The Last Huge Stigma is the Stigma of Mental Illness

Many people think that mental illness is rare, something that only happens to people with life situations very different from their own, and that it will never affect them. This is far from accurate. In fact, the surgeon general of the United States reports that mental illnesses are so common that few U.S. families are untouched by them. The illnesses include (but are not limited to) depression, including bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance abuse disorders and more.

A mental illness can be defined as a health condition that changes a person’s thinking, feelings, or behavior (or all three) that causes the person (and those around them) distress and difficulty in functioning. As with many diseases, mental illness is severe in some cases and mild in others. Individuals who have a mental illness don’t necessarily look like they are sick, especially if their illness is mild. Other people may show more explicit symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or withdrawal.

Not all brain diseases are categorized as mental illnesses. Disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis are brain disorders, but they are considered neurological diseases rather than mental illnesses.

As scientists continue to study the brain, they are discovering the changes associated with the brain’s structure, chemistry and function and that mental illnesses indeed have a biological basis. There are situations that can lead to a person struggling with mental wellness, but often mental illnesses are inherited so they are no-fault disorders. However, it IS a persons fault for staying “stuck” in their illness and not getting help to recover. Wellness is possible; people do recover and lead productive lives. You can ask me how. Email me at paddykutz@alink.com or call MHA at 522-1341.

If a person denies that he/she could be experiencing a mental illness they likely will not get well or recover. There are many services in Licking County to support and treat a person as they move to wellness. Mental Health America of Licking County runs free self-help support groups for depression, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Did you know that exercise can change the brain chemistry in a positive way? So can positive thinking! Exercise helps you feel better from head to toe and it is free.

Others who help are The Main Place Recovery Center, Moundbuilders Guidance Center, The Woodlands, Shepherd Hill Behavioral Health, LAPP, Kraner Behavioral Health, Licking County United Way, Community Mental Health & Recovery Board of Licking and Knox Cos, Psychological Consultants, Psychological & Counseling Services and others. Of course, Mental Health America of Licking County, the longest established education, prevention and advocacy agency is here too. Call Pathways at 211 to get information on these mental health and recovery services. We all want to have the healthiest population possible.

Watch for symptoms like marked personality change, inability to cope with problems and daily activities, strange or grandiose ideas, excessive anxieties, prolonged depression and apathy, marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns, thinking or talking about suicide or harming oneself, extreme mood swings—high or low, abuse of alcohol or drugs, and excessive anger, hostility or violent behavior. A person who shows any of these signs should seek help from a qualified health professional.

Celebrate your good mental health and don’t think twice about getting help for yourself or loved ones. It’s the smart thing to do. Let’s get rid of the stigma that keeps people stuck in their illness.

by Paddy Kutz, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Licking County

Easter Baskets for Mental Health

It may not look like much, just a pile of boxes, but these represent a portion of the more than 2,600 Easter baskets that were distributed to persons in custodial care--nursing homes, shelters, mental hospitals and correctional facilites as part of the 54th annual Eve Elliott Easter Basket Project.

Each year, Mental Health America of Licking County contacts facilites throughout Licking County, as well as the state hospital in Columbus, to find out how many consumers they have. We also inquire about any special dietary restrictions, or facility regulations. Where there are diabetics, we provide a simple fruit tray, and where food items are not permitted, we provide a small stuffed animal.

Once a basket goal is established, an appeal letter is then sent out to the community inviting them to donate money, or completed Easter baskets.

Why do we do it? Because maintaining a sense of connectedness to family, friends and the community can play an important role in wellness and recovery. And while we can't personally contact every person in a custodial situation, a simple Easter greeting and a few pieces of candy, or some fresh fruit can assure them that they are cared for and not forgotten.

Our agency has coordinated this project for more than half a century because it works both for those who receive the baskets and for those who donate them. During this year's effort, it was remarkable to hear from many of the almost 100 donors who contributed to the project, how much they got out of it. We heard about family gatherings that were held for the express purpose of making baskets. We heard about Girl Scout and Brownie Troops that look forward to contributing every year. And we also heard from more than one donor who apologized for not being able to give more. In a time when non-profits in our area are seeing declining financial support, this project continues to benefit from a caring and generous community.

In addition to the basket and financial support, our agency received a surprise donation from the Community Leadership of Licking County. They were looking for a service project and decided to support our effort by delivering most of the baskets.

Thank you to all who contributed to the Project, we appreciate you and extend our best wishes for a happy Spring.