Mental Health Services Articles

“Not All Wounds Are Physical”

Although we live in a world with many unique and different people there are still some things we all share. Regardless of our religion, sex or color of skin we all feel pain when we are hurt and bleed when we are injured. Almost everyone can point to a scar somewhere and say this is where I burned myself with the curling iron or this is where I got stitches after I fell off my bike. All of us have gotten at least a few cuts and scrapes and some people have gotten much worse. Some injuries just require a bandage and TLC while others need to be treated by a doctor with stitches, medicine or even surgery. As we grow up we learn when we need to go to the doctor, the emergency room or when to call 911.

Not all pain is physical and not all injuries can be seen with your eyes or even the latest medical equipment. Many people suffer every day from emotional and psychological injuries that are invisible. Depression, trauma, mood disorders, grief and loss are all illnesses that cause a great deal of pain and leave their share of long lasting emotional scars. It is not always easy to tell when you need to get help after an emotional injury or trauma and many times growing up we are taught to ignore or hide our feelings due to the shame attached to having a mental health problem.

October 6, 2011 is National Depression Screening Day. This year’s theme is “Not All Wounds Are Physical”. Winter Haven Hospital’s Centers for Psychiatry and Behavioral Health are offering the community two opportunities to complete a brief depression screening and speak to a Mental Health professional at no cost. Screenings will be done on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at Winter Haven Hospital’s Regency Medical Center for Women from 9 AM until 3 PM in the Day Surgery Lobby and Thursday, October 6, 2011 in the Grand Lobby of Winter Haven Hospital from 9 AM until 3 PM.

For more information about our Center for Behavioral Health, click on the following link: http://www.winterhavenhospital.org/facilities/mhs/index_cbh.asp

‘TIS THE SEASON: TIPS FOR MINIMIZING HOLIDAY STRESS

The holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Day, brings wonderful opportunities for celebrations with family, friends and coworkers. Along with the festivities come numerous demands and high expectations: decorating your home, hosting the perfect party, finding the right clothes for a special occasion, buying gifts that fit your budget, and preparing holiday meals. The holidays often involve travel – whether it’s negotiating traffic in town or dealing with airport security, you may be distracted from enjoying the moments that will be tomorrow’s memories.

During the holidays we may find ourselves so busy and stressed making preparations and attending celebrations that we are too tired to savor the joys of the season. We must remember to take time to be renewed through religious services, to be with our families and loved ones, or to be alone for reflection.

The holidays can be difficult for those who are experiencing loss through the death of a loved one, loss of good health, meaningful work or an important relationship. These strong emotions of loss and grief make it hard to feel like celebrating.

To avoid holiday burnout and minimize feeling overwhelmed, try a few of the ideas listed below to keep your expectations manageable.

• Set realistic goals, then organize and prioritize.
• Plan ahead, and allow the flexibility for plans to change.
• Be aware of common causes of holiday stress – relationships, finances, increased physical demands and high expectations.
• Honor all emotions, including sadness, loneliness, or feelings of anxiety. Talk with a trusted friend, minister or seek professional help if you cannot cope with your feelings.
• Do something different this year; develop new traditions.
• If you are alone, reach out to others, or volunteer at a local shelter or nursing home.
• Minimize your stress by taking care of yourself.
• Set priorities – you don’t have to bake every cookie recipe or attend every party!
• Try cutting corners, following usual traditions but on a smaller scale.
• Keep a positive attitude; let go of things over which you have no control.
• Give up the idea you have to do it all in order for it to be done well.
• Eat healthy foods. Use moderation with caffeine, alcohol, sweets, and fats.
• Include time for yourself. Meditate, use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, take a class in yoga, go for a walk, listen to music, or enjoy a good book.
• Get plenty of sleep and exercise.
• Get a massage.
• Take deep breaths when you feel tense.
• Slow down, savor the season, move through the holidays mindfully, finding peaceful moments for rest, reflection and delight and relishing the joys of celebration and tradition. Happy Holidays!

The Importance of Mental Health

Advances in Mental Health research and practice over the past 50 years confirm, "There can be no health without mental health".

No one is immune from mental illness it crosses all social, cultural and economic boundaries. About 60 million Americans experience mental health problems in any given year.

One in 17 people live with the most serious mental illnesses. On average, people with serious mental illness live 25 years less than the rest of the population. One reason for the shortened life span is that less than a third of adults and less than half of children with a diagnosed mental illness receive treatment.

Learn More About the importance of mental health

Coping with Stress in Today’s World - It’s a Strength to Seek Help

For many, they may know they need help from counseling and may even want to get help….but, are embarrassed. Some don’t want to admit to having problems, losing control, and are concerned that others will think less of them because of it. This further compounds their emotional and behavioral issues.

Learn More About coping with stress in today's world