Mental health
To the Editor:
Since 1949, the month of May has been recognized as Mental Health Month. This year’s theme “Live Your Life Well” challenges all of us to adapt a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain our own good mental health.
At no time has the emphasis on health promotion been more important than now. Individuals and families are being barraged by a variety of stressors including the uncertainties of the economy. Financial limitations and the loss of health insurance prevent many individuals from reaching out for help when it is needed most. In difficult times, maintaining good mental health takes resilience and it takes the ability to make wise choices that support one’s mental well-being.
The national office of Mental Health America has created an interactive Web site at www.liveyourlifewell.org that provides information and activities relating to 10 specific lifestyle components that are important to overall health and well-being. The issues addressed by the Live Your Life Well project are supported by a strong body of research. I encourage you to check out the Web site to find out what changes you might make to improve your own health status.
In carrying out MHA’s mission of promoting good mental health, the organization is offering a free, four-part series Healthy Minds for Healthy Lives
at Mead Public Library during May. Area professionals will be presenting information on four common emotions.
The programs are: Anger: Manage It, Don’t Let It Manage You with Dr. Jim Lipusch on May 5; Relationships 101: What You Didn’t Even Know You Didn’t Know with Lori Dielentheis on May 10; Grieving Life’s Losses presented by Barbara Stohl on May 19; and Facing Our Fears thru Life’s Losses with local author Dinah Chaudoir-Federer on May 24.
A free, six-week Health and Hope Support Group will be launched on the evening of May 6 for individuals being treated for depression. The group provides a safe setting to discuss issues, receive emotional support, and gain beneficial information. The group can truly be a valuable resource. Pre-registration is required.
A program for parents about depression in children will be offered at 7 p.m. Monday, May 24, at the United Way building in Sheboygan by Dr. Karl Riem, a psychologist. He will also be available to answer questions.
On May 26, in partnership with area therapists, MHA will be offering free screenings for those who believe they may be experiencing the symptoms of anxiety, depression, or the like. Screenings for children and adults will be available throughout the day.
Appointments for children can be made by calling Children’s Service Society, a United Wayfunded agency, at 458-5062. Adult mental health screenings are available at the Aurora Clinic in Plymouth and Matthews Oncology Associates on the St. Nicholas Hospital campus. Adult appointments can be made by calling Mental Health America at 458-3951.
For 47 years, MHA has been working to make positive changes in the lives of Sheboygan County residents by providing a variety of free programs and services that emphasize good mental health. You can learn more about the organization at www.mhashboygan.org or give us a call at 458-3951. Most importantly, keep us in mind!
Beverly Randall, executive
director, Mental Health
America in Sheboygan County
