WellCommons

It sure seems like we're hearing a lot lately about mental health. On my drive to work on Monday morning (I always have the dial set to NPR), Steve Inskeep announced a new series on depression. Then, this morning, I found out KCPT will begin a four part series on suicide starting tonight at 7:30. Marcia Epstein (who will also be featured on the show) posted about the program earlier. As the communications specialist for the Bert Nash Center, I'm glad that these topics are being explored in such a public way. It helps combat the negative stigma associated with mental illness.

Many of you remember, from last year, John McClure, the executive chef and owner of Starker’s Restaurant on the Plaza, took his own life. Then around Thanksgiving, Fox 4 meteorologist Don Harmon took his life as well. Both of these men were in the public eye, yet both of these men kept their depression a secret. Perhaps there were warning signs, and perhaps there weren't. Suicide is an awful thing on many levels and for all the many people affected by it.

No one saw it coming... by talktobert

On a positive note, we here at the Bert Nash Center have been training people for the last three years to learn to recognize the warning signs and perhaps save the life of a friend, family member, co-worker, or even a stranger. Our Mental Health First Aid program is a 12-hour course in which participants learn a single 5-step strategy that includes assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, and identifying appropriate professional help and other supports. The goal of MHFA is to increase mental health literacy. Participants are also introduced to risk factors and warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals and families; and learn information about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies.

To learn more about the MHFA program or to sign up for an upcoming course, visit our MHFA website. Our MHFA program was also on same program on KCPT as the one on suicide tonight (see video below)!

Please watch or listen to these current programs, and stay safe and healthy out there.

What is Mental Health First Aid? by talktobert

"It's becoming quite popular," said Patricia Roach Smith, COO of the Bert Nash Center and one of four Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors. MHFA is a 12-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. "We're thrilled that so many people have caught on to the benefits of the first aid program. The more people we certify, the healthier our community becomes."

The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health literacy — helping people identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness. Since 2008, the Center has certified over 400 people in MHFA. (Read in-depth reporting on the class from LJW reporter Karrey Britt, who took the class last fall.)

Today is World Mental Health Day and we're thrilled that this program is getting so much attention lately, both locally and nationally. First, we were featured on KCPT's The Local Show last week (see video below), and today, NPR's Kelley Weiss covered the national program on Morning Edition.

Currently, there are only two more spots available in the November sessions, held each Monday (7, 14, 21, and 28) from 4-7 p.m. "We're expanding our class offerings in the spring to accommodate the desire of local citizens to become certified." relayed Roach Smith.

The Spring 2012 schedule is as follows, all classes held at the Bert Nash Center:

January: Mondays 9, 16, 23, 30 4-7 p.m.

February: Mondays 6, 13, 20, 27 4-7 p.m.

March: Weekend Class 3 & 4 10:30-5:30, 1-6 p.m.

April: Tuesdays 3, 10, 17, 24 4-7 p.m.

May: Tuesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 4-7 p.m.

"In addition to our monthly class sessions held at the Center, we've also seen a spike in demand for 'off-site' classes." continued Roach Smith. Places like Cottonwood Inc., KU Student Success, KU Recreation Services, and ICL Performance Products, have all had staff members certified during two-day sessions in MHFA. "By the end of 2011, we'll have certified over 120 people within their workplace, which is very exciting."

Local businesses and organizations interested in holding a two-day session for staff certification, can contact Lauren Weege, coordinator for the MHFA program, at 785-830-1837. To enroll in a MHFA class, email talktobert@bertnash.org. Classes held at the Center cost only $30 per person, which covers 12-hour instruction, a manual and snacks. Learn more about the MHFA program on our website.

For women, the second most common method of committing suicide is self-poisoning including drug overdose. by talktobert

This week is Suicide Prevention Week. Kansas ranks 19th among the 50 states in completed suicides. Douglas County has a higher rate of suicide deaths than the national average. Taken from the Mental Health First Aid certification program, here is some vital information about suicide and what you can do if you recognize and help a person who is in crisis.

Facts about suicide

• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 15.2 minutes.

• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among 15- to 24-years-olds. The elderly make up 12.6% of the population, but comprise 15.7% of all suicides.

• Approximately 864,950 Americans attempt suicide each year. It is estimated that five million living Americans have attempted to kill themselves.

• Every year in the United States, more than 17,000 men and women kill themselves with a gun; two-thirds more than the number who use a gun to kill another person.

• An estimated 4.6 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one.

Warning signs of suicide

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
• Seeking access to means
  
• Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
  
• Feeling hopeless, worthless or a lack of purpose
  
• Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities
  
• Feeling trapped
  
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
  
• Withdrawing from family, friends or society
  
• Giving away of personal possessions or property
  
• Demonstrating rage and anger or seeking revenge
  
• Not showering or shaving for days on end
  
• Suddenly acting more aggressive than usual
  
• Sleeping all the time
• Being unable or unwilling to eat

Want to know more? Read "Out of the darkness comes hope" by local resident, and suicide survivor, Mariah Riling.

What can you do?

If you encounter a person who appears suicidal, talking about suicide may be a way for the person to indicate just how bad he or she is feeling. There are two common myths surrounding talking about suicide:

• Asking about suicide will put the idea in the person’s mind.
• Someone who talks about suicide isn’t really serious.

If someone is having suicidal feelings, it is vital to check whether the person has definite intentions to take his or her life, or whether the person has been having more vague suicidal thoughts such as, “What’s the point of going on?” To find out, you need to ask questions.

Questions to ask

Ask the person directly whether he or she is suicidal:

• “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”
• “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Ask the person whether he or she has a plan:

• “Have you decided how you are going to kill yourself?”
• “Have you decided when you would do it?”
• "Have you collected the things you need to carry out your plan?”

How to talk to a person who is suicidal

Discuss your observations with the person. Ask the question without dread. Do not express a negative judgment. Appear confident, as this can be reassuring. Check for two other risks:

• Has the person been using alcohol or other drugs?
• Has he or she made a suicide attempt in the past

How to help

• Let the person know you are concerned and are willing to help.
• Express empathy for what the person is going through.
• Encourage the person to do most of the talking.
• State that thoughts of suicide are often associated with a treatable mental health challenge.
• Tell the person that thoughts of suicide are common and do not have to be acted on.

DO NOT Leave an actively suicidal person alone or use guilt and threats to try to prevent suicide such as "You will go to hell" or "You will ruin other people's lives if you die by suicide."

Keeping the person safe

Provide a safety contact number that is available at all times:

• In Douglas County, call Headquarters Counseling Center: 785.841.2345
• National Hopeline Network: 1.800.SUICIDE
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1.800.273.TALK
• Refer them to counselors, psychologists and social workers at the Bert Nash Center: 843-9192

Help the person think about people or things that have been supportive in the past and find out whether those supports are still available. If you would like to know more about suicide prevention and other mental health crisis situations and how you can save a life, please look into Mental Health First Aid classes.

1in4 by talktobert

Did you know that 1 in 4 adults struggle with a treatable mental health condition each year? That’s almost 60 million people!

Who is your 1in4?

Do you know a family member, friend, veteran, or colleague quietly struggling with depression, ADHD, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, or some other mental health challenge? We can help you help them by encouraging them to...

First step to finding help by talktobert

Encourage them to call Bert Nash and ask for an appointment to see a therapist. Access Center staff will speak with them over the phone and assess their needs – and help them set up their first appointment with a therapist. The therapist may be a psychologist or a licensed social worker. (If they are in a crisis situation they will not have to wait for an appointment).

When they come in for their first appointment, they will go to the first floor reception of the Bert Nash Center at 200 Maine Street in Lawrence (the Community Health Facility). They will meet with an Access Center representative for a few minutes to go over paperwork and then they will meet with a therapist. Their therapist will determine the next steps for their treatment and set up the next appointment.

What if you want to talk to them about their mental health challenge, but you're worried about their reaction?

Sometimes it's hard to broach this topic. Sometimes we're lacking confidence or we're just worried about making the situation worse. If you're feeling this way, we recommend taking one of our Mental Health First Aid classes.

Mental Health First Aid Certification by talktobert

MHFA is a 12-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it does build mental health literacy — helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness.

Trainees are taught how to apply the 5-step strategy in a variety of situations, such as helping someone through a panic attack, engaging with someone who may be suicidal, or assisting an individual who has overdosed. An important component of the MHFA training is the opportunity to practice the intervention strategy rather than to just learn about it. This simple experience can make it easier to actually apply the knowledge in a real-life situation.

Classes are forming now for the fall:

• September Session: 6, 13, 20, 27th (4-7pm) Tuesdays

• October Session: 3, 10, 17, 24th (4-7pm) Mondays

• November Session: 7, 14, 21, 28th (4-7pm) Mondays

Classes cost $30 per person; which covers 12-hour instruction, a manual, and snacks. All classes are held at the Center and meet the requirements for approval of 12 CEUs. To sign up for a MHFA class, please email talktobert@bertnash.org.

Neck & Neck by talktobert

Over the last week, we at the Bert Nash Center have been working hard to secure votes for our Mental Health First Aid program

We are one of four finalists to possibly win a $5,000 grant from Mental Health First Aid USA, but we need the most votes to win. We continue to be in the lead, however, Community Circles of Care in Dubuque, IA has gained on us every day, and now we're within 9 votes as of 9:00 a.m. this morning.

Please VOTE for us through your Facebook account by visiting the Mental Health First Aid USA page. You have to "Like" MHFA-USA, then you go to the VOTE section (on the left of the page) and click on our video (the last one) and then click "Like" again to actually cast your vote. Voting ends at midnight tonight, April 15 YOU MUST CLICK "LIKE" ON OUR VIDEO FOR YOUR VOTE TO COUNT (just "liking" MHFA-USA does not count).

Voting is only available through Facebook, and only one vote may be cast, per account.

You can also go to our Facebook page and click on the EVENT we've created for this voting race, then invite ALL your Facebook friends to vote too. Help us use the power of Facebook to win this Vote!

Vote for Bert Nash! by talktobert

Cindy Hart, development director, announced today that the Bert Nash Center has been selected as one of four finalists for the Mental Health First Aid USA Best Community Impact Award. “We are pleased that our ongoing efforts to promote Mental Health First Aid have been recognized at the national level. However, we need to make it to the finish line – we need your votes!”

The Bert Nash Center’s submission was chosen from the initial judging, and it’s now up to you to decide which finalist deserves the recognition and prize of $5,000 to continue to support the program at their organization. Public voting started April 7th and continues through to Friday, April 15th. The winner will be announced on April 18th.

Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hour education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. In 2008, the Bert Nash Center was one of the seven pilot sites in the country to offer the training. Since then, the Center has trained almost 400 participants.

Jane Blocher, executive director of the American Red Cross, Douglas County Chapter took the MHFA class earlier this year. “The training armed me with the skills necessary to help recognize the various signs of multiple mental health issues that many of the clients we assist display. Most importantly, it removed much of the fear I had previously experienced dealing with many of these clients. That fear was replaced with empathy, understanding and patience. That’s quite a take away!”

“We are competing against some very impressive organizations located in Chicago, IL; Santa Fe, NM; and Dubuque, IA., so we really need everyone’s vote,” Hart said. You can vote through a link on bertnash.org. Mental Health First Aid USA made this voting available to only those with Facebook accounts.

Vote for Bert Nash! by talktobert

We submitted our application and now we are one of four finalists for a $5,000 grant for promoting Mental Health First Aid in the community. But first we need to win the most votes... please "VOTE" for Bert Nash at this link here - you have to "Like" MHFA USA, then you have to "Like" the video for us to win... (our video is at the very bottom of the video page, click on the video, then click "Like)

If that link doesn't take you directly to the "VOTE" page - look on the left for "VOTE" and follow the instructions from there.

Please help us spread the word!

A Webinar to Mark National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, February 20-26

Date: Thursday, February 24th Time: 2:00 pm eastern, 1:00 pm central, 12:00 noon mountain, 11:00 am pacific,10:00 am Alaska

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FREE AND GET WEBINAR ACCESS INFORMATION Please sign in early for the live event; attendance is limited to the first 1,000 participants. A free audio recording and a copy of the webinar presentation will be available after the event.

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, nearly 11 million people in the United States are fighting a life and death battle with an eating disorder. Eating disorders affect people from all walks of life regardless of age or gender, and are treatable. If you know someone suffering from an eating disorder, what can you do to help?

This webinar reviews the prevalence and risk factors for eating disorders and explains why early intervention, treatment, and support are essential. Presenters discuss how to identify the signs and symptoms of eating disorders and present the Mental Health First Aid 5-step action plan to help those who are developing these signs and symptoms or are in crisis. After the presentation, the webinar is open for your questions.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Trish Jones-Bendel, BSN, RN, began working with individuals suffering from eating disorders in 1984 and is the program director of the Eating Disorder Services at Linden Oaks at Edward, in Naperville, Illinois. She is a member of the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, The International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Lise Porter, MFT, RDT-BCT, San Diego, California is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, Aurora Behavioral Health Care, and in private practice. She has an extensive background in mind/body psychology as well as experience working in an outpatient eating disorders program. Trish and Lise are both certified Mental Health First Aid USA Instructors.

The webinar features content from the evidence-based public education program, Mental Health First Aid USA. Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to a person showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional, peer or family support can be engaged. Mental Health First Aid USA is disseminated by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

To Sign Up for a Mental Health First Aid Training course, visit bertnash.org

Here's a review of my blogs about becoming certified in Mental Health First Aid:

Mental Health First Aid

SESSION 1: Mental Health First Aid course starts by covering depression, suicide prevention

I am taking Mental Health First Aid.

It’s a 12-hour course provided by Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center over four weeks for $25.

My first three-hour session was Tuesday (Sept. 7) and it was taught by Bert Nash CEO David Johnson and Tracy Kihm, finance director.

Ten people are in my class, and some members shared the reasons they decided to take the class; among them were to help friends, family, co-workers and themselves. For me, it’s for all of those reasons and to help me become a better health reporter.

The first session was an overall introduction to mental health, and then it focused on depression. We learned the symptoms and what causes depression and then, of course, how to help.

The class included a game, role play, a video and discussion. Time flew by.

Depression

What’s the difference between feeling blue and a major depressive disorder? A major depressive disorder lasts for at least two weeks and affects a person’s ability to work, to carry out daily activities, and to have satisfying personal relationships. About 7 percent of U.S. adults will experience major depression in any given year.

(Data and statistics are from the class instructors and a manual that we were given, “Mental Health First Aid USA” by Betty Kitchener, Anthony Jorm and Claire Kelly.)

Causes include: job loss, breakup of a relationship, death of loved one, childbirth, poverty, bullying, and/or being a victim of a crime.

Symptoms include: lack of energy, sleeping too much or not being able to sleep, change in eating habits, and/or unusually sad mood.

The main crises associated with major depression:

• The person has suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

• The person is engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury. (We will learn about this in session four).

First, we learned about suicide, and it just happened to be National Suicide Prevention Week.

Mental Health First Aid USA by kbritt

Suicide

Here are some eye-opening statistics:

• About 35,000 Americans die by suicide each year, or one person every 15 minutes.

• Males take their own lives at nearly four times the rate of females, but women attempt suicide about two to three times as often as men.

• Among males, adults 85 and older have the highest rate of suicide.

• Among females, those in their 40s and 50s have the highest rate of suicide.

• About 87 percent of people who complete suicide have a mental health disorder.

How to help

Like other first aid classes, there is a mnemonic — or memory device — for the action plan. For example, many people know ABC (Airway, Breathing and Circulation) to help someone who is injured or ill. For Mental Health First Aid, it is ALGEE:

• A — Assess for risk of suicide or harm.

• L — Listen nonjudgmentally.

• G — Give reassurance and information.

• E — Encourage appropriate professional help.

• E — Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

We learned that if we suspect someone may be at risk of suicide, it is important to directly ask about suicidal thoughts. For example, “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

The instructors emphasized to ask the question without dread or without expressing negative judgment. For example, never say, “You aren’t thinking of suicide, are you?”

Asking the question is never easy, they said, but very important. We did some role play with a partner, and that was difficult.

Where to get help

Here are some resources that Bert Nash provided:

• Bert Nash’s 24-hour service — 843-9192.

• National Suicide Prevention Life-Line — 800-273-8255.

• Headquarters Counseling Center’s 24-hour service — 841-2345.

• Lawrence Memorial Hospital emergency room — 505-6100.

• KU Child and Family Services Clinic — 864-4416.

• DCCCA (outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center) — 841-4138.

Weeklong lesson

On Wednesday night, I covered a national expert’s presentation on suicide prevention. About 30 people were in the audience. Several revealed that they were there to help family and friends. One woman said she had attempted suicide and was there to help herself and family.

David Litts, director of Science and Policy at the national Suicide Prevention Resource Center, gives a presentation "Preventing the Suicide of Someone You Know, Someone You Love," Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital. by Nick Krug

After the presentation, I interviewed Marcia Epstein, executive director of Headquarters Counseling Center in Lawrence, who said 10 people had died by suicide in Douglas County during the first five months of this year. She said one Kansan dies every day.

Hearing the local stories and statistics brought this cause much closer to home. On Friday, I lit two candles in recognition of International Suicide Prevention Day. I thought about those who had died by suicide that I knew (all men, but one):

• Two high school students while I was in junior high school.

• Two middle-aged Kansas farmers/ranchers.

• A college student who lived in an apartment complex next to my boyfriend (now husband).

• A friend of my husband’s grandfather.

• A friend’s brother.

I also thought about Mental Health First Aid, and how grateful I am for the class.

SESSION 2: Second Mental Health First Aid session covers self-injury, anxiety and more

The second session (Sept. 14) of my 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center focused on self-injury and anxiety, but covered much more. This blog barely touches on the information that was given and shared.

The session was taught by Patricia Roach Smith, chief operating officer, and Tracy Kihm, finance director.

There was more discussion this session among the 10 members in my class. We also watched a video and played a game.

Self-injury

I learned that self-harm:

• is not a mental illness. It is a behavior and often a symptom of mental illness, such as depression, psychosis or borderline personality disorder.

• isn’t a failed suicide attempt. The intention is to harm self, not kill self.

• is more than just cutting, burning and tearing skin. Other forms include excessive exercise, pinching, increased drinking, overdose with nonfatal intention, sabotaging good relationships, hair pulling, and staying with people who mistreat you.

A 2006 survey of college students found that 17 percent had engaged in self-injury, according to Mental Health First Aid USA. A 2005 survey of high school students found 20 percent of girls and 9 percent of boys had engaged in self-harm.

Kihm said this was the hardest behavior for her to understand, and I don’t think she is alone.

Here are some of the reasons people do it:

• escape from unbearable anguish.

• change the behavior of others.

• escape from a situation.

• show desperation to others.

• “get back at” other people or make them feel guilty.

• gain relief of tension.

• seek attention or help.

Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxiety at some time. It can be useful in helping avoid dangerous situations or motivating people to solve everyday problems. I get anxious sometimes when I have to interview people or talk before a group of people.

An anxiety disorder differs from normal anxiety because it’s:

• more intense.

• long lasting.

• interferes with work, activities and relationships.

About 18 percent of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder in any given year.

Anxiety disorders tend to begin before adulthood. The median age of onset is 11 years. They are more common in females than in males.

Roach Smith said Bert Nash has a clinic that specifically addresses anxiety, and she said treatment can be fairly quick.

One of the common risk factors is a panic attack, and the symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of a heart attack, among them: chest pain, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, nausea and shaking.

Panic attacks may have happened before and the person might know the difference.

There are a number of anxiety disorders, such as specific phobia, social phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-complusive disorder. We watched a video of people who described their different anxiety disorders. Among them was Marc Summers, who hosted the Nickelodeon game show “Double Dare.” He had OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Traumatic event

The class also learned how to help someone who has experienced a traumatic event.

Here are a few tips:

• Introduce yourself and find out their name. Use their name while talking.

• Determine immediate needs such as water, shelter, food. (Think “What would I want?”)

• Do not get in way of the professionals.

• Do not make promises you can’t keep.

• Give truthful information.

• Be genuinely caring.

• Do not make someone talk about the event unless they want to.

• If the person is suffering four weeks after trauma, they may need professional help.

Other tidbits

Roach Smith covered how to listen nonjudgmentally. This was a nice refresher to take in and apply to everyday life and relationships.

The group asked about what types of professional services are available for mental illness. Roach Smith said they include talk therapies, medication, and support groups.

Someone also asked about the costs associated with getting help. What if the person can’t pay?

Roach Smith said Bert Nash accepts insurance and charges on a sliding scale based on household income. The full fee is $125 per hour, and is charged to households that earn more than $45,000. She added that most people are treated in five sessions.

Class members agreed that the cost for professional help far outweighed the possible consequences of going untreated: loss of job, loss of housing, emergency room visit, hospital stay, suicide.

SESSION 3: Mental Health First Aid session covers psychosis, substance abuse

Psychosis and substance abuse.

Those were the topics of discussion during the third session (Sept. 21) of my 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, 200 Maine.

The session was taught by Patricia Roach Smith, chief operating officer, and Tracy Kihm, finance director.

About two-thirds of the time was spent on psychosis because it’s what most people think of when they hear someone has a mental illness. But, only 1 percent of Americans suffer from it.

Psychosis

People experiencing early stages of psychosis often go undiagnosed for a year or more. This is because it often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and the early signs and symptoms involve behaviors and emotions that are common in this age group, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, reduced energy, difficulties with concentration or attention, sleep disturbances and social isolation.

The most common disorder is schizophrenia. Did you know?

• Most people experience their first episode between ages 15 and 30.

• It affects males more than females.

• About one-third of people will only have one episode and fully recover.

• About 5 percent die by suicide.

Another common disorder is bipolar disorder. I was surprised by how many people in my class knew of someone who suffered from this illness. They talked about how people jokingly say to their friends, “He is so bipolar.” But, it’s not funny.

Class discussion also focused on how people tend to AVOID people with psychosis because they often are portrayed as unpredictable, violent or dangerous; however, the vast majority are not. Only 10 percent of violence in society is due to mental illness.

During class, we watched a video of two women who tried to help someone who was suffering a psychotic episode. It illustrated the importance of knowing what to say to someone. One woman was able to help, while the other woman made the situation worse.

A class exercise helped us understand what it might be like to hear voices, and how difficult it could be to carry a conversation.

Substance abuse

It is considered a disorder if:

• There is a dependence on alcohol or other drugs.

• Use leads to work, school, home, health or legal problems.

Substance abuse often starts as pleasure, but ends up being about relief from pain. Kihm said people can be judgmental about those with a substance disorder. To help her understand what a person might be going through, she thinks about how hard it would be for her to give up certain foods.

Did you know?

• About 3.8 percent of U.S. adults have a substance use disorder with the majority involving alcohol.

• 50 percent of people develop the disorder by age 20, and 75 percent develop it by age 27.

• People with a mood or anxiety disorder are two to three times more likely to have a substance abuse disorder.

• Of people who die by suicide, 26 percent had a substance abuse disorder.

• Only 38 percent of people with a substance abuse disorder in the past year received such help.

How much alcohol is considered too much?

• For men — More than four drinks per occasion or more than 14 per week.

• For women — More then three drinks per occasion or more than seven per week.

Of course, most people underestimate the size of a drink. In class, we poured water into glasses to see if we came close to the U.S. Standard Drink Equivalent. For example, the standard-sized beer is 12 ounces, and for table wine it’s 5 ounces.

A brief screening device — RAPS4 Questionnaire — has been developed to help assess whether people have an alcohol use disorder. If someone answers yes to one of the following questions, they should get an evaluation from a professional. They are:

1. During the past year, have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

2. During the past year, has a friend or family member ever told you about things you said or did while you were drinking that you could not remember?

3. During the past year, have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of drinking?

4. Do you sometimes take a drink in the morning when you first get up?

There’s was a lot of class discussion about the binge drinking that goes on among college students and knowing when a person may need professional or medical help.

You need to call an ambulance if the person:

• is continually vomiting.

• vomiting while unconscious.

• can’t be awakened or falls into an unconscious state.

• breathing irregularly.

• has an irregular, weak pulse.

• has cold, pale or bluish skin.

I've only scratched the surface on what we learned during this session. Bert Nash offers the course once a month. To learn more or to sign up, contact Lauren Grieb at lgrieb@bertnash.org or 830-1837.

My Mental Health First Aid certificate by kbritt

SESSION 4: Mental Health First Aid course ends with familiar topic: eating disorders

After taking 12 hours of course work, I am now certified in Mental Health First Aid.

The class, provided by Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, covered: depression, suicide, anxiety, self-injury, psychosis, substance abuse and eating disorders. I learned the warning signs and symptoms and how to help.

The course was taught over four weeks. The last session, which was Sept. 28, covered eating disorders, and then there was a wrap-up of the entire course.

Eating disorders

A person with an eating disorder can be underweight, normal weight or overweight. Eating disorders are not just about food, weight, vanity or will power, but are serious and potentially life-threatening mental disorders, according to class instructors Patricia Roach Smith, chief operating officer, and Tracy Kihm, finance director.

Serious health consequences include severe malnutrition, brain dysfunction and heart or kidney failure.

Unlike addictions to alcohol or drugs, food can’t be given up, Kihm said.

Did you know?

• Eating disorders are two to three times more common in females than males.

• The median age of onset ranges from 18 to 20 years.

• A majority of those with an eating disorder also have another mental issue, particularly anxiety, mood disorder or substance abuse.

• Less than one-third of people with an eating disorder reported in 2007 that they had received treatment for a mental health problem in the past 12 months.

There are behavioral, physical and psychological warning signs. Among them:

• Dieting behaviors such as fasting, counting calories and avoidance of food groups.

• Evidence of binge eating such as disappearance or hoarding of food.

• Excessive, obsessive or ritualistic exercise patterns.

• Avoidance of eating meals, especially in social settings.

• Weight loss or fluctuations.

• Sensitivity to cold or feeling cold most of the time.

• Swelling around cheeks or jaw, calluses on knuckles, or dental discoloration from vomiting.

• Extreme body dissatisfaction.

• Preoccupation with food, body shape and weight.

Here’s a questionnaire for detecting eating disorders. A ‘yes’ answer to two or more indicates a likely eating disorder:

• Do you make yourself vomit because you feel uncomfortably full?

• Do you worry that you have lost control over how much you eat?

• Have you recently lost more than 12 pounds in a 3-month period?

• Do you think you are too fat, even though others say you are too thin?

• Would you say that food dominates your life?

Unfamiliar illness for most

Less than 1 percent of the population will experience anorexia or bulimia in their lifetimes.

About 3 percent of people will have a binge eating disorder in their lifetime. It’s considered a disorder if the binges occur at least twice per week over six months or more.

There were eight people, including me, in the final class session — and most said they didn’t know anyone who had suffered from an eating disorder. The class discussed how difficult it would be to approach someone who might have an eating disorder.

Little did they know that, about 20 years ago, I was among that small percentage who had anorexia. I thought I would be able to share my experience after all of these years, but I couldn’t. For me, it’s easier in writing:

• I had many of the warning signs. A few examples: I hovered over the vents to keep warm in winter, exercised a lot and avoided eating meals. I can remember my volleyball coaches coaxing me to order something besides a diet Coke after away games. I counted calories, down to the 5 in a stick of gum.

• Often people resist help, and I was one of them. I denied that I had a problem and resisted any help or advice from my parents, school counselor, school nurse, primary care doctor, two psychologists and even a fellow classmate who had suffered the same disease. (A side note: There were two other girls in my high school who suffered from anorexia, and I had a college friend who suffered from bulimia. Over the years, I have learned of other young girls who had anorexia through family and friends.)

• Eating disorders are long-term problems that aren’t easily overcome. My illness lasted for about five years with the peak being between the ages of 16 and 18.

Overview

Class members shared how they would use their Mental Health First Aid training. Everyone said they could use it in their personal and professional lives and shared specific examples.

And thanks to the class, we now have an action plan to do so:

• Access for risk of suicide or harm.

• Listen nonjudgmentally.

• Give reassurance and information.

• Encourage appropriate professional help.

• Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Roach-Smith asked who we thought would benefit from the class. At first, occupations such as teachers, police officers, pastors and human resource professionals were named. Then, we realized anyone and everyone could benefit.

Ready to sign up?

The cost is $25 and includes a manual and snacks.

Fall courses are full, so here’s the spring lineup:

• February — 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22.

• March — 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, and 1 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, March 12.

• April — 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays, April 4, 11, 18 and 25.

• May — 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Mondays, May 2, 9, 16 and 23.

To sign up or for more information, contact Lauren Grieb at lgrieb@bertnash.org or call 830-1837.

September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. On average, almost 3000 people commit suicide daily. In the United States alone, a person dies by suicide every 16 minutes. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives. http://www.who.int/mental_health/prevention/en/index.html

Mental Health America is joining forces with the National Council for Suicide Prevention and other partner organizations to spread the word about World Suicide Prevention Day and the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign: http://www.take5tosavelives.org. Suicide is preventable and the campaign is part of a worldwide movement to change lives and save lives.

As one of those partners, The Bert Nash Center educates citizens about suicide prevention as one of the segments of the Mental Health First Aid class, taught monthly at the Center.

“We recognize the need for education on this important topic,” stated Patricia Roach Smith, COO of Bert Nash. “Suicide prevention is an important segment of the Mental Health First Aid course. It is a practical, informative class that teaches ways to recognize individuals who may be at risk and instructs students in techniques to prevent suicide.” A webcast sponsored by Mental Health First Aid is open to the public today at noon Central time: CLICK HERE FOR FREE REGISTRATION. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/810937843

Another important local organization that focuses on suicide prevention is Headquarters Counseling Center. Their website lists educational presentations and useful links: http://hqcc.lawrence.ks.us/Services/Suicide_Prevention/suicide-prevention-week.html

For more information visit www.bertnash.org/services/MentalHealthFirstAid.html