mental health column
By Brad Ridenour
CEO of Clark Community Mental Health Center and a Licensed Professional Counselor
MENTAL HEALTH ANYONE?
R
ecently I was asked, “How in the world did you get into psychology?” Translated, how is it an individual from conservative, rural Southwest Missouri becomes interested in and pursues a profession in the field of behavioral health?
pantries and clothes closets; some even have benevolence funds to help an individual fill-up gas tanks or pay utility bills. I cannot begin to count the times I’ve heard that somebody helped someone with transportation to a doctor’s appointment.
My answer was quick and probably seemed rehearsed as I have answered the same question many times in my career of over twenty years. Growing up, and still today, I am surrounded by folks who would give the shirts off their backs to help even strangers in need.
And yet, in my latter years of high school, I began to recognize that citizens seemed uncomfortable around individuals who presented with mental health needs. I would hear stories about someone having “a nervous breakdown,” followed by a great deal of discussion about the person’s mysterious problems.
As a young child, I witnessed public outpouring of good will and financial support when a local family’s home was destroyed by fire. Crosslines always has clothing and food available to assist those in need. Churches have food
Likely out of fear of doing or saying the wrong thing, I saw otherwise kind, compassionate, Good Samaritans who often rushed to the aid of those with physical, financial, and spiritual needs
The mental health needs of our community are exponentially greater than they were when I was walking the halls of Monett High School. There are mental health workforce shortages that are especially magnified in rural parts of our State. Students, I want to challenge you to consider the dynamic, growing field of mental health service; I am always open to having a discussion about what you can expect during and after college. Others, if you want to know what to do/say when someone appears to have a mental health need, consider taking a Mental Health First Aid Course.
Nearly 1 IN 5 U.S. adults lives with a Mental Illness.
WHY MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
essentially “pass by on the other side.” I saw needs that weren’t being met. I was convicted and felt a “calling” if you will that I should try to be a small part of the solution.
- National Institute of Mental Health via the National Survey on Drug Use and - Health and the Substance Abuse and - Mental Health Services Administration
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT
Employers • Police officers • Hospital staff First responders • Faith leaders Community members • Caring individuals
On average, 123 people die by suicide each day. - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
If you are interested in participating in a MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID course, call the CLARK CENTER at 417-476-1000 ext 222 Mon-Fri: 8am - 3pm • Clark Center: 417-235-6610
CC
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 21
