Tag: Lindner Center of HOPE

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When individuals and families are faced with mental illness, the suffering and the challenges associated with these illnesses often cause hope to begin to slip away. May is Mental Health Month and Lindner Center of HOPE is kicking off an awareness and fundraising campaign called Planting Seeds for HOPE. The goal is to begin to develop roots for HOPE as the seeds we plant in awareness, understanding and support can grow and bloom HOPE for those in need.

There are many facts about mental illness that are misunderstood by or misrepresented to the general public. To make real progress toward ending stigma, increasing understanding and bringing clarity to mental illness, we need to better understand the reality of the illness at all levels.

This May, Lindner Center of HOPE is helping the public understand the truth about mental health. Every day, throughout Mental Health Month, Lindner Center of HOPE will share Seeds of Truth about mental illness. You can find the seeds on our home page by visiting our website daily or you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook or our blog at www.lindnercenterofhope.info for the 31 days of May.

In addition to enhancing your own awareness by following the Seeds of Truth, please also consider Planting your own Seeds for HOPE through a gift to Lindner Center of HOPE. You can give online at https://lindnercenterofhope.org/donate/, call or email Mary Alexander at 513-536-0317 or [email protected], or mail a donation to Lindner Center of HOPE, Development Office, 4075 Old Western Row Road, Mason, OH 45040.

Let’s sow some seeds together for the future and for HOPE.

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The numbers vary according to the source, but they are still staggering.

The fact is that millions of Americans struggle with mental illness, addictions and a wide range of other mental health problems.

The good news is that many of these afflictions are treatable through psychotherapy and medication. However, successful mental health treatment is dependent upon a number of factors, not the least of which is often a decision on the part of the individual to do whatever it takes to get better.

Severe addictions and mental disorders at times require intervention to ensure an individual receives treatment. However, many others who suffer with mental health issues eventually find themselves at a crossroads. Eventually, they reach a point where they realize they have extreme difficulty in improving the quality of their lives unless they get help.

Not an Easy Road

Depending on the type and severity of a mental health condition, treatment can sometimes be a lengthy and somewhat arduous process. But for multitudes of people who have moved forward to live good and productive lives, strictly adhering to a treatment plan has been well worth the effort.

Whether undergoing depression treatment, OCD treatment or PTSD treatment, most treatment methods call for the patient to change certain behavior patterns and overcome thoughts and feelings they have become accustomed to over time. This can be difficult and even painstaking. But many come through these therapies and treatments with a much different outlook and often times a new lease on life.

An Ongoing Process

For most people with mental health conditions, treatment is an ongoing proposition. Even after successful therapeutic endeavors and finding the right medications, a patient can maintain and even improve their newfound wellness by creating a balance in their lives and developing healthier habits.

These may include:

●Changing to a more nutritious diet

● Exercising regularly

● Finding fun and creative ways to reduce stress

● Joining a support group

 

Fortifying the progress of a proven mental health treatment plan with positive lifestyle changes can help a patient create a healthy consistency in both their body and mind.

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Millions of Americans suffer with mental illness. These come in various forms; from mood disorders and severe addictions to eating disorders. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure or “silver bullet” for most of these illnesses. However, mental health professionals now have a better understanding than ever before regarding the treatment of mental disorders. As a result, increasingly effective methods of psychotherapy are continually being developed.

Case-by-Case Treatment Plans

When an individual reaches a point where they feel the need to seek help, the realization that there is a problem is a positive first step in the healing process. The next step is for that individual to be thoroughly evaluated and diagnosed by a therapist.

The circumstances surrounding an individual’s mental health issues are as diverse as fingerprints. Each patient is very different and influenced socially by distinct environments and effected biologically by genetic makeup.

Although many therapeutic techniques may fit into categories such as “talk” therapy, behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy, treatments for depression, bipolar disorder treatment, ADHD treatment and addiction treatment are all approached differently. Treatment plans for these and other conditions are constructed in a way that best suit a particular patient.

Unfortunately, many individuals who struggle with mental health problems never pursue treatment. Reasons for this often include a fear of being stigmatized or a lack of convenient access to care. But in this country, numerous mental health centers are located in close proximity to every major city. These facilities offer experienced mental health professionals to patients who require expert care in order to begin their journey toward productive and fulfilling lives.

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On February 29, 2012, Leap Day, High Hopes, fundraising auxiliary for Lindner Center of HOPE, premier mental health hospital located in Mason, held its 4th annual fundraiser, Leap for HOPE. The day was filled with silent auctions, boutique shopping, a gourmet lunch, and a message from keynote speaker, Julie Hyman, MD. The event raised more than $70,000 for the treatment of mental illness at Lindner Center of HOPE in support of the Helping Hands Fund.  Helping Hands dollars are designated to support the care of patients, seeking help at Lindner Center of HOPE, who are in need of financial assistance. The event, which drew 180 people, was co-chaired by Diana Cole and Nancy Rogers and held at Kenwood Country Club.

The money raised surpassed an ambitious goal of $60,000, making the event a tremendous success. Major sponsors included The Chemed Foundation, Frances and Craig Lindner, Ruth Artzt and Wood & Lamping, LLP.

“A staggering 1 in 4 people will experience mental illness this year,” said Nancy Rogers, PhD and co-chair of the event. “It may shock some, but in fact mental illness is the second greatest disease burden in the United States,” Dr. Rogers said. “The Auxiliary recognizes the importance of raising awareness and access to treatment and focuses its efforts towards achieving this.”

Because of the foresight of Frances Lindner and her sister Nancy Nyhart, collaboration brought friends and colleagues together to form High Hopes Auxiliary. Each shared a passion to raise money for and increase awareness of the benefits of treatment for those suffering with mental illness. Their motivation helps support Lindner Center of HOPE’s efforts to provide innovative and scientifically-based, mental health services.

High Hope’s is a group of dedicated volunteers motivated to raise money for the treatment of mental illness.  Through a variety of community events, such as the 2009 Derby Party, Bridge to Hope-2011, Boutique Sales and a Brick Campaign, the Auxiliary is able to procure funding which directly benefits people here in our community.  To learn more about High Hope’s or to become a member please visit http://www.lindnercenterofhope.org/highhopes.aspx

 

About Lindner Center of HOPE:

Lindner Center of HOPE provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, free-standing mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, residential services. The Center’s clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally.

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Mason, Ohio—February 2, in honor of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, Lindner Center of HOPE will join with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute to offer an Evening with an Eating Disorders Expert Panel. The panel will consist of nationally recognized Eating Disorders experts and offer an opportunity for primary care physicians, mental health specialists, school counselors, coaches and family members to learn about the emotional and health consequences affecting over 11 million individuals.

Eating Disorders are biologically based, devastating illnesses that can have potentially life-threatening consequences. They affect a person’s emotional and physical health, productivity and relationships. The panel presentation is part of the Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE’s monthly health series.

Compared with other mental illnesses, eating disorders represent the highest rate of mortality. And to make it more challenging, its identification and treatment can be challenging. Research has shown that with psychiatric management, psychotherapy, nutritional services, and family engagement, success can be experienced. “A coordinated approach to care can return patients, and their loved ones, to more fulfilling lives,” says Scott Bullock, MSW, LISW-S, Family Therapist and Eating Disorders Intake Coordinator at Lindner Center of HOPE.  Bullock says to look for these signs indicating a person may be suffering with an eating disorder:

  • Preoccupation with body shape and/or weight
  • Weight disturbances or unexplained weight changes (underweight, overweight or obese)
  • Hoarding high-calorie food
  • Obsession with diets, calories, food, or nutrition
  • Compulsive eating, binge eating, or inability to stop eating
  • Frequent rigorous dieting, regardless of body weight
  • Compulsively arranging food and/or cutting into tiny pieces
  • Eating alone or late night eating
  • Taking laxatives or diet pills or excessive exercising to prevent weight gain
  • Avoiding eating in public and social situations that involve food
  • Repeatedly going to the bathroom shortly after meals
  • Regular fasting

An Evening with an Eating Disorders Panel of Experts

February 2, 2012; 6:30pm-7:45pm

Harold C. Schott Eating Disorders Treatment Team:

Anne Marie O’Melia, MD, MS, Medical Director

Scott Bullock, MSW, LISW-S, Family Therapist & Intake Coordinator

Sarah Arszman Lavanier, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist

Tracy Early, BA, Med, Group Curriculum Specialist

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center:

Laurie Mitan, MD, Director, Eating Disorders Program

Abbey Tissot, PhD

Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute

Ann Kerney- Cooke, PhD, Director and national best-selling author

For more information contact: [email protected].

March Event:

March 1, 2012, 6:30pm-7:45pm

Ellen Young, Dietician & Jessica Barth, Dieticians, Harold C. Schott Foundation Eating Disorders Program at Lindner Center of HOPE

The Role of Nutritional Therapy in Eating Disorder Treatment

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Stress shows no boundaries. It hits everyone—not just the patient in your waiting room, or the parent who says they’ve hit bottom and don’t know where else to turn, or your staff person working endlessly to meet deadlines and improve the bottom line. Economic pressures, unrelenting competition, never-ending work hours and shoestring budgets can take a toll on the high level professional or executive as well.

“We know that stress has physical and emotional effects on people and can create positive or negative feelings,” says Dr. Robin Arthur, Chief of Psychology at Lindner Center of HOPE. “Stress can help compel us to action,” she says. “But stress can be brutal and cause health problems such as anxiousness, depression and addiction issues. Often when leaders are stressed they look for ways to help them cope and those ways aren’t always healthy,” says Dr. Arthur. Busy executives self-medicate with alcohol or sleep aids or experience deteriorating relationships, irritability and isolation.

Research conducted by global business management, Towers Watson which surveyed HR professionals at 316 US organizations identified “opportunities for promotion” as the top reason that high performers would leave a company.  In a separate survey of 10,000 employees across the country, results indicated that the number one reason high achievers leave a company is because of—stress.  Interestingly, out of the five potential causes cited by HR professionals that top-performing employees would leave, not one of the reasons included stress.

Most business executives, care providers and other high level employees are conditioned to not show their stress. So symptoms manifest in anger, increased substance use, depression and difficultly at home or with relationships. But when the culture of an organization permits their executives to acknowledge their stress and its subsequent reactions, only then can progress and wellness take place.

“Balance is the key,” Dr. Arthur said. “The goal should not be to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and use it to our benefit. Finding the optimal level of stress can be motivating without being overwhelming.” Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. All require working toward personal change – changing the source of stress and reactions to it.

Tips for Managing Stress:

  • Become aware of stressors and emotional and physical reactions
  • Focus on strengths, recognize what you can change, pursue realistic goals
  • Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions
  •  Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress
  • Exercise; eat well; avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine and other stimulants
  • Develop supportive relationships
  • Create a game plan and think things through

About Lindner Center of HOPE:

Lindner Center of HOPE provides patient-centered, scientifically-advanced care for individuals suffering with mental illness. A state-of-the-science, free-standing mental health center and charter member of the National Network of Depression Centers, the Center provides psychiatric hospitalization for individuals age 12-years-old and older, outpatient services for all ages, research and voluntary, residential services. The Center’s clinicians are ranked among the best providers locally, nationally and internationally.

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In 1990, informal movements driven by consumers began in an effort to change the perceived problems in mental health services and to promote better communication between the provider and the patient.  A mental health “consumer” is considered a person who is undergoing treatment for a psychiatric disorder.   The term suggests that individuals have a choice in their treatment and that without them mental health providers would not exist.  Today, the word mental health consumer has expanded in the popular usage of consumers themselves to include anyone who has received mental health services in the past, anyone who has a behavioral health diagnosis, or simply anyone with a mental or behavioral disorder.

In some health care circles the movement to refer to patients as “consumers of healthcare” is being debated along with issues pertaining to “customer” service.  Some practitioners believe calling individuals “consumers” sends the message that we are “selling” them a product and that it’s an impersonal term.  And only a handful of residency programs incorporate customer service into their clinical training.  What are the implications to providers and patients?  In addition to clinical training, do we also need to learn customer service techniques?

Dr. Paul E. Keck, Jr.:

As defined by traditional terms, a patient is a person who is under medical care or treatment. And if we elaborate from a position of compassion and understanding we would add that this is someone suffering in some way and needs some form of help and HOPE. However, this should come in the form of a partnership, working together with patient and family to create improvements in quality of life, alleviate suffering and save lives.

When I think about what I do-what we do as providers of mental healthcare, I recognize that my position in this partnership is as a provider and my goal is to help patients achieve good health and lasting wellness. Do I consider them “consumers?” I think the better question here is, as a mental healthcare provider how am I delivering care? What is my customer’s perception and how is my expertise and clinical knowledge helping them achieve their goals? It’s critical to ask what patients are trying to achieve. What they are willing to contribute to achieve their goals and what can I do to support them as they work toward that outcome?

Customer service is one of the most important functions of the health care industry. We are witnessing an ever-changing healthcare environment, one in which the “customer” is better educated about their health and one in which they recognize they have many choices. Incorporating compassion, responsiveness and attention into the patient experience can set one apart from the many options available. The Journal of Healthcare Management reports that patients who receive good customer service report better health outcomes and higher levels of satisfaction with their overall healthcare.  I believe as we continue to meet the heavy demands and ever increasing needs of those seeking mental health services, we need to remember to deliver a customer service experience in line with one we would hope to receive as we visit our own healthcare provider.

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One in every ten Americans suffers from a mood disorder. While there are many different types, some of the more common mood disorders include major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and dysthymia.

Mood disorders can develop at any age, but are most likely to first appear during childhood and become more severe as individuals become adults. However, doctors are now finding more severe levels of mood disorders in children as young as six years old.

Making a Diagnosis

Diagnosing mood disorders in children can be a challenge; as symptoms such as irritability, periods of sadness and frequent mood swings are not as prominent within younger patients as they are in adults.

Treatment

When it comes to treatment options, both children and adults seem to react best to a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy is an important component to an individual’s treatment plan and can occur in various forms.

A significant difference between children and adults when it comes to treatment is adults typically start on medications prior to psychotherapy, while children usually begin with therapy.

Finding the Right Treatment Center

One of the premier facilities for diagnosing and treating mood disorders is the Lindner Center of HOPE. Located in the greater Cincinnati area, the Lindner Center has both outpatient and residential facilities. In addition to featuring the latest resources and equipment available for treating mood disorders, the Lindner Center is run by Dr. Paul E. Keck and Dr. Susan L. McElroy, two of the most renowned and respected individuals in the field of psychiatry.

For more information on the Lindner Center of HOPE and its mood disorder treatment programs, call 888-536-HOPE.