Newsletter March 2012
12
`xÇàtÄ [xtÄà{ TááÉv|tà|ÉÇ Éy fÉâà{ãxáà YÄÉÜ|wt Support Groups: • Here for Life 1st Tuesday every Month 7:00 PM • Veterans Wednesday 7:00 - 8:30PM • Depression Thursday 10:30AM - Noon March 2012 Advocacy, another important activity of the Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida, has had its share of milestones. After successfully advocating for a psychologist in 1957, the Association in 1963, obtained and paid for the part-time services of a psychiatrist. Then attention was turned towards increasing the funding for the State Hospital to pay competent personnel, greater use of NCH for psychiatric patients, and more after care programs for patients. In 1963, The MHA rejoiced when President Kennedy signed the Mental Health Act. Dr. Louis Moore, President of the MHA1961-1962, lead the effort to secure a mental health center for Collier County. After conducting a survey on mental health needs, he urged the Board to inform the State Division of Mental Health of Collier County’s desire to apply for federal funds to build and staff a center. During this same period The Kiwanis Club, in support of MHA, approved a project of acquiring land and a building for the clinic. By late 1968, during Carl Clemmer’s presidency, a clinic committee was incorporated and a budget submitted to the State. The following year, Polly Keller’s term as President, the dream was finally realized when the clinic doors opened in October. The present day Board and Staff of the MHASWFL appreciate the dedication of the founders and volunteers whose efforts have greatly improved the lives of all in our community. The mission has not changed. The goals may have been reprioritized and the language modernized but the intent remains the same. Our Mission To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education, Prevention, and Support Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years of Service to Southwest Florida!! of Service to Southwest Florida!! of Service to Southwest Florida!! of Service to Southwest Florida!! 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness since 1957 Coming Events: ♦ March 3, 2012 Diversity Festival ♦ March 10, 2012 Putting Children First ♦March 21, 2012 Proclamation Naples City Council Meeting ♦ March 24, 2012 Putting Children First ♦March 27, 2012 Proclamation Collier County Commission meeting ♦ April 14, 2012 Putting Children First ♦ April 22, 2012 Rockin ‘& in the Tropics Outdoor Concert ♦ April 28, 2012 Putting Children First
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Transcript of Newsletter March 2012
`xÇàtÄ [xtÄà{ TááÉv|tà|ÉÇ Éy fÉâà{ãxáà YÄÉÜ|wt
Support Groups:
• Here for Life
1st Tuesday every Month
7:00 PM
• Veterans
Wednesday
7:00 - 8:30PM
• Depression
Thursday
10:30AM - Noon
March 2012
Advocacy, another important activity of the Mental Health Association of
Southwest Florida, has had its share of milestones. After successfully advocating for
a psychologist in 1957, the Association in 1963, obtained and paid for the
part-time services of a psychiatrist. Then attention was turned towards increasing
the funding for the State Hospital to pay competent personnel, greater use of NCH for
psychiatric patients, and more after care programs for patients.
In 1963, The MHA rejoiced when President Kennedy signed the Mental Health Act.
Dr. Louis Moore, President of the MHA1961-1962, lead the effort to secure a mental
health center for Collier County. After conducting a survey on mental health needs,
he urged the Board to inform the State Division of Mental Health of Collier County’s
desire to apply for federal funds to build and staff a center. During this same period
The Kiwanis Club, in support of MHA, approved a project of acquiring land and a
building for the clinic. By late 1968, during Carl Clemmer’s presidency, a clinic
committee was incorporated and a budget submitted to the State. The following year,
Polly Keller’s term as President, the dream was finally realized when the clinic
doors opened in October.
The present day Board and Staff of the MHASWFL appreciate the dedication of the
founders and volunteers whose efforts have greatly improved the lives of all in our
community. The mission has not changed. The goals may have been reprioritized and
the language modernized but the intent remains the same.
Our Mission
To Advocate for Mental Wellness through
Education, Prevention, and Support
Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years Join us in Celebrating 55 Years
of Service to Southwest Florida!!of Service to Southwest Florida!!of Service to Southwest Florida!!of Service to Southwest Florida!!
55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of
providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services
throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout
SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL
Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness since 1957
Coming Events:
♦ March 3, 2012
Diversity Festival
♦ March 10, 2012
Putting Children First
♦March 21, 2012
Proclamation Naples City
Council Meeting
♦ March 24, 2012
Putting Children First
♦March 27, 2012
Proclamation Collier County
Commission meeting
♦ April 14, 2012
Putting Children First
♦ April 22, 2012
Rockin ‘& in the Tropics
Outdoor Concert
♦ April 28, 2012
Putting Children First
Mental Health Matters Page 2
Years
Page 3 March 2012
Mental Health Matters Page 4
Gollee’s TipGollee’s Tip Help end bullying at your school with the following actions: • on respect, school safety, and anti-bullying. • Ask school personnel to have a discussion at an
assembly or an after school activity about prejudice.
• Arrange for a group to present bullying prevention activities and programs at your school.
• Do encourage anyone who’s being bullied to tell a teacher, counselor, coach, nurse, or his or her parents or guardians. If the bullying continues, report it yourself.
Seek help when necessary
If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have
ongoing concerns about his/her
behavior or emotions, contact a mental
health professional at school, your community
mental health center, or
MHASWFL at 261-5405.
Discuss your
child’s day,
listen for
signs of
concerns!!
Page 5 March 2012
Mental Health Matters Page 6
Page 7 March 2012
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
ANNOUNCES:
US SENATE RESOLUTION 55 DECLARES
MARCH 30
‘‘WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY’’
Collier County Commission and Naples City Council are proud to honor
ALL of our returning veterans by proclaiming March 30
“Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”
Please join the Mental Health Association in accepting the Proclamations on:
• Naples City Council meeting March 21, 2012 meeting at 9 am.
• Collier County Commission meeting the March 27, 2012
meeting at 9 am in the main County Administration building.
Mental Health Matters Page 8
Insomnia; the good the bad and the uglyInsomnia; the good the bad and the ugly Insomnia (sleeplessness or trouble sleeping) is very common. It appears with increasing frequency as people age. It can be a symptom of depression or anxiety.
Many of the medications commonly used to treat insomnia are ad-dicting. These medicines “damage” brain receptors and often make in-somnia worse when the dose is reduced or they are stopped in the fu-ture. In addition, as people age, these medications can cause an agi-tated state called “delirium.” In delirium patients experience intense fear (paranoia) and sometimes see and hear things (hallucinations).
Benzodiazepines, Z drugs and alcohol share these harmful properties. The “Benzos” include Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam) and Xanax (Alprazolam). The “Z drugs” are Ambien (Zolpidem), Lunesta (Eszopiclone) and Sonata (Zaleplon). All are addicting; all can be difficult to stop or cut down (insomnia worsens). All can lead to delirium in the elderly.
Non-addicting medications may not work as well as the more dangerous medicines. (Salads aren’t as tasty as French Fries). However, they are more wholesome and don’t cause problems in the future. It’s very important in treating insomnia to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. An assessment for insomnia starts with an exploration of possible causes. Depression is sometimes insidious and can sneak up on a person. Because of the stigma associated with depression, many people acknowledge insomnia but deny depression even when those close to them see it clearly. Anxiety (worry, apprehension) can cause insomnia.
Some people “self medicate” their insomnia with alcohol. Alcohol, though often helpful initially, can lead to serious problems later. This merely sets the stage for bigger problems in the future. Alcoholism can be an obvious consequence. Even when alcoholism does not follow, alcohol damages brain receptors and can lead to serious consequences such as liver, brain and peripheral nerve damage.
Treatment for insomnia starts with a professional evaluation of any underlying cause. If depression or anxiety is present treatment should be directed at that. When insomnia presents as a solitary symptom it can be treated directly.
Multiple wholesome approaches are available:
The first is “sleep hygiene.” Sleep hygiene embodies elements that naturally foster restful sleep. Sleep hygiene involves using the bed only for sleep and sex. No reading, eating, relaxing, etc in bed. Sleep needs to be confined to bed. No napping at any time in bed, chair or elsewhere. Time in bed needs to be restricted to a maximum of 8 hours. This maximum is important even if you have been wakeful for part of the 8 hours. I tell patients, “don’t get into bed until 11 pm and be out of bed by 7 am no matter how your night has been.” While this may sound severe, good sleep hygiene has the potential to be very helpful in attaining restful sleep without chemicals.
Page 9 March 2012
Second are Yoga and relaxation techniques. Guided imagery and breathing exercises can also be useful. Self help books can be found in the library, on-line and at the bookstores.
Melatonin is the natural medication. It can be purchased without a prescription. It is mild but can be quite helpful.
Benadryl is an antihistamine (Diphenhydramine). I don’t recommend it. It is the active ingredient in TylenolPM, Sominex and Wal-Som. It can cause confusion and even delirium in the elderly. Doxyl-amine (Unisom), also an antihistamine, has similar problems.
Trazodone (Desyrel) is a prescription medication that can help insomnia. Sometimes it causes a “hung over” feeling in the morning but this usually is mild. It is not addicting and has no long term consequences.
Another prescription medication that can be useful without the potential for damaging brain receptors or delirium is Gabapentin. It is relatively short acting and does not usually cause any “hung over” feelings in the morning. It is not addicting and has no long term consequences.
If you have insomnia, consider: 1) the possibility that you might have depression or anxiety, 2) be sure you are not using alcohol to “self medicate”, 3) follow sleep hygiene guidelines, 4) try relaxation or Yoga and 5) consider Melatonin.
If insomnia persists, ask you doctor about Trazodone or Gabapentin.
Beware of Benzos and Zdrugs. They are frequently prescribed. Patients “love them; they feel good”. Like borrowing too much on your credit cards, the problems only show up later!
If your insomnia persists, consider an appointment with a psychiatrist or sleep specialist.
By Dr. Deutschman
Mental Health Matters Page 10
“Shooting for the stars”
Basketball Clinic
August 4, 2012
DESCRIPTION: Wali Jones will conduct the clinic
which will feature human development training
emphasizing academic excellence,
problem-solving, refusal skills, increasing
self-concept and self-esteem and promoting
teamwork. Kids will also work on fun and exciting
fundamental athletic skills through a variety of
basketball drills, viewing of films, foul shooting
contests and more! The clinic will accommodate
up to 100 kids between the ages of 8-17.
www.mhaswfl.org
(239) 261-5405
Save the Date
Page 11 March 2012
YOU ARE INVITED
TO THE FIRST EVENT OF THE
NAPLES ALLIANCE OF
DIVORCE PROFESSIONALS
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012
CliftonLarsonAllen
4099 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 200, Naples FL 34103
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Refreshments to be served
R.S.V.P. by April 20, 2012 to Julie
(239) 325-1895
Steering Committee
Rebecca Zung-Clough, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca Zung-Clough, PLLC
David Schultz, CPA, ABV, CliftonLarsonAllen
Dale Klaus, Esq. Klaus Doupe, P.A.
Petra Jones and Brian Follweiler, Mental Health Association of SW Florida
Nancy Thorsen, First American Bank
To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education,
Prevention, and Support
The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and
develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those
facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community.
If you are interested in becoming a member, e-mail us at [email protected] Or Simply fill out the application and mail a check
payable to MHASWFL or donate online using a credit card. Your contribution is tax-deductible and crucial to helping us continue
our work. If you have any questions about Membership please contact our office by phone at (239) 261-5405
or mail The Mental Association of Southwest Florida 2335 Tamaimi Trail N, Ste 404, Naples FL 34103.
March 2012 Page 12 Mental Health Matters
