Experts say mental health is equally as important – and in many ways, very similar – to physical health. Studies now show more than 10% of the world’s population – including 1-in-5 Americans – suffer from some sort of mental health challenge.
As that need continues to grow, Carle Health is focused on providing access to the different types of treatment and healing support needed to address the conditions most
prevalent in our region. Behavioral health and addiction recovery professionals work with community members to provide care and education around the mental health epidemic.
“Mental health deals with our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing – nobody is immune to having mental health struggles,” Julie Brown, Carle BroMenn Medical Center Mental Health, patient care coordinator said. “Historically there has been a great deal of stigma and struggle for folks needing mental health support, but we have evolved quite a bit to where many more people are identifying it, accepting it and seeking help. Today’s mental health treatments are diverse, comprehensive and more available to the population than ever.”
Making it a priority
Experts emphasize that mental health plays a role in every aspect of life and it is influenced by work and home life, support system, stressors and more.
“It affects our ability to function at our jobs, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and succeed academically and in other areas of life,” Brooke DiBello, MA, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Carle Behavioral Health on Mattis said.
Despite its prominence, mental health is – and always has been – considered a difficult topic to discuss or open up about.
DiBello adds oftentimes, seeking treatment is the most daunting task of all - from picking
up the phone to call to schedule, to driving to the initial session, to walking inside the building.
“Even with increased awareness over the years, some individuals may not recognize the signs or symptoms of mental health problems,” DiBello said.
Brown says daily life challenges can evolve into mental health issues if they aren’t addressed, adding that everyone is unique and should have a mental wellness plan that is customized to them.
Finding solutions
“There is no one formula for it, but there are some areas that can provide a foundation for every person to build their own wellness plan. Hope, support, personal responsibility, education and self-advocacy are the five key concepts used in a Wellness Action Recovery Plan (WRAP),” Brown said. “Wellness plans that offer choices and options and allow people to discover wellness tools that are individual to them prove to be the most successful.”
Christina Gerlach-Mooney, Trillium Place Crisis Services director, an affiliate of Carle Health, recommends enforcing simple, daily routines to optimize one’s mental health and well-being.
“Those little things we can sometimes easily overlook make such a difference,” Gerlach-Mooney said. “Being physical and active, eating good food and maintaining a healthy diet, and finding ways to relax can make us feel great. Having a supportive network of friends, family and pets helps keep us active and positively focused.”
“It is so important to set boundaries - many people have difficulty saying no and find themselves overwhelmed and burned out. Therapists often emphasize you cannot take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first,” DiBello added.
Experts emphasize there are many approaches to improve one’s mental health, adding that whatever avenue to mental wellness one takes, it’s important to remember they are not alone.
Brown recommends connecting with someone you trust: that could be a friend, family member, doctor, counselor or even a hotline number.
“Mental health support groups, 12-step programs, faith communities, online support groups and social service organizations can provide vital connections for those on the path to recovery as well,” Brown said.
Carle Health offers walk-in treatment options such as The Living Room Program at Trillium Place in Greater Peoria - a safe, supportive setting for individuals to connect with a recovery specialist for crisis support, safety planning, goal setting and other supportive services.
“Everything we do is to help a person better understand what they are going through and realize that there is hope in recovery,” Gerlach-Mooney said.
For when there is the need for extended professional care, Carle Health’s experienced staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and clinical nurse specialists provide patients with a variety of options and care plans.
For more information on resources, services and more within the Carle Health system, visit Carle.org or TrilliumPlaceHealth.org.
As that need continues to grow, Carle Health is focused on providing access to the different types of treatment and healing support needed to address the conditions most
prevalent in our region. Behavioral health and addiction recovery professionals work with community members to provide care and education around the mental health epidemic.“Mental health deals with our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing – nobody is immune to having mental health struggles,” Julie Brown, Carle BroMenn Medical Center Mental Health, patient care coordinator said. “Historically there has been a great deal of stigma and struggle for folks needing mental health support, but we have evolved quite a bit to where many more people are identifying it, accepting it and seeking help. Today’s mental health treatments are diverse, comprehensive and more available to the population than ever.”
Making it a priority
Experts emphasize that mental health plays a role in every aspect of life and it is influenced by work and home life, support system, stressors and more.
“It affects our ability to function at our jobs, establish and maintain healthy relationships, and succeed academically and in other areas of life,” Brooke DiBello, MA, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Carle Behavioral Health on Mattis said.
Despite its prominence, mental health is – and always has been – considered a difficult topic to discuss or open up about.
DiBello adds oftentimes, seeking treatment is the most daunting task of all - from picking
up the phone to call to schedule, to driving to the initial session, to walking inside the building.“Even with increased awareness over the years, some individuals may not recognize the signs or symptoms of mental health problems,” DiBello said.
Brown says daily life challenges can evolve into mental health issues if they aren’t addressed, adding that everyone is unique and should have a mental wellness plan that is customized to them.
Finding solutions
“There is no one formula for it, but there are some areas that can provide a foundation for every person to build their own wellness plan. Hope, support, personal responsibility, education and self-advocacy are the five key concepts used in a Wellness Action Recovery Plan (WRAP),” Brown said. “Wellness plans that offer choices and options and allow people to discover wellness tools that are individual to them prove to be the most successful.”
Christina Gerlach-Mooney, Trillium Place Crisis Services director, an affiliate of Carle Health, recommends enforcing simple, daily routines to optimize one’s mental health and well-being.
“Those little things we can sometimes easily overlook make such a difference,” Gerlach-Mooney said. “Being physical and active, eating good food and maintaining a healthy diet, and finding ways to relax can make us feel great. Having a supportive network of friends, family and pets helps keep us active and positively focused.”“It is so important to set boundaries - many people have difficulty saying no and find themselves overwhelmed and burned out. Therapists often emphasize you cannot take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first,” DiBello added.
Experts emphasize there are many approaches to improve one’s mental health, adding that whatever avenue to mental wellness one takes, it’s important to remember they are not alone.
Brown recommends connecting with someone you trust: that could be a friend, family member, doctor, counselor or even a hotline number.
“Mental health support groups, 12-step programs, faith communities, online support groups and social service organizations can provide vital connections for those on the path to recovery as well,” Brown said.
Carle Health offers walk-in treatment options such as The Living Room Program at Trillium Place in Greater Peoria - a safe, supportive setting for individuals to connect with a recovery specialist for crisis support, safety planning, goal setting and other supportive services.“Everything we do is to help a person better understand what they are going through and realize that there is hope in recovery,” Gerlach-Mooney said.
For when there is the need for extended professional care, Carle Health’s experienced staff of psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and clinical nurse specialists provide patients with a variety of options and care plans.
For more information on resources, services and more within the Carle Health system, visit Carle.org or TrilliumPlaceHealth.org.
Categories: Staying Healthy