Mental Health 101 Katie Perzel MSW, LICSW Vona Center for Mental Health

Agenda: What do we mean when we say Mental Health What are the Common MH Diagnoses Language “Do’s and Don’t” Warning Signs of Mental Health When to refer for services

About Me Mental Health Professional –individual, couples, family, and group therapy (adults and older adults) Director –oversee administrative and clinical functions Presenter –have provided several educational presentations to the public as well as professionals on various mental health topics

What do we mean by Mental Health Mental Illness is: A medical condition that disrupts one’s thinking, feeling, mood, and behaviors experienced as a cluster of symptoms Impairs one’s functioning school, work, relationships, self-care

What do we mean by Mental Health Different for everyone not everyone experiences depression the same Severity continuum Intensity of symptoms and level of disruption can vary

What do we mean by Mental Health Can be in combination with multiple diagnoses Symptoms can start appearing 50% of cases by Age 14 75% of cases by Age 24 Treatable

What do we mean by Mental Health Prevalence: 1 in 5 adults have a diagnosable mental health condition 1 in 10 children have a diagnosable mental health condition Can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, religion, or income.

What do we mean by Mental Health Causes: Biology Research shows some signs of it being hereditary Research shows biochemical influence Environment Stressors Traumatic Events

What do we mean by Mental Health It is not: A personal weakness or character flaw Something that can be “willed away” A made up problem in someone’s head

Common Diagnoses: Depression Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder Substance Related Disorders Schizophrenia Personality Disorders

Language “Do’s and Don’ts” Use person centered language John has schizophrenia vs. John is a schizophrenic Use empowering language Avoid words like: crazy, insane, weird what’s happened to you? vs. what’s wrong with you?

Warning Signs that someone may need help: Inability to cope with daily tasks Isolating, withdrawing or neglecting their needs Unexplained physical symptoms Changes to Sleeping, Eating, or Energy Overuse of Alcohol or Drugs

Warning Signs that someone may need help: Daily Sadness, Negative Thinking, Crying Overwhelming Stress or Feeling on Edge Frequent Worrying or Ongoing Fears Bothered by Unwanted Memories Comments of wanting to giving up

Warning Signs that someone may need help: Recent Loss of Significant Person or Pet New or Changing Health Problems Financial Stress or Victimization Life Transitions: having a child, retirement, divorce Lack of Purpose: loss of job, life after retirement Experiencing a Traumatic Situation Giving away Personal Possessions

Warning Signs that someone may need help: You want to note any concerning change to a person’s previous way of being.

Referring for Services How do you know it is time to refer to mental health services?

Referring for Services Approaching the topic of mental health Make sure to manage any discomfort you have Acknowledge and validate -“thanks for sharing this with me” -“that must be tough” Ask how you can help -“what can I do to help”

Referring for Services Take care not to: Ignore or avoid Judge “how about trying a little harder” Minimize “everyone gets depressed at times” Jump to problem-solving “about you just start…”

Referring for Services Approaching the topic of mental health Have resources on hand for next steps Talk with Primary Doctor Call their insurance company Offer names of reputable mental health centers/ clinics Emphasize power of choice Encourage vetting provider: what matters most

Referring for Services Starts with them completing an assessment which could recommend: Psychotherapy/ talk therapy: individual, couples, family, group Psychiatry: medications Other community services Hospitalization

Resources: Make It OK Campaign www.makeitok.org NAMI, MN www.namihelps.org Vona Center for Mental Health www.voamn.org/mental-health-services 763-225-4052

Questions?