MRHC Expands Mental Health Services

child playing in sand table

Hollie SchechingerMRHC is continually working to address one of the primary health concerns affecting our rural communities, mental health. Hollie Schechinger, LMSW, provides counseling in Manning Monday-Thursday for patients 12 and older and is now accepting virtual telehealth appointments. Referrals are not needed. Schechinger is also now offering play therapy for children 5+. This is an intervention method to support children navigating traumatic experiences. As it can be challenging for children to articulate their emotions verbally, play therapy enables them to express themselves, process and communicate their traumatic experiences, and learn coping mechanisms through play.

“Play therapy is designed for children to work through trauma by telling the story in a way they know how, through play,” said Schechinger.

The focus will be on sand play therapy, utilizing a designated sand tray alongside an assortment of miniature figurines. This intervention method allows children to build boundaries, hopes, and safe places in their lives by making them in the sand tray. An array of toys, including those simulating courtroom scenarios or facilitating imaginative role-play through puppet shows and kitchen sets, will also be used. The objective is to empower children to address and prepare for potentially stressful situations. child playing in sand table

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call (712) 655-8100. If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please contact your primary care physician at (712) 655-2072. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 and talk to a professional.

MRHC Welcomes Dina Irwin, New Mental Health Provider

Dina Irwin

Dina IrwinMRHC is continually working to address one of the primary health concerns affecting our rural communities, mental health. The MRHC Specialty Clinic is excited to welcome Dina Irwin, PMHNP-BC, who is now offering virtual appointments on the first and third Monday every month to diagnose and treat mental health disorders.

“People in rural areas have mental illnesses just like people living in cities,” said Irwin. “Unfortunately, they don’t always have access to the health care that they need. I am really looking forward to reaching out to those unable to find local services and help them right where they live.”

Certified for the entire lifespan, Irwin works with patients ages five years and up. She can treat patients suffering from anxiety, ADHD, Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorders, a variety of mood disorders, and more.

“I have had my own struggles with anxiety and depression, and I strive to pay that forward,” Irwin shared. “I also have experience with my own son, who is autistic. Mental health issues influence every part of our lives – our relationships, our contributions to our community, work productivity, and realizing our full potential. Optimal mental health means living your best life.”

Irwin received her ADN from Western Iowa Tech, her BSN from the University of Wisconsin, and her MSN from Allen College. She then attended Briar Cliff University for a postgraduate certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Call (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment with Irwin. Provider referrals are recommended.

If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please contact your primary care physician at (712) 655-2072. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 and talk to a professional.

Mental Wellness Tips for Happier Holidays

sad old man at Christmas

The holidays are not the same for everyone. This time of year can trigger stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Some people are excited to share Christmas with loved ones, while others are mourning a loss. Some are out shopping for the perfect gifts, but others may be struggling financially and anxiously checking their bank accounts. Some can’t wait for their yearly Christmas party with friends and family, others may be stressed by just the thought of it.

At MRHC, we recognize the importance of mental well-being, especially this time of year when pressures and stress can intensify. Here are some practical tips you can implement to help prioritize your mental health during the holidays.

Establish realistic expectations. It’s easy to feel pressured to create a picture-perfect holiday. Remember, it’s okay not to meet unrealistic standards. Set achievable goals and focus on enjoying meaningful moments rather than perfection.

Maintain routine and balance. With holiday gatherings and commitments, it’s important to maintain a routine as much as possible, especially when little ones are involved. Prioritize sleep, healthy meals, and regular exercise to help regulate everyone’s mood and energy levels.

Set boundaries. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes. Overcommitting to events or responsibilities can lead to burnout. Establish boundaries to protect your time and mental well-being.

Take care of yourself. Make self-care a priority and engage in activities that will help you relax and reduce stress.

“Try participating in activities that will keep your mind active such as taking a walk, reading, and staying healthy and hydrated. It is important to be kind to yourself,” shared Janet Brus, program director for Senior Life Solutions at MRHC.

Connect and communicate. The holidays can be lonely for some people. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups if you are feeling lonely or vice versa, reach out to those who may be alone during the holidays. Talk to someone about your feelings and let others know they can do the same with you.

Manage finances. Buying presents, food, decorations, and more during the holidays can lead to financial stress. Create a budget and stick to it. Consider thoughtful gestures rather than expensive gifts.

Plan ahead for post-holiday recovery. If you find yourself feeling distressed and overwhelmed with sadness as the seasons change, it may be more than just the winter blues.

“Many of us have days that we don’t feel like ourselves and sometimes the winter months can enhance those feelings,” said Brus. “Be aware of how you are feeling. If you normally get up and perform your normal daily activities and instead find yourself staying in bed longer, not getting dressed, or avoiding activities that normally bring you pleasure, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder.” Anticipate the post-holiday blues by scheduling activities or self-care practices to look forward to once the festivities wind down.

For parents with children who will be home during winter break, keep these tips in mind to help their mental well-being.

  • Spend quality time with children.
  • Make sure they are not isolating in their bedrooms.
  • Be present – emotionally as well as physically.
  • Ask them how they are doing and take the time to listen.

“This time during the holidays is a great time to connect with your children and build a close relationship to let them know that you are a safe person they can talk to,” said Hollie Schechinger, LMSW, a designated mental health counselor at MRHC.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

Remember that it’s okay to seek help, take breaks, and prioritize self-care. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress persist and interfere with your daily routine it is important to seek professional help. MRHC offers a variety of mental health support resources. If you or your child are struggling with depression or anxiety, contact your primary care provider for an evaluation. Counseling services are offered in Manning three days a week for individuals 12 and older. Call (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment.

For individuals who are 65 and older, MRHC offers group therapy through their Senior Life Solutions program for those suffering from anxiety and depression. Call (712) 655-8262 if you need support.

If the stress and pressure from the holidays have caused you or a loved one to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, please call the Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 for help.

If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance with mental health concerns, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). You can also call 988 for 24/7, free and confidential support.

Back-to-School Mental Health Tips

back to school tips

As children will soon transition from their summer schedules and head back to school, MRHC shares tips to ensure they are mentally ready and prepared to adjust well to their new routines.

To make the transition back to school easier, Hollie Schechinger, LMSW, a designated mental health counselor at MRHC, recommends starting children’s morning routine a week or so before school starts. She also stresses that communication is a big part of helping children with anxiety and other mental health problems. Hollie Schechinger

“Talk with them about their fears and worries so that you can reassure them that they will be okay,” Schechinger said. “Once school starts, ask them how their day was. Make sure they know that you are a safe person they can talk to. If they look upset or their behavior changes, then have a conversation with them. Just check in with them. Keep that line of communication open with your children. Allow them to feel their emotions, cry, and express themselves.”

Warning signs that a child is not adjusting well or that they are struggling mentally can appear physically or mentally.

“In children, a lot of their anxiety symptoms come out as stomach aches or headaches,” said Schechinger. “If they are complaining of them consistently after school, they may not be adjusting well. If they are sleeping immediately after school for a long period of time or just not having very good behaviors after school these could be signs that they are struggling.”

If you notice these changes in your children and intervention methods you have tried with your child do not seem to be helping, Schechinger offers counseling services in Manning three days a week for individuals 12 and older.

“I provide mental health therapy by using a wide variety of interventions and therapy models,” Schechinger said. “I will sit down with your child and complete an assessment and engage them in conversations. I will then schedule follow-ups to help with coping skills and other interventions to help your child cope with their mental health. Counseling is a safe place for them to share what they are feeling and what is happening in their life. It is also a place where they can share their feelings or learn what their feelings are. Counseling helps people learn how to cope with their mental health concerns so they can live a productive life.”

For parents with children younger than 12 who appear to be struggling, Schechinger recommends taking them for a walk or sitting down and playing with them, so they feel more comfortable talking. She stresses that keeping communication open with your child and making sure they know they can speak with you is important in helping them with their mental health concerns. There are also some child mental health therapists in the area that Schechinger can put parents into contact with if needed.

To schedule a counseling appointment with Schechinger at MRHC, call (712) 655-8100. Referrals are not needed. If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support for your child, please contact their primary care physician at (712) 655-2072.

MRHC Welcomes Dedicated Mental Health Provider, Hollie Schechinger

Hollie Schechinger

Hollie SchechingerTo address one of the primary health concerns affecting our rural communities, MRHC is expanding mental health services. Hollie Schechinger, a counselor in the Recovery Center at MRHC, will now be a designated mental health provider offering services in Manning three days a week for those 12 and older starting July 1st, 2023.

“My new position will help expand the availability of mental health services for everyone,” said Schechinger, LMSW. “I will be able to help people in Manning and surrounding communities get the help they need. Mental health services in this area are difficult to get as there are long waiting lists so people struggle to get appointments. My hope is to provide support for people who are just waiting for help.”

In addition to providing mental health services for the general community, Schechinger will also continue working with Recovery Center inpatient clients two days a week.

“I will be providing mental health therapy by using a wide variety of interventions and therapy models,” Schechinger said. “I am very excited about this opportunity and building the availability of mental health services in Manning. I hope we can spread awareness of mental health and the importance of not hiding it. I want to bring more access to mental health services so that those who are staying quiet about their mental health problems can speak out about them.”

Mental health care has always been important to Schechinger, and she is hopeful that her new role will help those in need and change the stigma surrounding mental health.

“I have always wanted to work in healthcare in some way. During high school when we took those career quizzes, I always got therapist. I just have a passion for helping people,” Schechinger shared. “I found that social work would be a great way to help others in the healthcare setting, so after getting my social work feet wet working with troubled youth at Quakerdale in Manning, I really realized how important mental health is. Many people still see mental health as being taboo, but I want people to understand that mental health impacts everyone in multiple ways. That is when I realized I wanted to focus on helping others in mental health.”

A 2009 Coon Rapids-Bayard graduate, Schechinger received a social work degree from Briar Cliff University in 2013. After working at Quakerdale, she worked in the Recovery Center for almost five years before going into Home Health with Carroll Area Nursing Services. She then returned to school to get her master’s in social work with a focus in mental health and trauma from the University of Denver.

“After finishing my degree, I realized I really missed providing therapy, so when a position opened at the Recovery Center, I decided to take it,” said Schechinger. “I spoke with the Director, Taya Vonnahme, about wanting to improve access to mental health services in this community, and she ran with the idea. The amazing administration team at MRHC came together and we came up with the plan of adding a full-time mental health therapist. Having an administration that will help us achieve our career goals is amazing. They really care and want you to succeed. I wanted to expand mental health services, and now less than a year later I am already working on making that goal reality.”

“Hollie is very passionate about helping our community in more ways than we already do,” said Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “She has been working with the Recovery Center in Manning for years, and when she came back, she made it clear that as much as she loves substance abuse that she wanted to do more. I knew we had a great opportunity to provide additional services to our patients and community, so we are very excited to expand mental health services here in Manning.”

In addition to feeling supported in her career goals, Schechinger shares that working at MRHC is fulfilling in other ways as well.

“Working at MRHC is almost like having another family,” Schechinger shared. “I believe it speaks volumes that I worked here for 4.5 years and eventually decided to come back. We are very team-oriented, close with one another, and help each other out. Everyone is very encouraging and helpful in many ways even if they don’t work in the same department. We are all here to work together to help ensure patient safety and needs are met.”

To schedule a mental health appointment, call (712) 655-8100. Referrals are not needed. If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please contact your primary care physician at (712) 655-2072. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 and talk to a professional.

Mental Health Resources at MRHC

mental health services

“Based on the outcomes of our latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), mental health is one of the main concerns of our rural communities,” shared MRHC Education Coordinator, Julie Hodne, RN. “So, we are prioritizing mental health support, increasing available mental health resources, and sharing insight to better help people of all ages.”

Hollie Schechinger, a counselor at the Recovery Center at MRHC will be adding to her responsibilities in the coming weeks to serve as a full-time mental health counselor. Schechinger will begin seeing patients ages 12 and older beginning in June.

Mental health continues to affect many people regardless of their age, gender, medical history, life status, etc. and MRHC recognizes that a “one size fits all” approach to treatment does not work. MRHC strives to offer a variety of mental health services for different ages and needs.

According to the CDC, one in five people, including children, will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. With that in mind, it is important to be aware of common mental health warning signs.

Common Warning Signs in Children
  • Ongoing behavior problems at school, home, or daycare
  • Constant movement or hyperactivity
  • Frequent and unexplainable temper tantrums, outbursts, or explosive emotional reactions
  • Unusual fears/worries, thoughts, beliefs, feelings, or behaviors
  • Having a hard time getting involved with age appropriate activities
  • Difficulty concentrating, paying attention, or being organized for their age level
  • Lack of interest in friends and avoiding or isolating from friends and family
  • Negative moods for long periods of time
  • Obsession on certain thoughts, activities, or actions
  • Lack of energy even when well rested
  • Difficulty with sleeping
  • Frequent physical complaints with no obvious cause
  • Sad or hopeless feeling with no reason
  • Self-harm or talk of self-injury or suicide
  • Persistent nightmares or visual or audio hallucinations
  • Eating problems (too little or too much)
  • Violence towards others, animals, or property
  • Refusing to go to school and ongoing decline in school performance
  • Risky or dangerous behaviors like sexually acting out, recklessness, or running away

“Depending on the severity of their behaviors, we recommend that parents call to schedule a mental health evaluation with a mental health provider,” said Schechinger, LMSW. “If a child is making comments of self-harm or suicide, take them to the nearest emergency room.”

If you notice some of these warning signs, the CDC recommends several strategies for helping children cope with mental health issues. Talk to them about and validate their feelings of stress or sadness, reassure their safety, let them know it is okay to feel upset, be a good role model, spend time together, and provide professional support if needed. It is also important to limit their social media exposure, provide fun and relaxing activities, and maintain regular routines.

While symptoms can be similar to children’s, warning signs in adults often involve:

  • Decrease in enjoyment from and isolating from friends and family
  • Significant decrease in school or work performance or resisting to attend
  • Memory, attention, and concentration problems
  • Large changes in energy levels, eating, and sleeping patterns
  • Physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, backaches)
  • Feeling hopeless, sad, anxious, or crying often
  • Frequent aggression, disobedience, or lashing out verbally
  • Neglect of personal hygiene
  • Substance abuse
  • Dangerous or illegal thrill-seeking behavior
  • Being overly suspicious of others
  • Visual or auditory hallucinations

“Some effective ways to help cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders include going for a walk, reading a book, calling a friend, taking a nap, playing with animals, exercising, spending time with family or friends, taking a shower, watching a favorite movie or TV show, eating a snack, and going out to eat with friends or family,” Schechinger recommended.

Schechinger goes on to advise that if these strategies are not helping, it’s important to see a mental health provider for an evaluation and to follow their recommendations for treatment.

“MRHC provides outpatient mental health support through a therapist, medication management, and substance abuse addiction services through the Recovery Center if needed,” Schechinger shared.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Mental illness and addiction can often go together. Individuals with mental health disorders are statistically proven to be at high risk for addiction and those struggling with addiction have a high risk for mental health disorders, especially depression and anxiety.

“Rarely do we treat someone who has an addiction that does not have at least one mental health diagnosis as well,” said Recovery Center Director, Taya Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “These two iare very different diagnoses and have different treatments but are still associated with each other in various ways.”

Mental issues are sometimes signs of substance abuse as well. Psychological warning signs of drug abuse that can be seen as mental health issues are things such as changes in personality or attitude; sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts; and appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid for no reason.

“Here at the Recovery Center, we have mental health therapists who come once a week to meet with clients. In addition to that, when I see clients, I help them address many of these issues from a medical standpoint,” Vonnahme said. “This is an area we are working to expand in the near future.”

Mental Health in Aging Individuals

Elderly individuals can also suffer from the effects of mental illness. Things such as more physical complaints, frequent ER visits, sleeping problems, low energy, cognitive issues, weight loss or gain, and isolation from family and friends can all result from an individual dealing with a mental health issue.

“Oftentimes, people attribute these changes as part of the aging process, but that’s not always necessarily the cause,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director, Janet Brus, RN.

If you notice these things in a loved one, it is important to be aware of other red flags that may point to a mental health issue.

  • Change in physical status – not eating, losing, or gaining weight, or eating junk food
  • Increased irritability when normally very pleasant and easy going
  • Previously independent with daily tasks and now relies on someone to get groceries, pay bills, shower, etc.
  • Misplacing things
  • Talking about feeling lonely and isolated
  • An increase or start in using alcohol or other substances
  • Poor medication compliance

For elderly individuals over the age of 65 who are struggling with depression or anxiety, the Senior Life Solutions program at MRHC offers group counseling sessions that have seen great success.

“People often find a common ground with each other as they have all been through some of the same life experiences and enjoy the support from each other,” shared Brus. “It also makes them get up, leave their home, and gives them a purpose. We all need a purpose – something to get up and do and look forward to each day. Without purpose, one would just stay in bed and no longer participate in life.”

Family members, physicians, or other health professionals can refer individuals to the Senior Life Solutions program. For those interested in learning more or signing up, call 712-655-8262.

If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please schedule an appointment with your primary care physician by calling (712) 655-8100 to discuss treatment options. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300.

Mental Health IS an Issue, Even in Rural Communities

mental health awareness month

Distinct mental health differences are evident when comparing rural and urban residents. While mental illnesses have a similar prevalence in both environments, the circumstances and access to treatment look different. According to The National Rural Health Association (NRHA), rural residents face more obstacles in obtaining behavioral health services.

Based off these findings as well as the CHNA results, Manning Regional Healthcare Center is spreading awareness of the challenges of receiving mental health access in rural areas.

“We know that mental health is one of the main concerns of our rural communities based off our latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA),” shared MRHC Education Coordinator, Julie Hodne, RN. “Based off those results we will prioritize addressing mental health concerns over the next three years.”

Studies have also shown that the risk of suicide is higher in rural areas, making it that much more vital that individuals have access to and seek out help. The Rural Health Information Hub states that the suicide rate is near twice as great in the most rural areas of the U.S. compared to the most urban areas.

“Everyone deserves access to quality mental health care,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director, Janet Brus, RN. “Helping as many people as possible get the help and treatment they need is what we work towards every day.”

Finding a solution starts with identifying the problem. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) highlights the following barriers to receiving mental health care in rural areas:

  • Lack of privacy
  • Lack of culturally appropriate treatment – Accommodates clients’ beliefs and practices, preferred languages, individual and family histories, differences in symptoms, and preferred treatment approaches.
  • Lack of services – Even if rural residents desire mental health treatment, they commonly have few services and providers in their areas. They may have less access than urban residents to evidence-based practices (EBPs).
  • Lack of practitioners – Rural areas have few behavioral health practitioners, especially those qualified to provide specialty treatment or EBPs. More than 75% of all U.S. counties are mental health shortage areas, and half of all U.S. counties have no mental health professionals.
  • Evidence-based practices – Some research shows that behavioral health facilities in rural areas are more likely than their urban counterparts to be independently operated and less likely to collaborate with a university to train providers on EBPs. At the same time, most studies that support EBPs are not conducted in rural areas or with rural populations.

Solutions

Advances such as telehealth have helped increase access to mental health care for rural Americans, making treatment more obtainable. Along with these technological improvements, another effort we can all partake in to help improve access to mental health is simply talking about it. Talking about mental health can open the door for people to feel more comfortable and less afraid to seek help.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, research shows that knowing or having contact with someone with mental illness is one of the best ways to also reduce stigma. Individuals speaking out and sharing their stories can have a positive impact. When we know someone with mental illness, it becomes less scary and more real and relatable.

If you need more mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please contact your primary care physician at (712) 655-2072. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 and talk to a professional. To learn more about mental health and available resources visit mhanational.org/may. To learn more about how you can become an advocate this Mental Health Awareness Month and join the national campaign, visit www.nami.org.

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I’m Fine…Really, I’m Fine!

tips for mental health success

“I’m fine…I’m really fine!” The classic and automatic response when someone asks how you’re doing, “But, how are you? Really?”

This is a common response for anyone who faces the challenges of ‘smiling’ depression. It’s appearing happy to others and smiling through the pain, keeping the inner turmoil hidden. It’s a major depressive disorder with atypical symptoms, and as a result, many don’t know someone is depressed or they don’t seek help. This often concerns those who prefer to keep their struggle private.

Unlike the usual stigma of mental health, people with smiling depression are often partnered or married, employed, and are quite accomplished and educated. They’ve usually struggled with depression and/or debilitating anxiety for years and have had some experience with therapy or medication. Many who know they are depressed don’t disclose it due to fear of discrimination from loved ones or employers. Their public, professional, and social lives are not suffering. Their façade is put together and accomplished. But behind the mask and behind closed doors, their minds are filled with thoughts of worthlessness, inadequacy, and despair.

The image many of us have of depression is inaccurate and incomplete.

Take this example for instance. There was a woman that seemed to have it all together. She was a nurse, a mother, a wife, and a sister. She was active in church and several nonprofits and was a mentor to many and loved connecting to people. Was she disheveled, withdrawn, and a downer to be around? Absolutely not. She was encouraging and thoughtful. Did anyone ever ask her how she was doing, if she was hurting, or if she needed someone to listen to her for once? No. The whole community bought in to the façade and could not see the pain hiding just under the surface.

Her life was one-of-a-kind, but unfortunately her story is not. Many who’ve felt the impact of suicide say the same thing: “I just had no idea she was suffering. She was the last person I would have expected to do this.”

How can you help?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Manning Regional Healthcare Center wants to raise awareness about signs, symptoms, and risk factors regarding mental health and how to know when to seek help. Over the past few years, especially because of the pandemic, mental health challenges have skyrocketed, even close to home in the communities MRHC serves.

“Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a mental health condition is the first step to a happier, healthier life.” says, Program Director for Senior Life Solutions, Janet Brus, RN. “Understanding that mental health conditions are common and treatable is the next. We must keep working to break down the stigma against mental health to ensure people receive the help they need.”

  1. Create awareness to de-stigmatize mental illness. Pay more attention to yourself and loved ones. Ask the hard questions. Specifically, notice if a loved one begins giving away possessions (often a sign of someone considering suicide), or begins to isolate and withdraw.

If you have a friend who suddenly stops responding to phone calls or texts or cancels plans, don’t hesitate to ask them what’s going on and if they’re feeling okay. Or offer a low-key activity you can do together where they know they can be heard and are not alone.

Many people suffering from depression are perfectionists, or they don’t want to appear weak or out of control. The more we can shift the conversation to show positive role models with depression – those who advocate for therapy, exercise, medication, sleep, diet – the less shame will be associated with the depression.

  1. Understanding the risk factors for a mental health condition can be difficult when it’s your own mental health. It’s hard to see the changes. Take time to ask yourself about any changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to see if this is part of a pattern caused by a situation affecting the health of your mind. Here are some questions to get you started:
    • Have things that used to feel easy started feeling difficult?
    • Does the idea of doing daily tasks, like making your bed, now feel really hard?
    • Have you lost interest in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed?
    • Do you feel irritated, possibly to the point of lashing out at those closest to you?
  1. If you think you or a loved one might be depressed, get help. On the days when your brain seems to be fighting you for your life, remember and know that you are enough, you are worthy, you are loved, and you are not alone.
  2. Find activities and pursuits that are meaningful and make you feel productive and fruitful. Reach out to someone you trust, consider contacting a therapist and let both help you flip the script running through your mind.
  3. Rather than becoming submerged in negative, self-defeating thoughts, learn self-compassion and be present and fully engaged. Mindfulness is the opposite of perfectionism in that it focuses on balance without judgment, and it’s an important set of skills that someone can learn in therapy.
  4. Above all, please don’t give up. Please don’t let depression win. You are not alone.

Around half of the people in the United States will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their life. And an increasing number of people are beginning to see mental health for what it is: a vital component of overall health and well-being, just as important as physical health.

It may be hard to talk about your concerns, but simply acknowledging that you’re struggling is a huge step. If you are concerned about your mental health, several options are available, even locally.

If you need more mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please contact your primary care physician at (712) 655-2072. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 and talk to a professional. To learn more about mental health and available resources visit mhanational.org/may.

(Article adapted from https://themighty.com/2016/05/smiling-depression-what-you-need-to-know/)