Today our conversation focused on opportunities addressing workforce shortages in Nebraska, as well as making better use of emerging technologies, such as telemedicine, that might help address the needs of this public health issue. Dr. Boust, under the auspices of UNMC, has led efforts to initiate telepsychiatry that would enable people living in rural communities, through secure video broadcasting, to have access to psychiatrists and therapists located at medical centers such as UNMC or the VA Hospitals without the long distance travel currently involved.

Dr. Boust also reinforced the importance of a healing team surrounding the client, and led by the client, in developing a plan of treatment that might include medications, therapeutic consultations, and peer support. According to MHA, fewer than half of adults and only 1/3 of children with a diagnosable mental health disorder receive treatment each year. By providing easier access to care, perhaps Nebraska can improve these statistics

To hear more from Dr. Boust, listen to the December 13 Not Alone radio program by clicking on the play button below, or download the file to listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page.

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December 13, 2011 – Dr. Susan Boust

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

Jeri Schaben, with the Douglas County Community Mental Health Center, recognizing the scope of shoplifting addictions, initiated two peer support groups for shoplifters in Omaha Monday evenings at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on 33 and Lake, and Thursday evenings at Bergan Mercy Medical Center. Shoplifting addiction has similarities to drug addiction, and support groups are an excellent way to begin healing.

We learned that successful former shoplifters develop a WRAP plan, they don’t go shopping alone, they don’t make impulsive shopping stops; they know their triggers and some even avoid temptation by shopping only online. Others will take a trusted friend with them and only shop for the one specific item needed, or will even tell customer service they have a history of shoplifting, and will ask to be accompanied throughout the store!

We understand the challenges of shopping this time of year and the commercial push we are all experiencing. Our congratulations to those who recognize they do have a shoplifting addiction and are willing to take positive steps to overcome their addiction, before the addiction overcomes them. Those peer support groups do work!

To learn more about the addiction of shoplifting, listen to the November 29 Not Alone program by clicking on the play button below or download the file and listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page.

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November 29, 2011 – Shoplifting

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

Our Chaplains emphasized Nebraska’s heritage of caring for others and helping one another; building the Peer to Peer program around that heritage. There is a strong commitment from the top command down to enable strong peer to peer based interventions; members are trained to see indications of substance abuse or domestic violence. Nebraska is one of only a few states that’s National Guard provides this training for building strong relationships.

The Chaplains reminded us that friendship and the gift of a personal relationship and caring is something we can give to others. Our Chaplains complimented the employers of Nebraska for their loyalty and support to members of the Guard and their families. Most members of the Guard do come back to their former place of employment following deployment. The Chaplains asked each person to pray for all members of the military service .

To hear more from the Nebraska Army National Guard Chaplains, click on the play button below to listen to the November 22 Not Alone program, or download the file for later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page. 

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November 22, 2011 – Military Chaplains

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

To their generation, the stigmas surrounding mental health care prevent them from asking for help, causing them to tell themselves to “just get over it.” Senior years include chronic illness, extreme loss (not only of treasured people, but of independence and self-sufficiency), and of social transition. We learned today that the symptoms of depression and dementia can appear the same, and that often when families need a medical opinion, they will face opposition from the elder in seeking such an opinion.

Older adults are experienced speaking to their physicians for family about their physical aches and pains, but they seldom speak of their moods and feelings. We need to assure them that it is OK to ask for help and that they don’t have to “tough it out.” Dr. Wengel explained that many seniors equate depression with being “crazy”; they won’t speak of their feelings to caregivers because of the stigma thinking that “they’ll probably put me in a strait jacket and haul me off”. Plus, they are reluctant to spend the dollars on themselves.

The Baby Boomers; however, are redefining aging in America. They did not experience the sacrifices of the Great Depression and World War II that defined today’s oldest members. Although Boomers are more accustomed to expecting and receiving care, some of the “retirement communities” and assisted living facilities providing homes for the newly retired are reporting increased alcohol and substance abuse issues, as well as more gambling related activities as this generation ages. Boomer seniors are still less reluctant to talk about their moods and feelings, and to recognize and even insist upon appropriate medical interventions.

People with Bipolar Disorder, or other chronic mental illnesses, traditionally lived about 25 years less than their fellows. Now, through improved medications, self-responsibility to exercise and maintain well balanced meals as part of their life, and the expectation that they will find recovery and resiliency, many people with chronic mental illness are living well into retirement age.  Are living facilities and community programs prepared to address their special needs?

These are just a few of the topics we covered during our discussion with Dr. Wengel and Dr. McNeilly on Not Alone. To learn more about mental health issues in the senior population, listen to this week’s Not Alone program by clicking on the play button below, or download the file to listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page. 

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October 11, 2011 – Mental Health Needs for the Older Population

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

Nebraska continually ranks close to the bottom in the provision of mental health care. We seem to lack the political will to develop community-based treatment centers that have proven so effective in other states. We seem to lack the motivation to invest in additional healing opportunities for children. We seem to believe that short-term residential treatment is ineffective, yet we are persuaded to enlarge the prison system.

We are told repeatedly that there is no health without mental health, and this we strongly believe, yet we continue to penalize the very people who try to help us reach a higher level of care, a more effective system of care, a more honest approach to resiliency and recovery in this 21^st century.

We are a comparatively small state population wise, so it seems that we could work together more effectively and efficiently to provide mental health care for the one in four people needing it. We could help children learn to manage their behavioral issues sooner, sparing them from expulsion from pre-schools and primary grades. Our adolescents have a high suicide rate and the increase in STIs in Nebraska reflects emotional and physical challenges. Our young military families need encouraging support; and what about the increases in the rate of depression in our older population?   

We have people in Nebraska who are willing to address these issues, and have excellent suggestions for moving us into a healthier, more pro-active, more productive plan of mental health care.  Yet, we seem more focused on what we do wrong, rather than supporting one another in what we can do right. How can Nebraska increase community partnerships and together build toward a meaningful plan for mental health care that will address the needs of children and youth, our college age and our young military families, our working age people, and our honored citizens?

 We’d like to hear from our readers. What are we doing right in Nebraska in the provision of mental health care? What programs have motivated you to change your thinking and be open to supporting new ideas?  What do you see as our strengths and assets, and most importantly, what is your vision for a healthier Nebraska? 

The Kim Foundation applauds the development of peer support programs. We welcomed Director Reckling’s attempts to move foster children back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible and we feel encouraged by the research programs underway at Creighton and UNMC. Readers, if you could wave your magic wand, how would you help Nebraska move up to at least be in the top 50 percent of states in the provision of mental health care?

Warm Wishes for Dr. Daniel Wilson
It is bittersweet to learn that Dr. Daniel Wilson, chair of psychiatry at Creighton University has been named vice president and medical dean at the University of Florida Health Science Center-Jacksonville.

Dr. Wilson brought innovative and practical knowledge to the field of mental health care in Nebraska these past 11 years and has been a trusted and valued voice for change in the provision of mental health care.

Florida is a state that has made excellent progress in mental health care in the last 10 years and with Dr. Wilson joining them, we know their future will be even more positive.

Thank you for what you have done in Nebraska, Dr. Wilson. We wish you the best!

World Mental Health Day Remembrance
The director of Nebraska’s Office of Consumer Affairs, Carol Coussons de Reyes, asks Nebraskans to join in a moment of silence on World Mental Health Day, October 10, in remembrance of people with mental illnesses who languished in ‘mental hospitals’ then were buried in unmarked and unremembered graves. Carol asks that, as a community, we join at 10:10 A.M. on October 10to remember those who were denied the opportunity for resiliency and recovery. It seems the least we can do! 

Thanks to Carol and to Dan Powers for reminding us that many paid a huge price in order for us to celebrate the mental health care we do have available today. Let us take a moment of respect and appreciation, and rededicate our efforts to even more meaningful progress in weeks to come.

Diana Waggoner, Director, The Kim Foundation

Diana Waggoner is the Director of The Kim Foundation. Connecting people to resources is central to The Kim Foundation’s mission of improving lives through mental health. Through its work, The Kim Foundation serves to bridge the gaps in mental health services and further encourages innovation that will enhance programs, expand services, strengthen organizational systems, and most importantly, transform lives.

They also reminded us that October 6 is National Depression Screening Day which offers a great opportunity to take a free, anonymous questionnaire to assess each person’s risk for mood and anxiety disorders. We wanted to get ahead of the October 6 crowd, so went to our home computer to access the Online Depression/Mental Health Screening offered by BryanLGH Behavioral Health Services.

We support screening for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease; this is an opportunity to support screening and intervention for depression as well. It was enlightening to take the assessment, and it is totally anonymous! Dr. Miers suggested that a person print off the results, then take it with you when you visit your physician, if you do have concerns about depression in your family. The online screening is another great resource available for people wanting to be healthy!

To learn more about depression and the anonymous online screening tool click on the play button below to listen to the September 27 Not Alone program; download the file to listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone Podcast page. 

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September 27 – Depression in Nebraska

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

September is Suicide Awareness Month during which we remind listeners that suicide is a preventable public health issue. Through combined efforts, our nation has developed programs toward preventing blindness, preventing Polio, preventing many cancers and communicable diseases; suicide, too, is a preventable public health issue.

Let’s be aware, let’s ask a question, and let’s save a life. More than 90 percent of the people who die by suicide have a mental health disorder, including depression. If you know someone who seems to be struggling, ask them how they are feeling, and be prepared to hear their answers!

To hear more about the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition click on the link below to listen to the September 6 Not Alone broadcast or download the file and listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page.

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September 6 – Nebraska Suicide Prevention
Coalition

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

About 5 percent of our population develops gambling problems, often in their late teens, and it can escalate into truly serious financial, family, and emotional issues. Gambling is an addiction like drugs and alcohol are addictions to some people. During Not Alone we learned about problems in the workplace due to gambling and financial irresponsibility. There is also the issue of Internet gambling; imagine giving strangers access to your credit card or your checking account! Not surprisingly, many older people, at the end of their career, are also vulnerable because they are isolated, lonely, and need a social outlet, so they may begin to gamble away their retirement savings.   

Some folks buy lottery tickets, get in the World Series pool at the office, and enjoy a trip to the casino. It’s fun, exciting, and no different than spending designated dollars at a movie or for dinner. For other people gambling can be addictive, so the best way to play it safe is not to use gambling as an escape, but only as recreation.

Our guests were from the Choices Treatment Center in Lincoln and South East Nebraska, and CrossRoads Counseling in Chadron and the Region 1 service area. We learned that gambling can become an issue no matter where you live and no matter what your age!

To learn more about gambling addiction and listen to the August 16 Not Alone broadcast, click on the play button below, or download the file and listen later. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page. 

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August 16 – Gambling Addiction

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.

“Trauma is a hidden wound that is not easily identified. People know something is wrong, but don’t know how to articulate what. People try to numb the pain with additive agents like drugs and alcohol, which might reduce the reactions, but will never treat the trauma,” Carlson said. “I am passionate about making sure there are accurate diagnostics and ability for mental health professionals and other people who are in helping professions to find trauma and then treat it effectively.”

Carlson, a certified trauma specialist and Deana Peterson, Ph.D. who work together at TeOusia Life Center, using a researched based program from The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children, where Carlson trained, recently conducted an Adult Trauma Group pilot program with the Adult Women’s Probation group in Douglas County to help women identify trauma and work to relieve the pain.

Carlson explains that people who have experienced trauma have intrusive thoughts about the event that can affect them throughout the day and night. The intrusive thoughts not only cause the individuals discomfort, but limits their ability to concentrate or enjoy life. Using a combination of talk therapy and art therapy, through the trauma program, the daily intrusive thoughts are eventually slowed.

“What we have learned is that talk therapy alone does not do enough to address trauma. You have to access the emotional side of the brain, which is also were the creative and expressive part is. We go into the memory, we set it up with a lot of preparatory stuff, and then use coloring and pictures to dislodge the trauma,” Carlson said. “This form of expressive therapy can get resistance, especially from adults who think it’s stupid, but once they open their minds to it, they immediately see the benefit.”

The specialized, 9-week program is free to individuals who volunteer to attend. Using the art therapy approach, which is just as effective with adults as children, the Adult Trauma Group pilot found that over time data showed that those in the program were helped. Of the 12 women who started the program, four completed it and reported feeling better saying they were glad they did it.

“It was hard work, but they are different ladies now,” Carlson said. “The ladies who completed the pilot group will be speaking with individuals to share how the process has helped them and to try and encourage others to participate in the program.”

Due to the progress and success of pilot program, three more groups for Adult Women’s Probation will be offered this year with the next program starting at the end of August.

In addition to his work with the Adult Women’s Probation program, Carlson is also bringing trauma informed care to Omaha schools through the Trauma and Learning Task Force. In an effort to inform special education directors about how to identify students who may be dealing with a traumatic event, and then how to find treatment, Carlson has been meeting with special education directors from various school districts and mental health professionals to share knowledge and develop a plan for addressing trauma in students.

“If there’s a traumatizing incident in a young person, it will show up in behavior, it will show up in the inability to concentrate, in lagging IQ performance, and even poor grades. So when those things show up, a student may get labeled with a behavioral disorder, which may be misdiagnosed trauma and then we mistreat it. So for a long time these kids act out and never get the help they really need,” Carlson said. “My goal was to inform Special Ed Directors about trauma informed care and then number two collectively try to set up a metro area group that would continue to figure out how to best diagnose and inform medical professionals then set up treatment places for all schools to use for students.” The Trauma and Learning Task Force will finish up its fourth meeting of the summer the last week in July and will then begin work on building an action plan.

To learn more about trauma informed care, the Adult Trauma Group for adult women’s probation or the Trauma and Learning Task Force, contact Scott Carlson at skevincarlson@yahoo.com.

Our guest on Not Alone related her journey with BPD; how she needed other people to soothe and calm her, how other people needed to provide her stability, as well as how her sense of worth is affected by the disorder. Dialectical behavior therapy skills changed her life; she was taught ways to focus her mind and to accept that feelings can be tolerated. She learned to discover her own triggers and sensitivities and to refine the personal tools needed to face these triggers. She learned to remain focused in the here and now.

As a mom, full-time student and part-time employee, in spite of this heavy schedule, she still makes time to help others on their journey to recovery.  Peer encouragement and peer support remain vital steps toward recovery and resiliency.

To learn more about Borderline Personality Disorder, click on the play button below to listen to the July 19 Not Alone podcast. To listen to past broadcasts, visit The Kim Foundation Web site Not Alone podcast page. 

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July 19 – Borderline Personality Disorder

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.