If mental health issues were viewed in the same manner as one’s physical health, more people might seek help. MORRISON and Hoag have recently been promoted within the ranks of the local mental health center. Hoag has moved from being manager of children’s services to assistant director of children services. PROFESSIONAL help may be in order when certain emotional or behavioral disorders present themselves for at least six weeks and cause disruption in everyday life. Such traits can include a depressed mood, a defiant behavior, an impulsive behavior or an inability to follow directions. TO HELP make the public more aware of mental health issues a Mental Health First Aid course is sponsored by the center.
Unfortunately, a diagnosis of a mental health disorder carries a negative social stigma, keeping people from seeking help in a timely manner.
“If a person has diabetes, many options exist to manage the disease. The same can be said for a mental health disorder,” said Michelle Hoag, assistant director of children’s services at the Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center.
“With education, people can learn how to manage and reduce the symptoms of a mental health disorder.”
And because symptoms generally present themselves before a youth reaches the age 18, early intervention is critical to successful treatment.
One-half of all mental health challenges make themselves evident by age 14; three-fourths by age 24, according to Angela Morrison, also of the SEKMHC.
Morrison has moved from being a coordinator of serious emotional disturbance services to that of manager of waiver services.
Both work primarily with children and their families.
Morrison received her undergraduate degree in social work from Kansas State University with a master’s in clinical social work from Washburn University. She lives in Yates Center.
Hoag attended Emporia State University where she received an undergraduate degree in rehabilitation services. From there she attended the University of Kansas where she earned a master’s in social work. She lives in Iola.
Both said their careers are very satisfying.
“It’s rewarding to be able to make an impact on a child’s long-term quality of life,” said Hoag.
Most frequently a parent, physician or teacher will recommend professional help, said Morrison.
“If it’s a mood disorder, teachers and physicians are the more likely to make referrals. For problems with anger management, parents are more likely to seek out help.”
An initial consultation with a therapist will determine a course of care for a child and his family that frequently involves one-on-one therapy sessions as well as services in the community in various settings. The goal of the center is to keep youth in the least restrictive setting; ideally in their home with community-based supports.
The center maintains a ratio of one treatment team staff for every four children in its group sessions.
“The more proactive a family can be, the better the outcomes,” Hoag said.
“Sometimes we see a quick turn-around in a child’s behavior once they start receiving help.”
Over the course of her 11 years at the mental health center Hoag has seen different problems arise.
“Self-harm was less prevalent as compared to now,” she said. Instances may include adolescents cutting themselves or burning themselves, or engagement in risk-taking behavior as a way to control emotional pain.
And while eating disorders are still common, more resources exist to help such cases. Most often an eating disorder “stems from anxiety, poor self-esteem, or an underlying mood disorder,” said Morrison.
The inability to stay on task with a project is often characteristic of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“We see a lot of that,” the women said.
A combination of therapy, community-based, and medication services may work the best for ADHD, Hoag said.
“While many parents can be skeptical of using medication, we’ve found it to be very effective, especially in severe cases,” Morrison said.
External factors can contribute to mental illness, the women said, including poverty.
“We work with many families whose basic needs — food, shelter, water — are not always met,” Hoag said. “They don’t know what tomorrow is going to be like for them.”
A lack of consistency in their lives can destroy their self-esteem and put them at an increased risk of drug and alcohol abuse.
People sometimes steer away from seeking help “because of a fear of the unknown,” Morrison said. “If mental illness could be viewed in the same light as a physical illness, it wouldn’t have such a negative connotation.”
The eight-hour course is a “great opportunity to become more aware of the symptoms of developing mental health disorders,” Hoag said.
National statistics show one in four will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives.
“Society teaches us at times to neglect or minimize our emotional well-being,” Morrison said. “While in reality, we all may need some sort of support throughout our lives.”
Individuals can gain skills to manage mental health challenges and there are supportive services available.
For more information about the first aid course or other services available at the mental health center call 365-5717.
Stigma roadblock to help
