The Challenge of Recovery in Challenging Times

Community Alliance StaffBlog, Wellbeing

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly half of those who experience a mental health disorder during their lives will also experience a substance use disorder and vice versa. And substance use problems have shown to occur more frequently with certain mental health conditions, including: Depression Anxiety Disorders Schizophrenia Personality Disorders Add to this the trauma of facing a worldwide health crisis, economic insecurity and political and racial discord – and those already dealing with mental health issues and substance use may also be struggling with suicidal ideation. The Perfect Storm Mental health and substance use disorders share some underlying causes – including genetic vulnerabilities, early exposure to stress and trauma and changes in brain composition. “The perfect storm is the combination of stress and anxiety surrounding all we’re dealing with in the world right now, in addition to the mental health conditions a person may have,” explained Aileen Brady, Community Alliance Chief Operating Officer. “Then, when you add in substance use, which lowers inhibitions and impulse control, risk for suicide is greater because impulses are decreased due to the substance use. There may be an obvious awareness on the part of the individual or an impulsive decision fueled by substance use. Or, maybe it’s hopelessness over a period of time and the person experiences loss of relationships or loss of a job because of their substance use.”  “Many of our clients have expressed that when they are using, it has allowed them to feel something,” Brady continued. “The symptoms of the illness may mask their feelings, or their medication can lower their emotional responses, then the substance use elevates emotions and they feel good for a while. When they come off of that substance the pain returns and they don’t feel better,” Brady added. Recovery is a Personal Journey Recovery starts with awareness that recovery is necessary and achievable. And every person has their own goals and path to recovery. Mental health recovery is never linear. It’s not even a simple step-by-step process. It involves a continual focus on wellness, consistent work and steady growth. And while it may include occasional setbacks, every misstep or relapse offers an opportunity to learn.  Active Recovery Includes: Overall Health – Managing mental health and substance use disorders means making healthier choices that support overall wellbeing – including regular sleep, eating better and becoming more active, as well as abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs and non-prescribed medications. Stable Home – A safe, stable living environment. Life Purpose – Meaningful daily activities, the means to support independence and resources to participate in society. Supportive Community – Positive and supportive family and friends can help lighten the burden throughout life’s challenges. People with strong networks of social support tend to handle stress better and to remain healthier and happier.  Together, We Can Build Resiliency Those with mental illness should not be defined by their mental illness. In fact, most people with behavioral health disorders do get better. Mental illness is a chronic disease and recovery is a process of finding the right balance in life – it’s a personal journey towards wellness and stability. With help, symptoms can significantly improve or even disappear altogether. Recovery can involve any combination of therapy, medication and learning and initiating healthy choices that are meaningful. This does not necessarily mean that someone is “cured”, but active recovery can make a life-changing difference. Stay Positive – When life becomes challenging, it is important to set positive intentions and engage in positive self-talk. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments and minimize setbacks and areas of weakness. Grow in Emotional Awareness – During difficult times it’s easy to become overwhelmed by anxiety and overcome by emotions. Understanding why you are upset can offer valuable insight about what needs to change. Journaling can be helpful to this process.  Know the Difference Between Powerlessness and Control – Although we’re often powerless over life’s circumstances, how we choose to respond to these circumstances is within our control. Knowing the difference is half the battle. Know when to let go. Know when to take action. And know when to ask for help. Reach Out for Support – People with strong networks of social support tend to stay happier and healthier throughout life and tend to handle stress better. Supportive and positive friends and family can help lighten the load when a challenge is faced. Don’t Give Up – When disappointments come, keep your focus on working through them. Remember that you are not alone. Help is within reach. It’s always okay to ask for help. We believe in your potential for recovery. And we support your efforts through our programs and services. Call Community Alliance for hope and help.

Suicide in a Time of Unrest.

Community Alliance StaffBlog, News, Wellbeing

We’re Facing a Mental Health Crisis That’s Costing Lives. The statistics are staggering – approximately 800,000 people die by suicide in the world each year. That’s nearly one death every 40 seconds. Suicide has become the 2nd leading cause of death for those 15 to 24 years old. Every year, many more people think about or attempt suicide than die by suicide. The rate of suicide in the U.S. has increased 35% since 1999. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 10.7 million American adults seriously contemplated suicide in 2018, 3.3 million made a plan for suicide and 1.4 million attempted suicide.  Additionally, suicides have been shown to increase in connection with major crises. In recent years, rising suicide rates have contributed to a falling life expectancy in the U.S. While it’s not clear exactly why the rate has climbed, health experts say they believe isolation and strained family relationships, as well as alcohol and substance misuse are contributing risk factors to what is being labeled a national epidemic. A global pandemic, political unrest, the state of race relations, financial instability and job loss all add to stressors that can contribute to suicidal ideation.  We’re All at Risk. Suicide doesn’t have a single cause. There are many different reasons why someone would consider suicide. Risk factors are characteristics or conditions that increase the chance a person may try to take their life. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated.  “You may not have been a person who has struggled with mental health issues previously, but COVID-19 has certainly challenged all of us. And for those who have already experienced anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, they are lacking social connectedness more so than ever,” explained Aileen Brady, Community Alliance Chief Operating Officer. Health Risks and Contributing Factors Serious physical health conditions that involve pain Traumatic brain injury Any of the following mental health conditions: Aggressive behavior Mood disorders Toxic relationships Substance use problems Depression Bipolar disorder Schizophrenia Conduct disorder Anxiety disorders Isolation Takes a Serious Toll. Stressful experiences may contribute to or trigger suicide. Discrimination, isolation and relationship conflicts with family, friends and others can contribute to overwhelming and immediate stress. However, the connections we have can work as a protection factor when it comes to suicide risk. “As human beings, we’re social people and we need a sense of community,” Brady continued to explain. “It’s something so many of us take for granted – meeting colleagues at work, attending church services as a congregation, meeting classmates at school, family get-togethers. All of these represent losses in peoples’ lives. This kind of isolation isn’t good for any of us. In fact, we’re seeing an increase in people using alcohol, a depressive, as a coping mechanism. Clients with mental health conditions may have had a substance use problem before, but the pandemic has only reinforced that.” Stress can build up over a long time and lead to suicidal thoughts. Some people feel guilty for even thinking about suicide when they know they have people who care about them. This can sometimes make the feelings of despair even worse. Contributing Environmental Risks Do they have access to lethal means including firearms and drugs? Have they experienced prolonged stress – including harassment, bullying, relationship problems or unemployment? Have they experienced a stressful life event – including rejection, failure, divorce, job loss, financial crisis? Have they experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide? Have they been exposed to graphic or sensationalized accounts of suicide? Historic Risks Those who have attempted suicide before are at a higher risk to try again. And those who have a history of self-harming are also at a higher risk of suicide. Have they attempted suicide before? Is there a family history of suicide? Have they experienced childhood abuse, neglect or trauma? Here’s How We Support Clients at Risk. Early on, when people began to be isolated at home, Community Alliance made phone calls and established telehealth service, but they also put together activity packets that were both fun and educational. The staff went out in the community and dropped off the packets, and they were very well received. Beyond that, they stressed staying safely connected. “Since the beginning of isolation, we advised our clients to get outside. Take a walk. There is something to be said for nature therapy,” Brady related. “I rarely use the words social distancing, I use the words physical distancing. Let’s not socially distance. Let’s stay socially connected in any way we can. Take all the precautions, wear the mask, stay 6 feet apart – but don’t socially isolate.” Here’s How You Can Help. If you think that someone is feeling suicidal, the best thing you can do is to respectfully and empathetically encourage them to talk about how they are feeling. Talking to someone about their suicidal thoughts does not make them more likely to end their life. You may not know exactly what to say. It may feel like an awkward and uncomfortable conversation.  “Always trust your gut. You may be the only one who is noticing that someone is withdrawing or making some direct statements about taking their life,” Brady offered. “We want to encourage everyone to be okay with having those difficult conversations, because you may be the only one that’s noticed. And you may be the only one to speak up.” Here’s how you can help: Encourage the person to talk. Demonstrate that you care. Recognize their fear and sadness and ask them about it. Ask if they are thinking of hurting themselves or taking their own life, and if they have a plan. Listen attentively and show that you are taking their concerns seriously. Offer reassurance, but don’t be dismissive about their problems. Make sure they don’t have access to medications or any type of weapon. Stay with the person if they are at high risk of suicide. Offer to provide support and seek professional help. Never leave a suicidal person alone, unless you are concerned for your own safety. When someone is in crisis, take action. Call emergency services – 911, or go to your local hospital emergency department.  If you are struggling, Community Alliance can help. We offer supportive services that include psychiatric care, counseling, rehabilitation, recovery services and more. Suicide Prevention Resources: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – www.afsp.org National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800) 273-8255 Crisis Text Line  741741 Boys Town National Hotline (800) 448-3000 Nebraska Family Helpline The Kim Foundation NAMI Nebraska Suicide Loss Survivor Resources: AFSP Healing Conversations Nebraska Loss Team

Welcome to Community Well

Community Alliance StaffBlog, News, Wellbeing

Part of making a positive impact is digging deep for insights, finding solutions, offering resources and delivering positive feedback. That’s our goal with Community Well.  This eNewsletter aims to offer Community Alliance news you can use. Learn more about our services. As we expand and modify our services, we’ll keep you informed. Discover new integrated health resources. We understand that physical wellness has a positive effect on mental wellbeing. Find out how we’re addressing this. Stay up to date on our community outreach services. Learn more about options like COVID-19 protocol, flu shots, telehealth services and more. Discover how you can help make a positive impact. Your contribution to efforts like Breaking the Silence can help fight the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Thanks for your interest in Community Well. We welcome your input. Do you have some newsworthy information or insights? Keep us posted at info@commall.org