suips

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Mitigating the Myths & Stifling the Stress Presented by Jackie Beck MSW Department of Children and Families Mental Health Program Office Updated February 23, 2006

Objectives of this workshop: 

Objectives of this workshop Mitigate The Myths About Mental Illness How To Contribute To An Environment That Thrives Proactive Strategies To Reduce The Stress

What do you think of when you hear the words “Mental Illness”: 

What do you think of when you hear the words “Mental Illness”

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What comes to mind when you think of “Mental Health”?

Is Mental Illness the opposite of Mental Health?: 

Is Mental Illness the opposite of Mental Health? Mental Health Mental Illness (wellness)

MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE COMMON: 

MENTAL ILLNESSES ARE COMMON They affect more than 17 million people in the United States in any given year. Mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, culture, race, gender, ethnicity, economic status, or location— they affect almost every family in America.

MENTAL ILLNESSES IN THE WORKPLACE: 

MENTAL ILLNESSES IN THE WORKPLACE 28 million workers in the U.S. workforce experience a mental or substance use disorder: #1 Alcohol abuse/dependence (9%) #2 Major depression (8%) #3 Social phobia, an anxiety disorder (7%) Hertz, Rob P. PhD and Christine Baker, “The Impact of Mental Disorders on Work,” June 2002.

The Cost of Depression: 

The Cost of Depression An estimated 32 million to 35 million adults in the United States will suffer from major depressive disorder in their lifetime. In a given year, about 19 million American adults suffer from a depressive disorder or depression. The annual direct cost of depression care is estimated at $26 million. http://www.ncqa.org/communications/SOMC/SOHC2004.pdf The State of Healthcare Quality, 2004 NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE 23

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Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Depression has the highest medical costs of all behavioral conditions and results in more days of disability than chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and lower back pain. Workers with depression cost employers in excess of $30 billion per year in lost productivity.

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The overall health bills of employees with depression are 70 percent higher than those of employees without depression An estimated 2.5 million depression-related sick days could be prevented if treated. A RAND Corporation study found that people with depression costs the nation a $12 billion in lost workdays each year. Nearly 1 in 6 people with severe, untreated depression commits suicide

Many People DO NOT Seek Treatment: 

Many People DO NOT Seek Treatment Common Reasons: Cost Fear Not knowing where to go for help Cultural differences Concern about confidentiality and the opinions of significant people in their lives….

Stigma and discrimination: 

Stigma and discrimination Stigma is the aura of shame and blame It is a barrier to well-being and a full life It holds applicants back Deters people from seeking help May cause discomfort for returning employees

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Nearly half of the population associate mental illness with violence Truth People with mental illnesses can’t hold jobs Myth Sources: NMHA, June 1999. MacArthur Mental Health Module, 1996.

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Media often ridicules people with mental illnesses and portrays them as depressed and dangerous Truth 84% say people with mental disorders are targets of ridicule. 85% of respondents say the media shows people with mental illnesses as sad and lonely. Only 49% note that people with mental illness are often or sometimes shown as having recovered. NMHAC, Sept. 2000.

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For every completed suicide, there are 3 attempts. Myth 25 attempts for every death in US Risk for suicide increases for those diagnosed with a mental illness Truth Estimated 90% have one or more psychiatric disorders at the time of suicide Schizophrenia & Affective Disorders among the highest risk Arias, et. al, (2003), Deaths: Final data for 2001. National Vital Statistics Reports, 52 American Association of Suicidology. Some Facts About Suicide in the U.S.A.., 2002

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Homicide is the leading cause of death Worldwide Myth Source: AAS, 2002 Official Final Data Suicide is 11th Leading Cause of Death in US

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Nationally, the youth have the highest suicide rate. Myth Ages 5-14 = rate of .6 per 100,000 in 2002. Ages 15-24 = rate of 9.9 per 100,000 in 2002 Overall, rates declined 1993-2002 from .9 to .6 per 100,000 for ages 5-14 13.5 to 9.9 for ages 15-24 Among adults, minorities have the highest suicide rates. Myth Nationally, more than half of all suicides are by adult white males, ages 25-65 Source: www.suicidology.org

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Florida Suicide Statistics Florida has the 15th highest suicide rate in the country as of 2002* (14 per 100,000) Suicides in Florida**: 2,290 in 2001 2,332 in 2002 2,294 in 2003 2,382 in 2004 Source: * www.sprc.org **www.floridasuicideprevention.org

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Each suicide intimately affects at least six other people! Survivors of suicide increase by 480 persons every day

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Where People First Seek Help Family and Friends Prescription Medication 0.2% Non-Prescription Medication 3% Institutional Facility 7% Psychiatrist 8% Religious Figure (Priest, Minister, Rabbi) 9% Therapist Counselor 10% General Medical Doctor 16% 47%

Treatment And Recovery: 

Treatment And Recovery There is Good News: Mental Illnesses are treatable Treatments, medications, and other strategies are available People with mental illnesses can recover and go on to live productive lives

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The Experience of Recovery Physical Recovery Psychological Recovery Confidence, hope, and motivation for recovery Symptom Reduction Role Recovery Engage or re-engage in personally meaningful community roles

Recovery: 

Recovery Science has shown that hope plays an integral role in an individual’s recovery. Because work is so integral to one’s self-worth, finding and belonging to a mental health-friendly workplace is of great significance to people who have experienced mental illnesses.

So What Are the Warning Signs?: 

So What Are the Warning Signs?

Some of the warning signs: 

Some of the warning signs Working excessive overtime over a prolonged period Decreased productivity Morale problems Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things Lack of cooperation or inability to work with others Safety risks, accidents Frequent absenteeism Consistent tardiness

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Frequent statements about being tired all the time Loss of interest in favorite activities Loss of interest in appearance Complaints of unexplained aches and pains Displays anger or blaming others Strange or grandiose ideas Alcohol and drug use Talk of death, wanting to die or harm someone else

Suicide Risk Factors …: 

Suicide Risk Factors … Family history of suicide Previous suicide attempt Hopelessness, isolation from others Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies Mental Illness, particularly mood disorders like depression or bipolar illness

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Barriers to accessing mental health services; Unwillingness to seek help due to stigma attached to MH/SA disorders Life stress and crisis, stressful event (divorce, loss of job, arrest, etc.) Divorce, separation, broken relationship Physical illness; loss of health

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Relational - social, work, or financial loss; Loss of job, home, money, status, self-esteem, personal security Easy access to lethal methods, especially guns; Presence of firearms in the home Death or terminal illness of relative or friend

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Influence of significant people (family members, celebrities, peers who have died by suicide) Cultural and religious beliefs (i.e.. Belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a dilemma

How will promoting Mental Health help our world thrive?: 

How will promoting Mental Health help our world thrive? Instills hope Higher productivity and motivation Reduced absenteeism Health insurance cost containment Loyalty and retention Welcomes All people; Diversity is valued

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“Health-wellness” includes mental health Continuous education & opportunities for growth Respects confidentiality & privacy Choices Supports people who seek treatment or who require hospitalization, including planning for return to work

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What if every employer: Had an Employee Assistance Program Offered a Family Supportive Work Program policy Family Medical Leave Act Participated in a Sick Leave Pool Had Regular Awards Programs Published Newsletters/Intranet site Really Respected Cultural Diversity Ensured “exit with dignity” if it became essential for an person to leave employment

As a Supervisor, Co-worker, Family, or Friend….: 

As a Supervisor, Co-worker, Family, or Friend…. Be honest, professional, caring Consider a person’s strengths and talk about ways he/she is valued When there are concerns, think about how you would want to be approached Behave in ways that could help minimize stress, not contribute to it Do not diagnose the problem, however do listen to concerns

Continued….: 

Continued…. Learn about mental illnesses & sources of help Familiarize yourself with your workplace health benefits, EAP, & other community resources Make a referral Keep conversation absolutely confidential Follow-up with the person- Kindness Counts

Your Own Mental Health……: 

Your Own Mental Health…… Take care of yourself ~ Pay attention to signs Exercise, relaxation, body/mind connection Nurture a positive view of yourself Make connections ~ accepting & giving support Avoid seeing crises as insurmountable problems

Slide39: 

Accept that Change is a part of living Move toward your goals Look for opportunities to grow Avoid the “Glass is half empty” syndrome Laugh, laugh, laugh

The Humor Prescription: 

The Humor Prescription Laughter increases respiratory activity, oxygen exchange, muscle activity, blood pressure & heart rate and relieves pain (William Fry, MD, Stanford University) Practicing Humorobics increases productivity, reduces sick days, increases self-assessed levels of ability to deal with stress and change, and increases job satisfaction (Susan Kleinman, Freelance Writer, New York)

Don’t worry, be ridiculous: 

Don’t worry, be ridiculous Get over the fear of foolishness-laugh out loud Make a list of things that bring you joy-post it where you will see it daily Start a collection of fun articles or comics Surround yourself with your favorite pictures that make you smile