May is Mental Health Month, which was started just over 70 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. This year, MHA is expanding upon last year’s theme of 4Mind4Body. Visit www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may for resources on animal companionship, spirituality and religion, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as ways to boost mental health and general wellness. When you hear the terms psychotic or psychotic break, what do you think about? Do the terms carry a negative meaning? Myth: A person with psychotic symptoms is dangerous. Fact: People experiencing psychosis may behave strangely, they may hear voices, or see things that do not exist. They may be frightened and confused or withdrawn. However, it is more likely these people will harm themselves than someone else. Early treatment is important for persons with psychotic symptoms. The word psychosis is used to describe conditions that affect the mind; some loss of contact with reality. Psychosis often begins when a person is in their late teens to mid-20s. Three out of 100 people will experience psychosis at some time in their lives. About 100,000 adolescents and young adult in the U.S. experience first episode psychosis each year. This may include hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, or disordered thoughts and speech. Psychosis can be treated and early treatment increases the chance of a successful recovery. Research supports a variety of treatments for first episode psychosis, combined with coordinated specialty care: Individual or group psychotherapy based on cognitive behavior therapy; family support and education teaches family members about psychosis, coping, communication, and problem-solving skills. Medications help reduce psychosis symptoms; Supported Employment/Education services to help a person return to work or school; and Case Management to help with problem solving. It is important to find a mental health professional who is trained in psychosis treatment and who makes the client feel comfortable. Statewide efforts are taking place to address the mental health crisis throughout the state of Nevada. There are now five Behavioral Health Coordinators, appointed by the governor, who serve throughout Nevada to assist communities in developing collaborative partnerships to address the needs in each community. The Carson City Behavioral Health Taskforce came together in February 2015 and has been meeting monthly to address the barriers and gaps related to mental health in Carson City. This last year, protocols were developed to assist agencies and individuals in understanding how to react to someone who may be suicidal. Trainings were held on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and the protocols of response. The Mallory Crisis Center has expanded to 15 beds. We will soon see two Mobile Outreach Safety Teams with the Sheriff’s Office. MOST is a team of specially trained officers with mental health clinician to respond to crisis calls and divert a mental health crisis from going to jail. The Carson City Behavioral Health Taskforce is updating its strategic plan. Carson City is on the right path with providing mental health triage and services. We have more work to do and would welcome any public feedback on where the gaps are? What is missing? What can we do better? Suggestions can be emailed to mostrander@carson.org. The mental health of our residents is important to Carson City Health and Human Services and the Carson City Behavioral Task Force. For resources and information about department programs and services, go to www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs, follow us on Twitter @CCHealthEd, call us at (775) 887-2190, or visit us at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City. Mary Jane Ostrander is human services division manager for Carson City Health and Human Services.
