saturday, May 18, 2019
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Stress affects people of all ages from all walks of life. Though work is a primary source of stress for many people, a recent survey from the American Psychological Association found that stress is more than just work-related. In its 2017 “Stress in America” survey, the APA found that the future of the nation, money and violence and crime were significant sources of stress for more than half of survey participants. That’s a dangerous notion, as the Mayo Clinic notes that the effects of the stress on the human body are considerable. Though everyone experiences and responds to stress differently, these are some of the more common effects of stress, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
Mental side effects
Stress can have an adverse effect on mood and has even been linked to depression, which the World Health Organization reports is the leading cause of disability across the globe. People suffering from stress also may experience anxiety, restlessness and feelings of being overwhelmed. In addition, stress can compromise a person’s ability to focus, adversely affecting a person’s ability to complete their work-related tasks. That’s not
insignificant, as 61 percent of respondents in the 2017 “Stress in America” survey reported that work was a significant source of their stress.
Physical side effects
Stress affects more than the mind, manifesting itself physically in various ways. The Mayo Clinic reports that common physical side effects of stress include headache, muscle tension or pain, including chest pain, fatigue, and a change in sex drive. Upset stomach also may be a byproduct of stress. People dealing with stress may even have trouble sleeping.
Behavioral side effects
Behavior also can be affected by stress, which may cause some people to abuse drugs or alcohol. Some may even turn to tobacco, either becoming a smoker or smoking more if they’re already smokers. Smoking has been linked to a host of negative physical side effects, including an increased risk of developing cancer. Angry outbursts, social withdrawal and overeating or undereating are some additional potential side effects of stress on the body. Coping strategies can be highly effective at alleviating stress and its negative side effects. Learn more about such strategies at www.stress.org.
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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS| Saturday, May 18, 2019
Coping with an
EMPTY NEST
Many people find it rewarding to start a family and raise children. Watching kids grow through the years and sharing in their experiences can bring life to a household. Mothers spend 18 years or more devoted to their children, and often their identities are defined as “Mom” above all else. As a result, it can be difficult to think ahead to life without kids in the home, especially when children are toddlers or school-aged. But children will someday grow up and move out, and the emotions that resonate when that day comes can be overwhelming. Many parents feel a sense of sadness and loss when their last child leaves the family home. Referred to as “empty nest syndrome,” these feelings are not officially labeled as a clinical mental health issue, but they are very real for many people. While parents encourage their children to become independent and branch out in their own lives, not every parent can cope with an empty nest. The parenting and family resource Verywell Family states that mothers with empty nest syndrome experience a deep void in their lives that oftentimes makes them feel a little lost. Moms who are feeling the pangs of sadness due to an empty nest can employ some strategies to alleviate these feelings. • Keep friends close. Use this opportunity to spend more time with close friends and put yourself first. Schedule all of those activities you may have temporarily put on hold while caring for children through the years. • Make time for travel. New experiences can broaden anyone’s horizons. Travel as a couple or with a group of friends. Put the focus on fun and then share the experiences later on with your adult children. • Redefine yourself. The experts at Psychology Today suggest finding new roles and interests to explore, or spend more time exploring existing hobbies. For example, if you’ve thought about doing community theater, do so now that you have some free time. Or maybe you’ve always had a goal of going back to school? Now may be the time to make that happen. • Reconnect with your partner. Recall the years before you had children when it was only the two of you and devote time to making more memories as a couple. Plan date nights, go to sporting events, attend a summer concert, or pursue other shared interests. • Change things up at home. Turn children’s rooms into spaces you can use for your own interests. One can be a crafting room or a home office. Another may be a home theater. No longer labeling those rooms as the kids’ spaces can help the transition. Empty nest syndrome is real, but there are many ways to move past the mixed emotions synonymous with this phenomenon. SM-PR1661877
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Mental Health Awareness Month Why Care?
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Because 1 in 5 people will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. Take the time to show that you care about mental health.
Check Out Our NCI Cares Facebook Page for Free Local Mental Health First Aid Classes!
Living Works Walk 2019 June 1
Darius Miller Park to Zearing Park Registration @ 9:00am; Walk Starts @ 10:00am Pre-Register Online: www.facebook.com/ livingworkssuicidewalk Forms Available: Bureau County Health Department & Princeton Chamber
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