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.

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.

Senior Life Solutions Awarded 2022 Training Site and Program Finalist of the Year

Senior Life Solutions awards

MRHC is pleased to announce that the hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program has received the 2022 Training Site and Program Finalist of the Year awards. Senior Life Solutions Program Director, Janet Brus, RN; Program Therapist Amy Hull, LISW; and Office and Patient Coordinator, Cathy Dammann were surprised and presented with these awards on Thursday, March 16th. Senior Life Solutions awards

Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC), which partners with more than 100 facilities nationwide to provide behavioral healthcare management services. Top-performing employees and Senior Life Solutions programs from around the country are recognized annually based on their excellence in demonstrating the program’s values of care, compliance, and community. Award recipients demonstrate outstanding patient care, excellent comprehension and execution of compliance regulations, and strong community engagement.

“This is truly an honor,” said Senior Life Solutions Program Director, Janet Brus. “We work hard to provide a quality service for the hospital and our patients. They are the reason we are here. We love what we do.”

Senior Life Solutions is a program designed to meet the unique needs of individuals, 65 and older, experiencing symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one. MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, a registered nurse, and other trained professionals dedicated to the well-being of seniors and that each patient receives the best possible care.

The Senior Life Solutions area at MRHC was recently renovated and expanded to include a dedicated group therapy meeting room with state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities that allow for patients to join remotely. Dedicated offices are also available for the therapist and psychiatrist to meet one-on-one with patients.

Families, friends, community members, physicians, self-referrals, or other health professionals can refer people to the program. For more information, education, or to discuss support, please call 712-655-8262.

Psychiatric Medical Care

MRHC’s Senior Life Solutions program is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company. Focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities, PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 30 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com.

MRHC Helps Individuals Live at Home Longer with Occupational Therapy

aging in place

90% of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. Occupational therapy at MRHC can help promote aging in place to help individuals live, work, and play more independently. Therapy treatments can help with aging in place by promoting independence and safety to make activities of daily living more doable.

Aging in place refers to an individual making a conscious decision to live in the residence of their choice for as long as they can with the comforts that are important to them. As they age, adding supplementary services to facilitate their living conditions and maintain their quality of life may be necessary. These could include assistance with personal care, household chores, making meals, money management, or health care.

Family members should consider the following questions when determining the best course of action for an aging adult:

  • What is the ideal way for them to spend their retired years?
  • What type of home environment do you see them living in – individual, community, assisted?
  • What special health care requirements are needed or anticipated?
  • What other types of supplementary services are needed?
  • What options are available in case of emergencies, life changing events, accidents, etc.?

MRHC Occupational Therapists remind individuals that aging in place does not mean that you need to do everything yourself. You can choose to do as little or as much as you want, can, and are capable of.

Occupational therapy at MRHC is available for people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Services can promote independence and aging in place by assisting with the following:

  • Getting around (adaptive devices: cane, walker, wheelchair)
  • Safety concerns and fall prevention
  • Home modifications (grab bars, lighting, and toilet risers)
  • Cooking
  • Laundry
  • Showering
  • Shopping
  • Medications
  • Cognition and memory
  • Muscle strengthening
  • Balance.

A doctor’s referral is required to be seen by an occupational therapist.

In addition to occupational therapy, MRHC provides a variety of other services to help community members live at home longer. Physical therapy is beneficial for those who are suffering from an injury, recovering from surgery, or dealing with any sort of acute or chronic pain. Senior Life Solutions offers an outpatient group counseling program to meet unique needs of adults over 65 struggling with depression and anxiety, often related to aging. Residential and outpatient medical care, behavioral therapy, and social support to enable a healthy lifestyle free from drugs and alcohol is available through the Recovery Center.

If you or a loved one would benefit from services that enable you to live at home longer, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider at MRHC by calling (712) 655-8100. To learn more about occupational therapy services, click here.

Reverse those Winter Blues

Amy Hull, licensed therapist at MRHC for Senior Life Solutions

By: Amy Hull, LISW (Therapist with Senior Life Solutions) Amy Hull, licensed therapist at MRHC for Senior Life Solutions

As we continue into the long days of winter, I am reminded that so many of us face challenges: some because of the cloudy, cold, and grey days which trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Others because they face depression year-round and find the absence of loved ones difficult while having to pillage through snow, ice and frigid cold to travel. In addition, we are also navigating the protocols and restrictions of COVID, feeling political unrest, and learning how to make socially sensitive changes so that all members of our nation feel that they are accepted and valued. Much of this causes confusion, uncertainty, and isolation (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) for all ages, from our developing youth to the mature members of our community.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of clinical depression is helpful so that you can seek additional help from your primary care physician or contact a therapist/psychiatrist to manage the need for psychotropic medications.

Clinical Depression includes five of the following symptoms:

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, or numbness
  • Irritability
  • Reoccurring thoughts of death
  • Diminished interest in once pleasurable activities
  • Significant weight loss or overeating
  • Sleeping too much or too little

It is important to catch these symptoms early. If you are having at least two or three symptoms, ask for help immediately rather than trying to manage it alone and waiting. Seeking assistance early can prevent depression from progressing, and it can resolve the issue much quicker than if you allow the symptoms to become entrenched and multiply.

When faced with symptoms of depression, I encourage my patients to do the opposite of what depression is telling them. Feelings of depression often suggest that you should stay isolated, avoid socializing, eat more or less, sleep more, or avoid activities you once did. However, it is important that we connect with our friends and family using any means available including phone calls, Facetiming, sending care packages, or hand-written cards. One can’t help but feel good by engaging in activities that they once enjoyed, serving others through volunteer work, or simply helping a neighbor.

A few ways to counteract depression and sadness include helping others, exercising, interrupting or stopping negative thoughts, and getting fresh air and sunshine. These options will help you find the joy you once had both in activities and in interacting with others.

Local Businesses Generously Support Project Forward

check for capital campaign

As the year comes to a close, Manning Regional Healthcare Center is celebrating significant success since the launch of their capital campaign, Project Forward.

Recent year-end gifts have donation totals nearing $700,000. Most recently, two major gifts were received, $35,000 from AGP and $10,000 from Home Mutual Insurance Association of Carroll County. These contributions are representative of the high-level of continued support from the Manning-area business community.

Wayne Johnson, AGP’s Director of Marketing shared, “We have always done annual community donations in the past and have traditionally picked three or four communities to contribute to significant projects. Our new CEO, Chris Schaffer [who succeeded former CEO, Keith Spackler earlier this year] wants to remain focused on areas where our plants are operating and take care of those communities.”

In the past, AGP has made a sizable donation to the new Manning Fire Department facility and last year AGP made a significant contribution to Manning chamber bucks that matched local purchases of chamber bucks.

Additional donations include Warren and Sue Puck’s $50,000 donation and AMVC’s donation of $10,000.

“AMVC has been welcomed in the Manning community for 31 years, and Manning is a large part of our business. We are happy to participate in forward-thinking projects that benefit the families and communities we call home,” shared Bob Blomme, managing partner of AMVC Veterinary Services.

Several families have contributed at the $10,000 level or higher including James and Virginia Rasmussen, the Ohde family, Randy & Jean Behrens, and Marlene Borkowski. More than 75 total donors have contributed to the campaign to date.

Project Update

“We are happy to report that the Senior Life Solutions expansion, Pharmacy renovation and negative pressure isolation room projects have been completed,” said MRHC CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “In the past month, we have started holding group therapy sessions for both the Senior Life Solutions program and the Recovery Center in the new space, have had several patients use the new patient isolation room, and the pharmacy is now in compliance with federal regulations.”

COVID has prevented an in-person open house, however, virtual tours of the newly renovated spaces have been shared on the MRHC Facebook and YouTube pages.

Projects Continue Forward

“The generosity of our supporters has been humbling to say the least,” said Block. “However, as we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our patients and provide care for three of the most common healthcare challenges we face today – mental health, obesity, and cancer, we request the community’s continued financial support.”

As MRHC approaches the new year, there are two major initiatives that staff, administration and board members are embarking on. An enhanced 32-slice CT scan will allow MRHC to provide scans that result in lower radiation, quicker scans, and more detail.

“The improved technology means that patients won’t have to travel to urban areas to receive better imaging,” said Linda Croghan, MRHC Director of Radiology.

The smart metal artifact reduction feature allows for high-quality images even if a patient has metal fillings, joint replacements, or metal hardware. The upgraded machine also allows local imaging for heavier people and will be able to accommodate patients up to 450 pounds. This CT is not only critical for hospital patients but also for specialty providers seeing patients in rural settings.

The other major investment is an Electronic Medical Records System which will enable MRHC to seamlessly access records and provide a system that is broadly accepted industry-wide, making medical record access much easier if a patient has to be seen at another hospital. The new system will allow online check-in for patients, enable patients to see their results online, and offer two-way communication with providers. The new system will improve telehealth capabilities as it is compatible with mobile devices.

Both projects present a significant financial hurdle for the hospital but are necessary to continue providing trusted healthcare close to home.

“Our hope is that our community members will consider supporting these projects with a monetary donation so we can continue to evolve to meet our patients’ needs, provide the best care possible and offer important, necessary services for residents in rural communities,” said Block.

As part of the Project Forward campaign, MRHC is planning a new donor wall located near the Med/Surg waiting room in the hospital that will feature a tree (or series of trees) that recognize the generous contributions from donors.

“We anticipate that donations of $100,000+ will be recognized as tree trunks, donations of $10,000-$99,999 will be branches or stepping stones, and donations of $1,000-$9,999 will be represented by leaves,” shared Block.

MRHC welcomes the support and participation in this campaign by the regional community, as well as individuals and businesses in neighboring counties. Those interested in donating can visit MRHC’s lobby to pick up a donation form, call Amy Benton at (712) 655-2072 to discuss funding needs, or visit www.mrhcia.com/2021-capital-campaign to find out more details.

senior life solutions group room

The new Senior Life Solutions group therapy room is also used for Recovery Center Outpatient group therapy.

check for capital campaign

AGP Director of Marketing, Wayne Johnson, presents a check for $35,000 to co-chairs of the Project Forward capital campaign, Randy Behrens and Virginia Rasmussen, and MRHC CEO, Linn Block.