United Way Mental Health Panel

May 02, 2014

Representatives of United Way of the Midlands, Salvation Army and Community Alliance formed a panel at community event Monday to discuss the shortage of beds in residential treatment centers in Omaha. The need for additional inpatient and long term care facilities for people with mental illness is not new. However, it is a growing need, with only one in three people with a mental illness seeking help. “Longtime stigmas against acknowledging mental illness often prevent people from getting the help they need,” one panelist said.

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Looking Ahead to May

Apr 28, 2014

May is a big month for those of us in the mental health field. It is recognized as many as Mental Health Awareness Month, and others recognize the first full week as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. When reviewing Mental Health America’s website I loved their theme, “Mind Your Health.” It aligned very closely with our community’s goal of shifting the mindset of individuals to view their mental health as a medical condition, just as they do with others such as cancer, diabetes, an injury, etc. We are working with the Douglas County Health Department in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) to help facilitate this change here in Omaha. Mental Health America talks about building public recognition on the importance of mental health to people’s overall health and wellness. They also suggest different positive actions to protect people’s mental health and promote their whole health. Please visit their site, http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may, for more information on how you can get involved and take some positive actions of your own!

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Mental Illness and Crime

Apr 28, 2014

When a crime has been committed, people want answers. This can lead to simple answers the community can try to understand. We are all familiar with the headlines tying in a mental illness after a crime has been committed. Because crime in relationship to mental illness is often heavily advertised in the media, an unfair stigma has been associated with those suffering from a mental illness being violent or unpredictable.

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Stigma of Mental Health in Sports Remains an Opponent

Apr 14, 2014

The stigma that is often associated with mental illness can make it hard for those suffering to reach out. Unfortunately, this stigma seems to be ever lurking in the world of sports as well. It is easy for players to find help for a sprained ankle or bruised up knee, but finding help for their mental health is not as easy. When looking at a physical injury, it is easier to identify the problem. The course of action is clearer. When looking at a condition with the brain, the action plan is not always as easily identifiable.

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Being a Good Supporter

Apr 09, 2014

We have all been there. There are days and times in our life that things seem gloomy. It may be the results of a bad day, illness, accident, or an array of other things. For many, this is a time to turn to a support system in order to get through. Sometimes, this is all one needs to help turn things around.

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Pediatricians and Mental Health Care

Mar 31, 2014

The idea of providing both physical and mental health care in one place has not been one in the shadows; however, it has been an idea that has been slow to catch on. That may all start to turn after the publication of a University of Pittsburg study.

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Seeking Solutions

Mar 24, 2014

As part of our program, A Voice for Hope and Healing, I spoke to a group of dozens of Senior Companions that participate in a program where they go into the home of an older adult and do activities with them. This companion program has been going on for nearly 50 years and occurs throughout the country. The idea of simply being a companion to someone in their home – washing dishes, reading, playing cards, doing laundry, changing linens, etc – is a simple one, but it is also a very successful one. The individuals they serve are able to live independently longer, in part because of this companionship program. There was one woman celebrating her 97th birthday, and has had the same companion for more than 20 years!

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Successes, Hopes, and Dream Conference 2014

Mar 21, 2014

This May will be the fourth annual Success, Hopes, and Dreams conference in Lincoln. The conference is focused on behavioral health recovery and wellness. In order to learn a little more about this year’s conference, I was able to talk with Pat Talbott, Conference Coordinator, to gain some insights.

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Dealing with Anxiety

Mar 12, 2014

Anxiety can come and go in our everyday lives. It can be easy to manage or it can make daily tasks hard to accomplish. When anxiety becomes too much to handle, it is often a sign of suffering from an anxiety disorder.

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