family wellness

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

In many ways, mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it.

Good mental health means being generally able to think, feel and react in the ways that you need and want to live your life. But if you go through a period of poor mental health you might find the ways you’re frequently thinking, feeling or reacting become difficult, or even impossible, to cope with. This can feel just as bad as a physical illness, or even worse.

Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year. They range from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Mental health problems are a common human experience. Most people know someone who has experienced a mental health problem. They can happen to all kinds of people from all walks of life. And it’s likely that, when you find a combination of self-care, treatment and support that works for you, you will get better.

Did you know that according to a recent national survey: • 16 percent of eighth graders reported drinking alcohol within the past month? • 32 percent of eighth graders reported drinking in the past year? • 64 percent of eighth graders say that alcohol is easy to get? • More girls than boys ages 12 to 17 reported drinking alcohol?

Early adolescence is a time of immense and often confusing changes for your son or daughter, which makes it a challenging time for both your youngster and you. Understanding what it’s like to be a teen can help you stay closer to your child and have more influence on the choices he or she makes—including decisions about using alcohol. learn more at: https:// www.niaaa.nih.gov/

Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. Alcoholrelated problems—which result from drinking too much, too fast, or too often—are among the most significant public health issues in the United States.

Signs of an Alcohol Problem

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that doctors diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm. The condition can range from mild to severe and is diagnosed when a patient answers “yes” to two or more of the following questions.

In the past year, have you: • Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer than you intended? • More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t? • Spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over the aftereffects? • Experienced craving—a strong need, or urge, to drink? • Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems? • Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends? • Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink? • More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)? • Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout? • Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before? • Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating? Or sensed things that were not there?

If you have any of these symptoms, your drinking may already be a cause for concern. The more symptoms you have, the more urgent the need for change. A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of your symptoms to see if AUD is present. For an online assessment of your drinking pattern, go to RethinkingDrinking.niaaa.nih.gov.

The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from some form of treatment.

Research shows that about one-third of people who are treated for alcohol problems have no further symptoms 1 year later. Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems.

For anyone thinking about treatment, talking to a primary care physician is an important first step—he or she can be a good source for treatment referrals and medications. A primary care physician can also:

• Evaluate a patient’s drinking pattern • Help craft a treatment plan • Evaluate overall health • Assess if medications for alcohol may be appropriate • Individuals are advised to talk to their doctors about the best form of primary treatment.

• Written in part with permission from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Learn more at https://alcoholtreatment. niaaa.nih.gov.

Struggling With Mental Health Issues

By Stan Popovich

7 Tips On How Family Members Can Discuss Their Mental Health Issues With Others

Do you struggle with your mental health and have a difficult time in getting the people you know to be more understanding? In some cases, your colleagues might give you a hard time regarding your anxieties and depression. As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health issues.

1. Listen to the professionals and not

your friends: Your peers may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. A counselor knows what you are going through and can help you deal with your problems. When you have questions about your mental health, consult with a therapist. 2. Don’t argue with others: It is important that you do not get into arguments with those who are giving you a rough time. Your number one priority is to get relief from your anxieties. It is not your job to worry about how others may view your circumstances. Your health is more important than what other people may think. 3. Your goal is to get better: Concentrate on how you can face your fears and anxieties. Don’t waste your time arguing with your colleagues who are giving you a difficult time. This isn’t a public relations event where you need to get approval from everyone. This is your life and you are the one suffering. Your main focus is to get better.

4. Tell your friends to learn about

your situation: Explain to your peers that the best way for them to help you is to learn about your mental health issues. They could talk to a counselor, read some good books, or join a support group to better understand your situation. If your friends won’t make an effort, then stay away from them because they will only make things worse.

5. Distance yourself from those who

give you a difficult time: Distance yourself from those who won’t make an effort to help understand what you are going through. You need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you have problems or issues with a particular person, you can always ask a counselor for advice. 6. You are not alone: It can be very frustrating to manage your fear related issues when the people you know are on your case. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of people around the world who struggle with their fears, anxieties, and depression. The key is to find those people who can relate to you through various organizations in your area.

7. Join a local mental health support

group: There are many mental health awareness support groups in your area. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors in your area will be able to provide you with a list of these organizations. These groups will be aware of your situation and can give you additional advice regarding your problems.

7 Reasons Why Getting Help For Your Fears And Anxieties Is So Important

Getting professional help for dealing with your persistent fears and anxieties is the single most important step in your recovery. Many people are reluctant to get the assistance they need for various reasons. Making excuses for not getting treatment for your fear related issues will not help the situation. With this in mind, here are seven reasons why getting help for your mental health problems is so important.

1. You will get tips on handling your

mental health issues: Getting professional help can lead to additional insights and suggestions to your stress and anxiety problems. A professional counselor can give you many ideas on how you can successfully manage your fears and anxieties. This is important in getting your life back on track.

2. Get access to different resources:

Most counselors and psychologists know of ways to get rid of your fears. They can recommend certain treatments that will improve your situation. The only way you can get access to these treatments is if you talk to a counselor. Ask your primary care physician if he or she knows anyone that can be of assistance.

3. You can’t manage your anxieties all

by yourself: Your fears, anxieties, and depression can be difficult to manage and more than likely you will need some direction. Many people think that they can overcome their mental health problems on their own. This is a mistake. A person should seek assistance to start the recovery process. 4. You will improve: As you work with a professional, you will improve on your skill sets in managing your fears. You will be able to overcome your anxieties over time which will benefit you later on in your life. Knowing how to boost your mental health will get your life back on track and will make you much happier. 5. You will get better a lot faster: Getting some guidance from a counselor will save you a lot of suffering in the long run. You will get the answers you are looking for which will help reduce your fears and anxieties. You will get better a lot faster by talking to a therapist and you will feel much better about yourself which is important when it comes to dealing with your mental health. 6. It is your life: Remember that you are the person who is suffering and not your friends and family. Don’t let the opinions of your peers prevent you from getting the relief that you deserve. Maintaining your anxieties should be your number one priority. Always do what is best for you and do not get into the habit of trying to please everybody else. 7. You will not be alone: You will have people in your corner who will be able to help improve your mental health issues. You won’t feel as alone when attempting to get rid of your fears. It is best to be with others who are supportive and who will understand your situation. This will help make things easier when it comes to your fears and anxieties.

Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear”. For more information about Stan’s book and to get some free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com

Wellness Resource

SunCloud Health

“We support your desire to live free as you embark on a life long journey of greater health”. = SunCloud Health

SunCloud Health offers integrated outpatient and residential programs in Northbrook, Naperville and Chicago (Lincoln Park) and is one of the nation’s most trusted names in treating substance use disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders and related trauma for adolescents and adults.

When it comes to making strides toward emotional healing, overcoming substance use and achieving better mental health you want the level of comprehensive, intensive and compassionate care that SunCloud Health provides.

We are unique. Unlike many providers that say they can treat co-occurring substance use, eating disorders, mood disorders and related traumas, at SunCloud Health, we actually do. We don’t toss around buzz words. We are recognized locally and nationally for treating you, the whole person, that’s what we do best. Our staff is cross trained in treating eating disorders, substance use disorders and mood disorders in a center that addresses the impact of traumatic life experiences on all of it.

Our Residential Treatment Center is now open. With 21 residential beds for adults 18 and over in our all new overnight facility in Northbrook. Our model will be the exact same with a laser focus on treating those who struggle with complex co-occurring eating disorders, substance use disorder, process addictions, mood disorders and related trauma. Our residential level of care is for those who need 24/7 support. Patients enter residential treatment voluntarily and generally step up from IOP or PHP or down from in patient hospitalization.

“We are here to serve individuals with complex co-occurring disorders. And we do so in a way that sets them up to achieve sustainable recovery and fuller living experience.” Kim Dennis, MD, CEDS

Visit a location in Naperville, Northbrook or Chicago. Contact: info@suncloudhealth.com or 1-847-545-0210. www.suncloudhealth.com

Timberline Knolls

Timberline Knolls is a leading residential treatment center for women and adolescent girls, ages 12 and older, struggling with eating disorders, substance abuse, trauma, mood and co-occurring disorders. Located just outside of Chicago in Lemont, Ill., residents receive excellent clinical care from a highly-trained professional staff on a picturesque 43-acre, non-institutional, wooded campus. An adult partial hospitalization program (PHP), with supportive housing, is also available in nearby Orland Park, Ill., for women to step down or directly admit. For residents seeking faith-based Christian treatment, we offer the Grace Program.

Our treatment approach includes: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Spirituality, Family Systems, Expressive Therapies, and Recovery Principles in a trauma-informed environment. Our school, the TK Academy, is located on our campus offering residents the opportunity to continue their education. In addition, our Alumnae Program allows us to remain in touch with our residents to continue to support them in their unique recovery journey.

By serving with uncompromising care, relentless compassion, and an unconditional joyful spirit, we help our residents and clients help themselves in their recovery. For more information on Timberline Knolls, call 877.257.9611 or visit www.timberlineknolls.com. We are located at 40 Timberline Dr., in Lemont, Ill.

Trinity Services Family Counseling Centers

Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed out? Are your relationships strained? Are you struggling to do the things that are most important to you? The Trinity Services Family Counseling Centers (FCC) can help you navigate these stressful times so that you can flourish and develop strong, meaningful relationships. FCC provides individual, couples, and family therapy. Therapists specialize in treating children, adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and autism spectrum disorder. Therapists at FCC are trained in evidenced-based therapy models, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, diagnostic evaluations are offered. Our diagnostic team is trained to perform a broad range of evidence-based assessments to assess for a number of mental health and neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder. Offices are located in New Lenox, Joliet, Homewood and Orland Park. Video sessions are also available. Most major insurances accepted, as well as Medicaid plans. Contact (815) 722-4384 to schedule an appointment. It is Trinity’s mission to help people flourish and live full and abundant lives. We look forward to joining you on this journey. www.trinityservices.org

Teen Mental Wellness Power Your Mind: Tools to Build Resilience is a new workbook for teens that uses graphic novel panels to illustrate healthy ways of coping with stressful everyday situations. A recent survey of 3,300 young people aged 13-19 conducted by the America’s Promise Alliance found that more than “1 in 4 young people reported an increase in losing sleep because of worry, feeling unhappy or depressed, feeling constantly under strain, or experiencing a loss of confidence in themselves.”

Power Your Mind can be used as an independent, selfhelp tool or as part of a group workshop. It provides ways for dealing with situations such as a running late for an event, insecurity about belonging, or anger over rudeness. The workbook teaches cognitive-behavioral techniques found in the book Mental Health Through Will Training by Dr. Abraham Low. For more information about the new youth program and to download free mini-zines, email info@poweryourmind.org or visit www.poweryourmind.org.

For more than 80 years, Recovery International has been helping adults achieve better mental health using a peerled, cognitive behavioral, 4-step method and tools. Power Your Mind adapts this evidence-based program for young people. For more information about Recovery International visit www.recoveryinternational.org. And during this pandemic, residents had each other and staff to interact with. Vaccines were offered, mask wearing and social distance measures allowed us to continue attending mass, dining together, engaging in activities. We have kept that sense of community which represents our ongoing mission and values, and we continue to be a safe and supportive place to live!

Amy Santi, daughter of a former resident at VSB stated, “From a daughter’s perspective, for a parent who was recently widowed, alone, being able to go on all these interactions was so great for her, meeting people, just cognitively learning and experiencing everything new this campus has to offer, she wasn’t home alone.”

VSB campus offers 47 acres to enjoy walking and nature, relaxation & social opportunities. Santi said “We looked out to this beautiful view of the trees and surroundings and literally the decision was made. It doesn’t get much better than this….and a staff that is dedicated to care and hospitality.” Contact us for more information on Independent living, Assisted living and Memory care at 630.852.0345 or villastben.org. [See our ad on the Inside Front Cover.]

Recovery Centers of America

Recovery Centers of America was founded with a mission to help as many people as possible achieve a life of recovery by providing evidence-based alcohol and drug addiction treatment.

Recovery Centers of America has inpatient and outpatient treatment centers along the East Coast and two in the Midwest – including here in St. Charles, Illinois.

At Recovery Centers of America, we develop individualized treatment programs and long-term care plans to set patients up for lifelong recovery. Our full continuum of care includes detox, inpatient care, all levels of outpatient care, alumni services and family support.

At our fully-accredited, world-class treatment center, patients are treated with compassion, dignity and respect by our dedicated team of professionals and also benefit from specialized programs, 24-hour medical care and the comfort of our outstanding facilities.

We are here to break down barriers. We answer the phone 24/7 and can get you into treatment TODAY. For outpatient care, you can receive a same-day assessment and attend therapy in-person or virtually. We also provide intervention and transportation services. And, because we accept most private insurance plans, you get premium care, without the premium price.

Start your new year, start your new life today. Call Now: 331-901-6336

Recovery Centers of America at St. Charles 41W400 Silver Glen Road. St. Charles, IL 60175 www.RecoveryCentersofAmerica.com/StCharles

Villa St. Benedict

When looking for a place to call home it’s important to find a community that has the feel of what home means to you; whether that’s comfy furniture, family close by, friends, or proximity to your favorite hobbies. For Seniors having a maintenance free lifestyle, routine fitness, healthy eating, and abundance of social activities are part of the fundamentals for good mental health.

Social media is a creative tool for socializing and staying in touch with family and friends; however, it can also be a toxic environment that can put our mental health at risk.

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube allow us to feel connected. As social creatures, we need to interact with other people to feel comfort and happiness, which helps prevent feelings of isolation. The true mission of social media is accomplished when the platform becomes a safe environment for people to engage positively.

Unfortunately, social channels have also become online spaces that fuel negative emotions and experiences, even triggering anxiety and depression. So, let’s dig into just three ways social media can negatively impact our mental health.

Making us reliant on positive feedback to feel self-worth When we interact in online social circles to gain a sense of belonging, we can rely on the positive feedback that reinforces that status. However, when we rely on the approval and attention of our social network, we worry about the amount of engagement of our posts, constantly

By Communicare checking to see how many likes and comments we receive. And if the post doesn’t meet our expectations, we can feel depressed and unworthy.

Encouraging constant comparison to others Seeing posts of other people’s vacations, relationships, big purchases, promotions and other positive life events can lead us to compare our life to theirs. Negative feelings may take over as we begin to examine our lives and think we haven’t accomplished anything worth sharing or boasting about on social media. A sense of competitiveness may set in, which may escalate to jealousy or resentment. These negative feelings of comparison are particularly harmful to the most vulnerable youth regarding society’s expectations. They see unrealistic and filtered images on social media and think these are the standards for beauty or success. The result is many teens feeling inadequate and unsatisfied with their self-image and their life.

Stoking the fear of missing out Fear of missing out (FOMO) happens on social media as well as in real-life interactions. We don’t turn down invitations, fearing that we won’t be there while everyone else has fun. With social media, it’s the same fear that everyone will be in on a secret, and you’re the only one left out–even if it’s just a funny meme, the latest gossip or a viral video.

FOMO can be severe when we constantly reach for our mobile devices to see the latest updates. And without realizing it, we’ve spent hours sharing content, engaging in the comments section or scrolling through feeds to keep constantly updated. Unfortunately, this behavior also becomes a security blanket, leading us to lose time or ignore other important activities in life.

Overuse of social media can create an unhealthy cycle. It starts as a way to distract ourselves from underlying problems such as boredom and stress. But once we feel gratification from positive feelings of connection or increased self-worth, we can find ourselves constantly seeking that “high” and turn to social media even more. And when the experience isn’t as we’d hoped, feelings can spiral into disappointment, which can worsen into stress, anxiety and depression.

Being a teenager can be tough, and the added stress of COVID-19 is creating high levels of anxiety, depression, and anger among youth.

Power Your Mind: Tools to Build Resilience is a self-help program which teaches new ways to deal with everyday stressful events. For years, adults world-wide have used these cognitive behavioral tools to get relief from their symptoms. Now it’s time for teens and young adults to experience the same benefits.

For a short video overview, more information or to purchase a workbook, visit

www.poweryourmind.org.

Adults looking for peer-led, self-help meetings can visit www.recoveryinternational.org.

Understanding Anxiety and Depression in Children

and How You Can Help

By Communicare

As a parent, you know that children can experience a rollercoaster of emotions. You’ve watched them throw an epic tantrum, then start playing happily only moments later. The emotional ups and downs are part of growing up, after all.

However, there may come a point when your child experiences feelings that are no longer considered everyday emotions. For example, anxiety and depression are medical conditions that can affect children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state approximately 4.4 million children 17 years old and under have been diagnosed with anxiety, and about 1.9 million have been diagnosed with depression.

A child with anxiety may be triggered so severely that their physical and emotional functions suffer. And when the “blues” or sadness begins to interfere with their everyday life and impact social and school activities, it’s time to seek help. By intervening now, you can help your child maintain a higher level of wellness and life satisfaction.

Anxiety in Children

Anxiety problems come in various forms, including phobias. Children with anxiety have trouble dealing with daily stresses and issues, causing them to become excessively emotional or irrational. When anxiety becomes persistent and affects your child’s ability to function, it becomes classified as a disorder. When triggered by a panic disorder associated with anxiety, your child may become confused, palpitate, tense up, panic or even have difficulty breathing. With social anxiety, your child may fear being around other people, making school and crowded places uncomfortable for them. With general anxiety, they may have constant negative thoughts and worry about the future, leading them to participate less in everyday activities. With phobias, your child’s anxiety may be triggered upon seeing or experiencing something they have an extreme fear of–such as clowns, large animals, heights or being left alone.

Depression in Children

Depression is a mood disorder that affects everyday life and is caused by a mix of psychological and environmental factors. However, the condition can also be hereditary.

Depression in children looks like persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, loss of energy and trouble focusing. Your child may even lose their appetite. In severe cases, they may become self-destructive and harm themselves. In extreme depression, children may have suicidal thoughts and make plans for suicide.

Treating Anxiety and Depression in Children Parents and guardians need to pay special attention to children’s behavior to detect symptoms of anxiety and depression. Kids with mood disorders won’t always be willing—or able—to verbalize their helplessness. And children that are irrational, easily agitated, socially distant, quiet, seemingly uninterested and anxious may easily be mislabeled.

That’s when an evaluation by a mental health specialist is helpful. Our experts can meet with a child showing signs of disconnect from everyday activities and regular emotions to understand what they need to be safe and healthy. As a parent, you should know there is help available—and hope.

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Lots of kids are struggling these days. Given the greatly disrupted past (almost) 2 years, that’s hardly a secret. But what parents need to know is this: Where’s the line between “It’s been tough on my child” and “My child is in serious trouble?” “Your kids are unlikely to tell you when they’re not okay,” says Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine “It’s up to parents to know the warning signs so they can intervene if they suspect kids have crossed that line.” Here’s a quick checklist that shares some red flags to look out for. If you see these signs in your child they may need intervention from a mental health professional. Over the next few days, watch them a bit closer (without them knowing). What you’re looking for is a negative/concerning change in your child’s typical behavior that lasts. A = ATTITUDE • Feels worthless, empty, or misunderstood: No one understands. • Hyper-critical of self and criticism, assumes guilt: I’m not good at anything. • Negative, pessimistic, feels life is bleak and the future is grim: Why bother? • Expects rejection or assumes failure: What’s the point? B = BEHAVIOR • Stomachaches, headaches, change in appetite • Increased irritability, anger, impulsivity, temper tantrums, even over small matters • Disruptive, more aggressive, risky behavior, doesn’t comply • More sullen, less communicative, or more secretive • Self-harm, cutting, burning, excessive tattoos, drinking, self-medicating C = CONNECTIONS • Decreased interest or wants to stop participating in social activities • Clingier, more anxious, pulls back, problems fitting in • Withdraws from family and friends once enjoyed • Chooses to socialize less, pulls away from friends or parents D = DEMEANOR • Dark circles under eyes, appears sadder or distraught, drained overall look • Body posture is slumped or looks discouraged • Less attention to personal hygiene or appearance E = EMOTIONS • Moody or sulking • Unhappy, sad, feeling down most of the time, crying spells for no apparent reason • Afraid, more fearful, excessive worrying F = FOCUSING • Trouble thinking, concentrating, or difficulties making decisions • Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities and things once enjoyed • Restlessness, lack of energy, or fatigue during waking hours • Poor academic performance, lower motivation, not doing homework, drop in grades • Sleeping too little or too much, feels drained most of the time

No one knows your child better than you. Use your instincts to apply what Dr. Borba calls the “TOO Index.” Watch closely and notice if the behavior you’re observing is too different from the child’s nature, is too concerning, occurs too frequently, spills over into too many others, and lasts longer than two weeks. All kids will display signs of stress, fear, or sadness every now and then. Be concerned when you see a marked change in what is “normal” for your child’s behavior. “Remember that if you’ve been feeling hopeless lately, there’s a good chance that your kids have been feeling that way too,” concludes Dr. Borba. “It’s far better to monitor their behavior for warning signs of a serious problem than to assume everything is fine.”