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.

MRHC Welcomes New Mental Health Provider, Katie Mogensen

Katie Mogensen

Katie MogensenManning Regional Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Katie Mogensen as the new mental health provider in the Specialty Clinic. Starting October 12th, Mogensen will be in Manning offering mental health services twice a month on Wednesdays.

Mogensen will provide care for children ages eight and older, adults, and elderly individuals. She will be performing psychiatric/mental health diagnostic evaluations and medication management for psychiatric/mental health disorders including depression disorders, bipolar disorders, anxiety, and anxiety-related disorders such as PTSD, schizophrenia and psychotic-related disorders, ADHD, and behavioral-related disorders.

Originally from Lake City, Mogensen is excited for the opportunity to provide quality healthcare in a rural area.

“Living in a rural setting can present limitations to access of healthcare, especially specialty services,” said Mogensen, PMHNP-BC. “I am passionate about being able to bridge that gap and improve access to psychiatric/mental health care as it can have significant impacts on many aspects of an individual’s life, including work, social functioning, interpersonal relationships, physical health, and much more. Family members and loved ones of someone suffering with mental health can also be affected. By improving mental well-being, a person’s overall quality of life and the lives of those close to them can also be improved.”

In addition to providing mental health services in rural Iowa, she is also Iooking forward to working with the Recovery Center at MRHC.

“Rural settings often lack substance abuse services, and I think it is wonderful that MRHC can offer them,” said Mogensen. “Substance abuse disorders often accompany mental health disorders, and with proper mental health treatment, there are higher rates of long-term sobriety.”

Throughout her healthcare career, Mogensen has worked as a registered nurse in acute care settings and has experience in med/surg, ER, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. She was also a certified lactation consultant and has worked in the ambulatory care setting for primary care. In addition to working with MRHC, Mogensen has provided outpatient psychiatric care at UnityPoint Clinic Berryhill Mental Health Center in Fort Dodge since February of 2021.

Mogensen completed her RN degree through DMACC, her BSN through Chamberlain University, and her MSN with specialty of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Walden University. She obtained her board certification for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner across the lifespan (PMHNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a member of the American Nurses Association and Iowa Nurses Association.

To see upcoming mental health clinic dates or to schedule an appointment with Mogensen, 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.

Out of Darkness Walk

out of darkness walk

The Out of the Darkness Walk unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about.

To register for the walk, donate, or learn more, click here.
For more information, please contact Amanda Arneson at 712-304-1290 or amanda.arneson@mrhcia.com

Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk on 9/24

out of darkness walk

There is one death by suicide every 11 minutes, and it is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among ten- to 34-year-old people, according to the CDC. Chances are that many people have been impacted by suicide in some way. MRHC Occupational Therapist Amanda Arneson invites the community to join the first “Out of The Darkness Walk” in Manning on Saturday, September 24th at 10am at the Manning City Park to raise money and awareness for suicide prevention. Occupational therapist, Amanda Arneson

“My husband and I have been personally affected by suicide, so we are passionate about spreading awareness and resources, which is why we decided to host our own walk locally,” shared Arneson, MOTR/L, CLT. “Our mission in this walk is to raise awareness for suicide prevention, reduce the stigma surrounding this issue, and support survivors, those at risk, and families who have lost loved ones. These events empower people to share how suicide has impacted them.”

The Out of the Darkness movement started in 2004 to give people courage to share their connections to the cause, unite communities, and provide an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

To donate, learn more, or register for the Manning walk, please visit AFSP.org.You can also contact Amanda Arneson at 712-304-1290 or amanda.arneson@mrhcia.com. Participants can also register at the walk itself, beginning at 9am.

“With this being our first year, our goal is to have 100 people present,” Arneson said. “The walk is free to attend, however, we ask that everyone, whether individually or in a team, set a goal of $150 in fundraising to reach our cumulative goal of $5,000.”

Suicide awareness T-shirts are also available through MRHC and can be ordered online here or through the Out of the Darkness Walk Facebook event on the MRHC Facebook page. T-shirt orders are due by September 6.

If you or a loved one are in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, please call 988, the National Suicide Prevention line. 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.

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/)