The Ohio State University at Newark Intern
One of my favorite things about being an intern at Mental Health
America of Licking County (MHALC) is that I get to visit all of their programs
and see their powerful mission in action. Other mental health services and programs
may seem unreachable or hard to get to. MHALC is different in that aspect. Not
only do they administer informational mental health materials, but they
physically go out into the Licking County community to spread their mission of
promoting and continuing to reinforce mental health and wellness and
eliminating the stigma of mental health issues.
Statistics show that one in five people will have a mental health
issue within the year; that is 20%, over 40 million Americans. It is crucial
that these programs are available to help break down barriers that may keep
them from living their lives well. The United States Census Bureau indicates
that 11.7% of Licking County residents are living at or below the poverty level
(United States Census Bureau, 2016). Mental Health America’s programs and
support groups are free to all Licking County residents.
During the third week of January, Suicide Prevention Program
Coordinator Justina Wade, and Development/Program manager Jill Goddard,
administered depression screenings to the freshman class at a local high
school. Before handing out the test questions, they discussed with each class
the seriousness of mental health issues and how left untreated they can lead to
depression, stress, anxiety and suicide. After administering the tests, they
played the short film called “SAD” which is about different teens struggling
with different mental health issues. They asked questions to the students and
discussed with them the importance of mental health and how it is just as important
as physical health. It was fascinating hearing the responses from the students
and knowing that they are getting something important out of this. The
depression screenings showed that several students were struggling with
depression and/or suicide. Perhaps, some of these students would not have
reached out if it weren’t for MHALC delivering these depression screenings.
Recently, Newark City Schools held a Social Emotional Academic
Success (SEAS) day throughout the district. MHALC’s Executive Director Penny
Sitler, and Jill Goddard, gave presentations all day to high school students
about the importance of making good decisions. This was a great topic to
present to this age group because teenagers, in particular, tend to turn to
alcohol and substances especially when under stress from school and preparation
for college.
Another beneficial and very influential program is Girls in
Progress (GIP). The GIP program coordinator, Shari Johnston, delivers this
program in area middle schools every week. This program focuses on mentoring
middle school girls who struggle with a variety of issues. Many of these girls
live in poverty and lack supportive home environments. The goal is to inspire
and motivate them to make healthy decisions. The girls will express themselves
through art as Shari gets to know them and discuss any issues they are having.
This is so beneficial for these girls because their young minds are still being
molded and GIP can help instill in them better self-esteem, positive future
plans, healthy relationships, and mental wellness. When I visited the GIP
classes at Liberty, they were still pretty new to the program. Shari had them
draw an outline of their head/neck/shoulders and in different sharpie colors
write words that describe them. When they were done they were asked to read
some of the words they put down. They said things like “Funny, weird, nice,
mean, tall, short, strong, weak, artistic, athletic, quiet, or outgoing.” They
opened up by using art as an outlet. I could tell that GIP is really going to
have a positive influence on their lives.
Suicide Prevention and mental health training is not limited to
the classrooms. MHALC staff delivers these trainings to agencies, civic groups,
educators, parents, and anyone interested in becoming aware of the signs of
depression and suicide. Suicide Prevention program coordinator, Justina Wade,
travels around Licking County every day to give presentations about depression
and suicide prevention. This will include the signs and symptoms of depression
and suicide, how to react to someone who is suicidal, and how to help them. The
presentations are very open so people feel comfortable enough to speak out
about their own personal experiences.
Another great program for individuals living with a mental health
issue is Compeer. The Compeer program coordinator, Donna Lee, travels all over
Licking County to join together people living with severe and persistent mental
health issues. She provides these individuals with mental health education,
nutritional and wellness education, and uplifting community involvement. The
mission of Compeer is to reduce the isolation for individuals who experience a
mental health issue. Some activities that they do are art therapy, shopping,
field trips, and lunches and dinners. Luckily, I was able to attend an art
therapy session. A man sat down and showed me his stunning ink drawings. You
could tell that he spent countless hours detailing and critiquing his beautiful
work. He said to me “Art helps me fight my depression and for that I am so
grateful to have a group like this.” Everybody there was so nice and open. It
was astonishing watching these people express themselves through art.
One day I went to a presentation given by Penny to a local agency.
Her voice was friendly and supportive and she insisted on keeping everything
conversational. I was surprised at how attentive and open the workers were. Not
only were they asking questions but they were also admitting their own personal
issues with mental health whether it is a loved one or themselves. That takes a
substantial amount of courage to do in front of your colleagues. It was simply
astonishing sitting in a room and watching the stigma break in front of your
eyes.
Citations
United States Census Bureau. (2016).QuickFacts Licking County,
Ohio. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lickingcountyohio/AGE775216#viewtop
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