Category Archives: Mental Health News

Emerging Signs

Since mental disorders are the leading cause of disability in the United States, it is vitally important that people of all ages be aware of the signs, symptoms, and proper treatment options for mental disease.  As explained by the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and three quarters have begun by age 24. In Minnesota alone, approximately 56,000 children suffer from some mental disorder.  These statistics support the proposition that mental illness is, unfortunately, a major problem for the youth of our country and for the state of Minnesota.

Mental illness is uncovered in many young people at the point in their lives when they are searching for independence from others.  Because of this pursuit for independence it makes it hard for adolescents and young adults to seek help, and it makes it difficult for their friends and family to know if their irregular behavior is something serious, or perhaps just a passing phase.

It is particularly unfortunate that many lifelong afflictions go undiagnosed because they first manifest themselves during adolescence when so many changes in personality can mask underlying pathology.  For example, the onset of bipolar disorder usually occurs during the late teen years or early adult years. Schizophrenia, although rare in children under 12, begins to increase dramatically in frequency in adolescence, with an average age of onset between 20 and 25.

Though there are effective treatments for youth suffering from a mental disorder, all to often there are long delays between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of treatment.

As outlined by the National Institute of Health, there are several signs seen in teenagers and adolescents that may suggest referral to a medical or mental health professional.  Some of these signs are listed below:

  • Feelings of anger or worry
  • Feeling grief for a long time after a loss or death
  • Thinking your mind is controlled or out of control
  • Using alcohol or drugs
  • Exercising, dieting and/or binge eating obsessively
  • Hurting others or destroying property
  • Participating in reckless activity that may harm you or others

Part of the goal of the Mental Health Association of Minnesota as well as public health systems and services is to provide people with the adequate resources and information needed to maintain a positive mental health throughout their lifespan.  Several mental health promotion projects promote help-seeking behavior and also help to reduce the current stigma associated with mental illness.

Most importantly, learning strategies for self-care can help people suffering from mental illness overcome their disease on a day-to-day basis.  Setting short term goals, staying in touch with friends, and seeking out resources in schools, faith communities, support groups and health centers can help provide people with the tools they need to work towards wellness.

This post comes from volunteer blogger Margo Tell.

Department of Defense Campaign Addresses Mental Health Issues

According to a 2008 study conducted by the RAND Corporation, many returning veterans that had been deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom had significant mental health issues. Of the 1,945 that were surveyed, 14% met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 14% met the criteria for major depression, and 19% had a probable traumatic brain injury (TBI).  About one-third of these returning veterans had at least one of these conditions.

Last year, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) launched the Real Warriors Campaign directed towards service members, veterans, their families, and health professionals. The goal of the campaign is to reduce stigma associated with psychological health problems and traumatic brain injury. The campaign encourages and supports service members to seek help through the many resources that are available to them and their families. Along with helpful resources and a 24/7 information and help line, the Real Warriors campaign’s website draws upon the courageous stories of service members and veterans that found the strength to seek help and how it made a positive difference in their lives.

What’s in a Name?

We recently saw an interesting article from Dr. Hyde, the administrator of SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).  She talks about some of the various different terms that people use for talking about mental health issues and chemical dependency:

Is a person who uses mental health services a patient? a consumer? A survivor?  Is recovery something you can define?  Is it a process?  Or should we be talking about wellness instead?

That article is found here, and the accompanying Q & A on language is found here.

We’d like to hear your thoughts on language and terms.  How important is it to you?  Is there a term you really prefer?  One that you can’t stand?  This is an on-going process, and we want to learn more about what people in Minnesota are thinking and feeling around these issues.  What we’ve heard so far is that the language we use around mental health has a big impact on if people feel respected and empowered.

We’re planning on using your feedback to help write an article that we’ll publish in our newsletter.  If you would not like your response to be used, or if you prefer to stay anonymous, just let us know, and we’ll honor those requests.  Please send any feedback to Ben, who will be compiling your answers.  We’ve already heard from some of our volunteers, and we look forward to getting responses from around the state.

Are you or do you know someone taking clozapine?

CVS CarePlus conducted many of the blood draws required when a person is taking clozapine.  On June 1, 2010 the company ended this service and those individuals using CVS CarePlus must find an alternative for the required blood draw.

There are several options available that can result in connecting with a provider that can conduct the necessary blood draws:

  • Speak with your psychiatrist or prescriber and make sure that they are aware that the blood draw is no longer available through CVS CarePlus.  Your prescriber should be able to direct you to an alternative provider.
  • Contact your primary care clinic and set up appointments for the necessary blood draws.
  • An appointment could be made with an independent lab in your area.
  • Contact a home care agency that has the capacity to do in-home blood draws.
  • Contact a pharmacy that has the capacity to do the blood draws.

Without the blood draws, people will not be able to obtain refills on clozapine, so the blood draws are critical.  If a person is not able to find an alternative provider for the blood draws, the advocacy program at the Mental Health Association of MN would assist the person in finding a workable solution.

Certified Peer Specialists: Sharing the Journey of Recovery

Research suggests that peer support for persons with serious mental illnesses can improve psychological outcomes, such as empowerment, and can also improve clinical outcomes, such as reduced hospitalization. As of last year, Minnesota is now 1 of 26 states that cover peer support services. With a focus on recovery, the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) is a compensated and trained member of a mental health services team. According to the Minnesota Department of Human Services website, the role of a certified peer specialist is to:

  • Inspire hope that recovery from mental illness is not only possible, but probable
  • Provide opportunities for people using mental health services to practice self-efficacy through activities that emphasize the acquisition, development and enhancement of skills needed to move forward in mental health recovery.
  • Promote empowerment and self-determination
  • Build relationships based on mutuality and shared-perspective
  • Deepen the treatment teams’ understanding of the experience of being a mental health consumer.

CPS Training is provided through the the Minnesota Department of Human Services for individuals that work within an Assertive Community Treatment, Intensive Residential Treatment, Crisis Response and/or Adult Mental Health Rehabilitative program.

Wellness at Your Fingertips

The Facing Us Clubhouse, a program of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), is a free online wellness tool for individuals living with mood disorders. The website offers a variety of tools and resources to help support and maintain a person’s health and well-being. These include:

  • Personal online journal where you can write down your daily reflections, do some creative writing or gratitude practice, or other forms of expression.
  • A step-by-step individualized wellness plan that helps you take control of your health and well-being.
  • Personal wellness book where you can collect and write down tips and advice that work for you, read tips from others, and if you like, share them with family and friends.
  • Media room that includes audio and video material to uplift your spirit.
  • Creativity center that has online workshops and podcasts to help you be inspired and find your creative outlet.
  • DBSA Wellness tracker can help you chart your daily life by spotting trends related to your mood, symptoms, life style and physical health.
  • You can even send an e-postcard to somebody you care about!

Incorporating wellness into your life is just a click away!

Living Longer, Healthier Lives

May is Mental Health Month and we wanted to highlight some important initiatives regarding wellness and recovery. The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) earlier this year started the SAMHSA 10×10 Wellness Campaign. The campaign’s goal is to address all aspects of a person’s health and wellbeing in hopes of increasing life expectancy for people with serious mental illness by 10 years over the next 10 years.

The rates of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease and the early mortality rate from these types of diseases are often significantly higher for persons with serious mental illness. By addressing modifiable risk factors like smoking, obesity and inadequate medical care, can help reduce the progression or the risk of developing these diseases. The campaign provides a variety of resources, online issues of “Wellness Wisdom” and frequent teleconferences for providers, family members, and consumers.

To date, more than 2000 organizations and individuals have shown their support in promoting wellness to reduce morbidity and mortality for persons with SMI. The Minnesota Department of Human Services, along with other members of the community have developed a statewide initiative, Minnesota 10×10, which also promotes the importance of taking care of your physical health for living a healthier, longer life.

MHAM has joined this quest for wellness and we hope you will pledge your support for wellness too!

May is Mental Health Month!

For over 60 years, Mental Health America – who began this tradition in 1949 – and other national and state mental health organizations have been celebrating “Mental Health Month.” In recognition of Mental Health Month, MHAM will be informing you about several important mental health initiatives involving both national and state led efforts. The central focus of these initiatives involves wellness and recovery for persons with mental illnesses. The importance of self-care and personal wellness not only can improve our mental health, but can also improve our overall health and well-being. So revisit our blog throughout this month and learn more about how these initiatives will help promote wellness and recovery for persons with mental illnesses.

Also, please check out our calendar of events that are occurring around the state for the month of May. If your organization is having an event and you would like it to appear on our calendar, please email details to Nancy at [email protected].

Getting to Know Your Disability Insurance Plan

When the national mental health parity law went into effect last year, many of us were relieved our health insurance companies could no longer treat the mental health coverage they offered any differently from traditional coverage.  While this was a big step for health insurance companies, the law did not apply to other types of insurance, such as long-term disability insurance.

Long-term disability insurance is usually offered through work, though you can purchase it individually.  It is intended to provide income to employees who develop a disability that prevents them from working.  The type of disability covered varies from company to company, and from plan to plan.  Not all disability insurance offers coverage for mental health.

When an employer purchases disability insurance coverage for their employees, they may choose to purchase a plan that has limited coverage.  Perhaps the plan offers only two years of disability payments for mental health disabilities but offers unlimited coverage for physical disabilities.  Employees don’t always know what their policy covers, or for how long.  Be sure to read your insurance plan’s policy.  What is covered?  How long can you expect to be covered?  Under which circumstances will your coverage end?

If you are currently receiving private disability benefits and have a limited coverage plan, it is good to start planning as soon as possible for when it will end.  Will you need to move somewhere more affordable?  If so, now is a good time to contact your local public housing authority and get on the subsidized housing waiting list, if it is open. Have you applied for social security disability?  The application process can take a few weeks, so apply before your insurance runs out. If you have applied and been rejected, do you think it is possible you may be able to work?  If so, there are a number of programs specifically for people who have mental illnesses geared towards getting into the workforce again.

If you need help finding resources or planning for when your insurance coverage ends, contact an MHAM advocate at 612-334-6840 between 9 and 4:30, Monday through Friday

The Future Development of Psychiatric Medications: Who will fill the void?

By Brett Dumke, MHAM Education Coordinator

Who will develop the next generation of medications for mental illness? That was the question posed by the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Dr. Thomas Insel, on a recent NIMH blog posting. Dr. Insel commented on the recent decision of two major pharmaceutical companies to terminate their psychiatric medication development programs and the likelihood of others to do so as well. If new drug innovation comes to a screeching halt, it will have a profound impact for individuals who have not responded well to medications that are currently available. In order to fill this void, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NIMH may have to play a key part in all phases of drug development in the coming years.  MHAM will continue to monitor this alarming trend and will provide updates when they develop.