by Amanda Hinkle | Sep 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
You’ve heard of CPR, which can save the life of someone’s heart stops. But do you know about QPR? QPR stands for “Question, Persuade and Refer,” and it may make the difference in the life of someone who is considering self-harm or suicide. Throughout the month of September, we have been focusing on suicide prevention as part of the National Suicide Prevention Month. QPR, a training program offered by the Hancock Health Connection Center, educates people about suicide warning signs and equips them with steps they can take to save lives.
A look at suicide statistics
Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in Indiana. However, it is the third leading cause of death in Indiana for people between the ages of 10-24, and the second leading cause of death for ages 25-34, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE). Nationwide, suicide was responsible for 48,183 deaths in 2021. That’s one death every 11 minutes.
Suicide can touch any family, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, and location. However, certain groups have higher rates of suicide, including non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native people, followed by non-Hispanic white people. People who live in rural areas have higher-than-average rates of suicide, as well as young people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Suicidal tendencies may be difficult to identify, and many survivors struggle with feelings of guilt when they lose a loved one to suicide. Sometimes it is simply impossible to prevent suicide. However, programs like QPR can make a difference. In fact, a retrospective study of QPR participants in Tennessee showed that more than 42% were able to identify and intervene with at least one at-risk youth in the six months after taking the course. Let’s dig into what happens in QPR training.
QPR training
Hancock Health Connection Center staff offers QPR training classes to interested groups and individuals. Our staff has been trained through the QPR Institute, which developed the QPR curriculum and program. QPR classes are pivotal to caring for the mental health of Hancock County residents. Just as you rely on a smoke detector to warn you before the flames engulf your home, the training offered during a QPR class can help you take action with someone who is considering suicide.
During a two-hour training session, participants focus on several key components:
- How can you question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal
- Getting help for yourself or learning more about suicide prevention
- Common causes of suicidal behavior
- Warning signs of suicide
- How to get help for someone in crisis
QPR training is offered periodically through the Hancock Health Connection Center. Our next session in 2023 will be from 2-4 pm Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Connection Center. You can register for the free class here. Our staff also offers QPR training to outside groups and organizations. If you are interested in hosting a class, call us at 317-468-4231.
A far-reaching impact
Suicidal behavior affects more than just the person who attempts to end their life. Suicide attempts can have lasting effects on someone’s overall physical health. There may long-term mental health issues, including depression or anxiety.
Suicidal behavior also leaves its mark on loved ones and family members, who can experience prolonged grief, shock, anger, guilt, depression, and anxiety. Suicide and self-harm can cost more than $500 billion in medical expenses, days lost from work and quality of life costs.
Other suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you can call 988 to be connected immediately with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Calling this number puts you in touch with trained counselors who can listen, support and provide referrals to local resources.
The Hancock Health Connection Center has a staff of support navigators who are here to listen to concerns and refer people to appropriate support services and treatment options. Anyone who is a Hancock County resident or a Hancock Health patient or associate can stop by the center, located at 120 W. McKenzie Road in Greenfield, during regular business hours.
Suicide does not have to be an inevitable conclusion for someone who is struggling. Be proactive now by registering for the next QPR training session on November 14 at the Connection Center. Or, talk to a support navigator about how you can become familiar with the warning signs of suicide and how to help someone find appropriate resources in time to save their own lives.
by Amanda Hinkle | Sep 19, 2023 | Uncategorized
This September, we observe National Recovery Month. National Recovery Month focuses on evidence-based treatment and resources for people who struggle with mental wellness and substance misuse. It is a time to increase public awareness around recovery, as we celebrate the recovery community and the mental health providers who support them.
Many misconceptions linger around recovery, and these falsehoods can be dangerous. Statistics show that there is hope. In fact, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which sponsors Recovery Month, focuses on hope:
“Hope is a catalyst of the recovery process.”
At the Hancock Health Connection Center, we believe in hope. We believe recovery is attainable, especially when people are paired with the proper resources and treatment protocols. That is one of the many reasons why the Connection Center exists – to provide pathways to prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services for Hancock County individuals struggling with mental health concerns or substance misuse. Read on for some important recovery information, and find out how you can identify what is right for you or a loved one.
Facts and Figures
Before we dig into the scientific findings, let’s clarify an important point: Recovery is for everyone. Substance misuse and mental wellness concerns can affect any family, regardless of income, socioeconomic status, race, age, education, or other factors. Substance misuse is a chronic brain disorder. People who struggle with substances or mental health are not weak. Their brain, however, may process substances and circumstances differently. Substance misuse has been studied extensively. There are many scientific findings that allow mental health professionals to craft unique treatment plans.
Let’s look at the prevalence of substance use disorders and how the right treatment can help:
Substance use: SAMHSA released its National Survey on Drug use and Health earlier this year. Its findings included several statistics on drug use:
- In 2021, 61.2 million people ages 12 and older used illicit drugs. That represents almost 22% of the population. Marijuana was the most commonly used drug, but 9.2 million people reported misusing opioids.
- 46.3 million people ages 12 and older met the description of having a substance use disorder. This included 29.5 million with alcohol use disorders and 24 million having a drug use disorder.
- Only 6% of people who met the definition of having a substance use disorder received treatment.
Co-occurring substance use disorders and mental illness: About 9.2 million adults fall into the category of having both a substance use disorder and mental illness. These include anxiety, schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Recovery: The National Institute of Drug Abuse sees recovery as a two-step process. Remission occurs when people can overcome their substance misuse behaviors and regain their health and social function. Recovery means these changes have become part of a new lifestyle. What does research say?
- 70% of people who have had substance use problems consider themselves to be in recovery.
- 66.5% of people who have struggled with mental health issues also consider themselves to be in recovery.
What works?
Anyone who has struggled with recovery understands that it’s not always a simple process. Relapse is not unusual and should not be considered a failure. Recovery isn’t a conclusion. It’s a journey that is different for each person. Mental health professionals work with individuals to create a path that meets their unique needs.
- Medications may help people detoxify from addictive substances. They also can be used to treat certain mental health conditions.
- Behavioral therapy helps people learn to identify triggers and situations where they may relapse.
- Family therapy assists families in addressing mental health and substance misuse concerns about a loved one. This therapy allows them to understand how the support their loved one and change behaviors that can contribute to mental health and substance misuse concerns.
- Support groups provide camaraderie and mutual support.
How can the Hancock Health Connection Center support recovery?
The Hancock Health Connection Center works to connect Hancock County residents with the proper resources and tools needed to treat mental health concerns and substance misuse. Our support navigators are caring community partners who are here to listen and provide helpful local connections. RISE Recovery & Wellness works with individuals who are affected by mental health and substance misuse disorders. We also have a CRAFT family support program for friends and loved ones.
Hope for recovery is here. If you or someone you love is struggling with mental wellness of substance misuse, stop by the Hancock Health Connection Center at 120 W. McKenzie Road in Greenfield, or call us at 317-468-4231. Recovery matters. So do you.
by Amanda Hinkle | Aug 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
Planning has begun for Rise Above It, an annual free event designed to continue the conversation around mental wellness in the Hancock County community. It’s open to all ages and is scheduled for November 9 at Greenfield Central High School from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Read on to find out more.
What’s included in the Rise Above It event?
Local organizations will have displays and demonstrations that dig into topics like mental wellness, self-care, and substance misuse. While Rise Above It is held at a local school, its target audience is anyone, including students, parents and community members. Participants can attend focused workshops to learn more about specific mental health concerns and substance misuse topics. They can also indulge in some much-needed self-care, which is such an important component to mental well-being.
What do you mean when you talk about mental wellness and substance misuse?
Mental illness, defined as the presence of any mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, can affect any person, regardless of age, sex, socioeconomic class, education, or address. Substance misuse, which includes the use of illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of legal substances, including tobacco and alcohol, also contributes to the current state of Indiana’s mental health. Consider these numbers:
- One in four American adults, and one in five American children, lives with mental illness.
- Indiana ranks fifth in the nation for states with the worst drug problems.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Hoosiers ages 25-34.
- Here in Hancock County, recent studies show that 65% of our youth report knowing someone who has had serious thoughts of suicide.
- Hancock Regional Hospital’s most recent Community Needs Assessment indicates that 17% of Hancock County residents smoke and 18% reported drinking excessively.
Mental health concerns and substance misuse can be insidious, affecting both the person and their loved ones and friends. Unfortunately, mental health never announces its presence, and substance misuse rarely seeks out the spotlight. That’s one of the many reasons why the Healthy365 Connection Center sponsors educational programs and events like Rise Above It.
Why is it so important to talk about mental wellness?
In a perfect world, people would feel as comfortable discussing their mental health as they feel about discussing physical health concerns. However, while most people have no problem saying they struggled last week because they had the flu, many would not want to admit that they stayed home due to bouts of depression or struggles with substance misuse. Events like Rise Above It help break the stigma by bringing mental health discussions to the forefront and letting participants know it’s OK to ask for help.
For instance, last year’s event included informational materials on vaping, domestic violence, and teen drug use. Parents visited an exhibit called “Hidden in Plain Sight,” where they learned to identify drug paraphernalia and stash compartments that can be disguised as everyday items. We also offered onsite Narcan training, which is potentially lifesaving training that anyone can learn to possibly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. There was also “In Her Shoes,” a domestic violence simulation tool designed to increase awareness of the struggles faced by domestic violence survivors. This year’s Rise Above Event will include both of these programs.
Why is self-care a part of the Rise Above It event?
When you visit this year’s Rise Above It event, you’ll be able to indulge in specific self-care activities:
- Relaxation station – free chair massages
- Beautification station – haircuts and nail painting
- Stress Relief station – coloring pages, fidget toys, deep breathing exercises and weighted blanket sampling
- Fuel station – healthy snacks and information about how food affects your mood
- Gratitude and Positive Affirmation station – write notes to spread kindess to yourself and others
- Move and Groove station – participate in Zumba and yoga with music
- Changing Footprints – free shoes for your family!
Taking care of yourself has a powerful affect on both your physical health and your mental health. Self-care may not be a cure for mental health concerns, but it may help you cope with everyday stresses that can intensify struggles with depression, anxiety, or substance misuse. Plan to treat yourself as you participate in the activities listed above, and watch our website and social media feeds for more information as we add more activities to the schedule.
Sounds great! I definitely want to attend. What should I do next?
As we stated above, the event is free and open to anyone. We do ask that you register in advance to help us plan for the evening’s attendance. You can find the registration form online here or by copying and pasting https://www.behealthy365.org/riseaboveit into your browser.
Nobody should have to struggle silently with mental wellness or substance misuse concerns. Plan to join us at the Rise Above It event on November 9 to learn new information and coping strategies for yourself and those you love. If you’re currently struggling with mental wellness or substance misuse, remember that the Healthy365 Connection Center can help you find local resources and treatment options. Call us during business hours at 317-468-4231 or stop by the center at 120 W. McKenzie Road in Greenfield. Let’s get healthy, stay healthy and thrive as a community together.
by Jenny Lear | Jul 26, 2023 | Uncategorized
Are you sabotaging your own happiness? What you’re doing – and not doing – could be keeping you from a happy, healthy life. Mental wellness is one of our passions at the Healthy365 Connection Center, and we want you to enjoy the happiness every person needs. Let’s look at some of the risk factors that endanger your contentment and talk about how you can turn things around with simple changes.
1. Lack of a good sleep routine
What’s so great about sleep? Those hours of peaceful slumber allow your brain to get ready for the demands of the day. While you’re snoozing, your brain is working to develop new pathways and enable better thinking and memory. Sleep deficiency does more than make you tired. Over time, you could notice that you’re having trouble making decisions and solving problems. You may also experience an increased risk of suicide, depression and risky behavior.
Most adults need between seven and nine hours of sleep daily. Are you struggling to fall asleep and stay asleep? A good sleep routine gives you a head start to being happy:
- Stick to a sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at around the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Turn off the screens 30 minutes before you go to bed. Go old-school and read a book instead. (Remember that novel you were assigned in high school that put you to sleep every time you started reading it? Use that for nights that nothing else seems to work!)
- Resist the urge to take a daytime nap.
- Use nicotine, caffeine and alcohol sparingly at bedtime.
If you are regularly experiencing sleepless nights, see your physician. Many sleep issues can be addressed medically.
2. Unmanaged stress
We all encounter stress during our day. Our bodies are actually quite adept at reacting to stressful situations – our muscles can tense, our hearts will race and our short-term memory becomes more effective during this “fight or flight” reaction that helps us escape dangerous situations. That’s not a bad thing, especially if you’re trying to meet a deadline or running from a tiger. But too much stress can strain our mental health and interfere with our happiness. If stressful situations are causing you to withdraw or feel perpetually anxious, you may experience long-term consequences. Unmanaged stress may also be linked to substance misuse.
Nobody can completely avoid stress in their lives, but anyone can take steps to address stress appropriately. Consider working these habits into your daily routine:
- Exercise regularly. Exercise gives those “fight or flight” hormones something to do and helps them work through our bodies.
- Find a hobby. You don’t have to be Picasso to enjoy painting. Carve out time to do something you enjoy.
- Make a list. Your responsibilities can seem overwhelming, but sometimes it helps to write them down. Pick the easiest task first so you can enjoy the rush of scratching it off the list when you’re done. If you can’t finish the list, give yourself permission to work on it again tomorrow.
3. An unhealthy diet
A handful of peanut butter cups may give you an instant sugar rush during the day, but they’re not the answer to long-term happiness. Instead, consider that Mom may have been right when she told you to eat your vegetables. Healthy food choices can have positive implications on our mental health and well-being and may even make us happy. But it’s not always easy to make healthy eating decisions, especially if food has emotional implications. Remember, you don’t have to struggle for mental wellness alone. Talk to your physician about nutritional resources or check out the nutrition and weight loss programs through Hancock Health.
4. Physical inactivity
A century ago, people’s daily activities included more active minutes. Your great-grandmother spent the day working in her garden, canning the produce and sweeping the floor with a broom. Your great-grandfather stood at a factory machine all day. Even people who were lucky enough to own an automobile weren’t as dependent as we are today. Combine this with an abundance of sedentary pastimes and screen-related activities, and we’re missing out on the relationship between physical activity and overall happiness. Physical activity can help your brain release endorphins, those feel-good neurotransmitters that can boost your mental health.
According to the World Health Organization, adults need a minimum of 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity each week or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity. If that sounds intimidating, consider that it averages to about 21 minutes daily on the low end. Are you looking for ways to add more activity into your life? Consider these options:
- Find something you like to do. Give yourself a chance to explore different exercise options, from outdoor walking to working on the machines at one of the state-of-the-art Hancock Wellness Centers.
- Build in exercise throughout the day. Park far away from your office entrance. Take the stairs. Do some stretching exercises while dinner is in the oven.
- Involve the family. Busy parents may feel like they don’t have time to exercise. Invest in an exercise stroller or take the kids on a family bike ride.
5. Tobacco use
Almost everyone knows that smoking isn’t good for you. But did you know it can make you unhappy as well? Despite the stereotype of enjoying a relaxing cigarette, tobacco actually increases your stress levels and anxiety. Smoking has also been linked to depression and other mental health problems, which can put a hurt on your happiness levels. If you’re ready to kick the habit, talk to a medical professional about different strategies.
Many factors also play a role in your daily happiness, including issues related to substance misuse, recreational drug use and the harmful use of alcohol. You don’t have to tackle life alone. The Healthy365 Connection Center was designed to assist Hancock County residents who are struggling with life’s challenges. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance misuse, depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions, reach out to the Healthy365 Connection Center now at 317-468-4231. Our support navigators can help connect you to important resources throughout the community. Let us help you find the happiness everyone deserves.
by Jenny Lear | Jul 24, 2023 | Uncategorized
Donate Today: Justice Navigation Personal Care Items Drive
Join Hancock Health and The Healthy365 Connection Center July 31, 2023 through August 11, 2023 for the Justice Navigation Personal Care Items Drive. Donate NEW personal care items (especially travel-size) to assist the Justice Navigation team in suppling pre-made, ready to hand out toiletry bags to individuals transitioning out of the justice system.
Donation boxes are available at Hancock Regional Hospital, all three Hancock Wellness Centers locations, The Healthy365 Connection Center, Gateway Hancock Health, Hancock Behavioral Health, Community Fairbanks Behavioral Health-Greenfield and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department.
Personal Care Items Needed:
- Body Wash
- Combs & Brushes
- Cotton Balls/Pads
- Dental Floss
- Disposable Razors
- Facial Tissues
- Feminine Hygiene Products
- Hand/Body Lotion
- Hand Sanitizer
- Lip Balm
- Mouthwash (Alcohol Free)
- Nail Clippers
- Q-Tips
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Shaving Cream
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Q-Tips
- Wipes
Support Navigators
The Healthy365 Connection Center support navigators deliver acts of kindness one patient at a time. As caring community partners, they provide a non-judgmental confidential listening ear, as well as helpful local connections and resources to overcome life’s many challenges, including transitioning out of the criminal justice system, substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions affecting mood, thinking and behavior.
Our support navigators go far beyond simply handing people a list of available resources. They are focused on warm hand-offs to the right services and removing barriers.
Specifically, the Justice Navigation team works with Hancock County inmates as they prepare for life outside of jail and transition back into the community. For example, when someone exits jail, often they do not have insurance anymore, and they may need to be set up with a doctor or get their prescriptions set up.
Individuals often don’t know where to go or where to begin and have broken a lot of ties with family and friends. That’s why we want to get people on the right path, and the support navigator can help do that for them.
Substance misuse and mental health are typically the top two needs, but others include employment, parenting, a faith community to call home, GED, peer recovery coaching, transportation, housing, insurance, and health care.
by Jenny Lear | Jul 17, 2023 | Uncategorized
If you are struggling with depression, substance misuse, anxiety or other mental health concerns, you may want to seek out therapy or support groups. You won’t be alone. In 2021, about 41.7 million adults in the United States received mental health treatment or counseling. That’s one of the many reasons the Healthy365 Connection Center exists – to connect residents with local mental health resources.
However, finding the right therapist, support groups or a combination of treatments can be tricky. It is important to find someone you click with, and you may need to work with more than one option to address your mental health needs. Are you wondering where to start? We have some suggestions to help you begin your journey to recovery.
1. Check your insurance coverage
Health insurance policies may have limits on mental healthcare and providers. For instance, a policy may encourage its members to choose a provider from an established network of therapists and mental health professionals. If you opt to use someone who is not within this network, you may have to pay more money out-of-pocket. Other policies can limit the number of visits they will pay for each month. Do your homework first so there are no surprises when the bill arrives.
2. Look into your company’s employee assistance program
Many employers offer an employee assistance program to assist their employees with mental health challenges. The program may cover short-term counseling, referrals and follow-up services. You’ll still want to doublecheck that a therapist is covered by your insurance policy, especially if you expect to need continued treatment.
3. Talk to your doctor
Your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist who can help you address specific mental health concerns. Therapists may have specialties like substance misuse issues or family concerns. Just as you want to see a cardiologist for a heart ailment, you want to work with a therapist who specializes in treating your particular mental health challenges.
4. Ask your friends or colleagues
Mental healthcare is as valid and important as physical healthcare, but we often are reluctant to admit that we need professional help. You may be surprised to discover that many of your friends and colleagues have experienced mental health challenges, and some of them may be able to refer you to a trusted mental health professional.
5. Do an online search
It’s the 21st century. Many online tools offer databases of local mental health providers. Check out the American Psychological Association’s psychologist locator or the Psychology Today therapist directory.
6. Try out several options
Finding the right therapy match can involve some trial and error. If you attend a few sessions and still don’t feel comfortable, look for new options. You deserve a therapist you trust and feel comfortable working with. Therapy isn’t always easy, but the right therapist can make it more effective.
7. Consider support groups
Mental health struggles can leave people feeling very alone. A support group puts you in touch with other people who are experiencing similar challenges. For many people, support groups offer a way to find emotional strength in difficult times. Did you know that Hancock Health hosts a number of these groups? You can find out more here.
8. Let the Healthy365 Support Navigators connect you with local mental health resources
The Healthy365 Connection Center has a team of support navigators who work with Hancock County residents in need of mental health support and substance misuse treatment options. When you reach out to a support navigator, you get more than just a list of therapists and programs. You’ll also find a caring community partner who will offer a confidential listening ear and non-judgmental feedback about local resources.
If you are a Hancock County adult struggling with life’s many challenges, including substance misuse, depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions, reach out now to the Healthy365 Connection Center by calling 317-468-4231 or stopping by the center at 120 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield, during regular business hours. Your mental health is important. Let us help you take care.
