Mental Health Minnesota 800.862.1799 Who We Are What We Do Find Support Public Policy Learn More Get Involved News & Events Donate News Home › News & Events › Recent News Mental Illness Awareness Week – October 3-10, 2021 This year for Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 3-10, 2021, we are joining Mental Health America (MHA) to raise awareness of mental health conditions that are often misunderstood. MHA created this theme after listening to our community, where many felt that their diagnoses weren’t at the forefront of the mental health conversation. These conditions include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Dissociative Disorders, Paranoia and Delusional Disorders, and other conditions that don’t fit into specific diagnoses – known as Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). The week culminates in World Mental Health Day on October 10. This year’s theme, Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality, offers an opportunity for our global community to reflect on how we can make mental health services and resources accessible to all. At Mental Health Minnesota, we have free, accessible resources available to help children, families and adults get support for any mental health concern or diagnosis before #B4Stage4 or before a crisis: Minnesota Warmline – Certified Peer Support Specialists offer free support to anyone struggling with mental health concerns Mental Health Helpline – mental health resource, information and local provider referrals 833-HERE4MN – licensed mental health providers offer free support to anyone struggling during the pandemic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) PRESENCE OF OBSESSIONS: Common obsessions include: contamination, losing control, physical harm, symmetry, unwanted sexual thoughts Intrusive and unwanted thoughts, urges, or images that a person can’t stop thinking about PRESENCE OF COMPULSIONS: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to do, either to reduce an obsession or according to rigid rules Common compulsions include: washing and cleaning, checking, repeating, counting, reciting a word or phrase DISRUPTION: Thoughts and/or behaviors associated with OCD are time-consuming and interfere with daily life RELATED DISORDERS INCLUDE: Body dysmorphic disorder Hoarding disorder Trichotillomania (hair-pulling) Excoriation (skin-picking) Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ADHD People who have ADHD may have all or some of the following signs and symptoms: In Children: Inattention Difficulty following instructions Difficulty focusing on tasks Frequently losing or misplacing things at school and home Forgetfulness Easily distracted or has difficulty listening Lacking attention to detail or making careless mistakes Disorganization Often does not complete homework or tasks Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Is fidgety Runs or climbs inappropriately Talks excessively Difficulty playing quietly Always on the go Blurts out answers Has trouble waiting their turn Often interrupts In adults: Distractibility Disorganization Forgetfulness Procrastination Chronic lateness Chronic boredom Anxiety Depression Low self-esteem Mood swings Employment problems Restlessness Substance abuse or addictions Relationship problems Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF BPD Frantic efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment Intense mood swings lasting hours or days Impulsivity and/or risky behavior Unstable intense relationships Self-injurious or suicidal threats or behaviors Acts of self-sabotage Chronic feelings of emptiness Inappropriate, intense anger and rage Unstable sense of self, including changing goals and values Dissociation and feelings of detachment Trouble trusting others Disassociative Disorders SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISASSOCIATIVE DISORDERS Out-of-body experiences Feeling like you’re a different person sometimes Feeling emotionally numb or detached Having an altered sense of time Trouble remembering personal details Forgetfulness about things you’ve said or done TYPES OF DISASSOCIATIVE DISORDERS Dissociative Identity Disorder Dissociative Amnesia Depersonalization/ Derealization Disorder Other Specified Dissociative Disorder Unspecified Dissociative Disorder Paranoia and Delusion SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PARANOIA AND DELUSIONS When a person has paranoia or delusions, but no other symptoms (like hearing or seeing things that aren’t there), they might have what is called a delusional disorder. Because only thoughts are impacted, a person with delusional disorder can usually work and function in everyday life, however, their lives may be limited and isolated. People who have delusional disorder may have all or some of the following signs and symptoms: Intense and irrational mistrust or suspicion Hypervigilance Difficulty with forgiveness Defensive attitude in response to imagined criticism Preoccupation with hidden motives Fear of being deceived or taken advantage of Inability to relax Being argumentative Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SAD DEPRESSION: Misery, guilt, loss of self-esteem, hopelessness, diminished interest in activities, despair, and apathy ANXIETY: Tension and inability to tolerate stress MOOD CHANGES: Extremes of mood and, in some, periods of mania in spring and summer SLEEP PROBLEMS: Oversleeping and difficulty staying awake or, sometimes, disturbed sleep and early morning waking LETHARGY: Fatigue and inability to carry out normal routines OVEREATING: Cravings for starchy and sweet foods resulting in weight gain SOCIAL PROBLEMS: Irritability and desire to avoid social contact SEXUAL PROBLEMS: Loss of libido and decreased interest in physical contact This entry was posted on October 4, 2021 by Erin Erickson. Back to School 2021: Facing Fears and Supporting Students Since we’ve been in the midst of a pandemic for a year and a half, it is difficult to remember how important feeling safe is to our mental health. But safety is vital, and if needs like safety aren’t met, a mental health condition may develop. A lot of kids and teens haven’t been able to feel that sense of safety for a long time. Not only are they dealing with fears that a family member (or they themselves) might be exposed to COVID-19 or the Delta Variant, but some have had to face an abusive home environment, a family financial hardship, or a family loss recently. We know from research that an estimated 1.5 million children worldwide lost a mother, father, or other caregiving relative in the first 14 months of the pandemic. When a kid or teen experiences this kind of hardship, it can feel as if the world is crashing down on them. That’s why it’s crucial right now, as students return to school, for parents, teachers, and administrators to do everything they can to foster a safe and secure environment. School can be a refuge from some of these difficult situations at home, and a place that students feel out of harm’s way. Still, even in the safest of environments, we are in a youth mental health crisis, and many students will exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety as they return to the classroom. It is important to let kids and teens know that support is available. Each school has different types of education and counseling services, so it is best to become familiar with the resources that your school provides. To take an initial mental health screening, students can access www.MHAScreening.org for a free, confidential, and anonymous mental health test. There are also serious signs that someone is in crisis and needs more immediate help. These include thoughts or plans of hurting oneself or another person. If you think a child or teen is in immediate danger of taking suicidal action, call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. At Mental Health Minnesota, we also have free mental health support resources available to help children, families and adults get support #B4stage4 or before a crisis: Minnesota Warmline – Certified Peer Support Specialists offer free support to anyone struggling with mental health concerns Mental Health Helpline – mental health resource, information and local provider referrals 833-HERE4MN – licensed mental health providers offer free support to anyone struggling during the pandemic Mental Health America‘s Back to School Fact Sheets Fact Sheet – How Trauma Impacts School Performance Fact Sheet – Safety at School Fact Sheet – Supporting Students at Home Fact Sheet – Supporting Students Facing Trauma Fact Sheet – Understanding Abuse Worksheet – Feeling Safe Worksheet – Preparing to Share This entry was posted on August 31, 2021 by Erin Erickson. July is Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Month We are proud to celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Month this July as we come together to highlight this year’s theme “Strength in Communities.” This month we explore alternative mental health supports created by BIPOC and queer and trans-BIPOC (QTBIPOC) communities of color. These community-developed systems of support fill gaps within mainstream healthcare systems: community care, self-directed care, and culturally-based practices. We’ll explore why these types of care are valid and valuable choices people can make for their mental health. We are all unique individuals and communities so it is important that we address our specific needs when it comes to mental health. There is no universal or one-size-fits-all practice. Community care Community care is an approach used by individuals to support one another and the broader community. For BIPOC and QTBIPOC communities, it can be hard to find mental health care that respects and caters to their needs. In an effort to help provide care for these individuals who may have not found mental health support, communities are creating spaces on their own. These spaces provide healing within communities that understand them better, and the well-being of the individual is intrinsically tied to the well-being of others, including the larger community. Community care focuses on the connections, intentional actions, and efforts to mobilize individuals to support one another. As a result, community care responds to existing inequities and gaps in resources by creating new structures to bridge gaps and to increase access to meaningful resources through mutual support and aid provided by individuals and broader community-focused efforts. Examples of community care include Peer Support, which refers to someone who shares the experience of living with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. The peer-to-peer approach is important to mental health recovery and wellness, and that’s why we have certified peer specialists who run our Minnesota Warmline. Self-directed care Self-directed care (SDC) is an innovative practice that emphasizes that people with mental health and substance use conditions should have decision-making authority over the services they receive. Individuals are encouraged to take direct responsibility to manage their care, including determining their own needs, deciding how those needs are met, and continuously evaluating the services. The way people talk about and experience mental health is uniquely shaped by their racial/ethnic backgrounds and cultural experiences. Because SDC gives the individual seeking services the power to decide what works best for them, it allows people from marginalized communities to determine their own priorities in recovery and move beyond traditional systems of care, which weren’t originally designed with them in mind. Our Mental Health Helpline can be your first source of SDC. Reach out via our online chat or by phone to get connected to information about mental health programs and services that might help you or a loved one. Culturally-based practices Culturally-based practices are culturally-rooted customs, behaviors, values, and beliefs passed down through generations that function as “informal systems of support.” These culturally-based practices form part of a socially dynamic framework of assistance provided by and to individuals by their families, friends, and communities. For generations, culturally-based practices have been erased, set aside, hidden away, or utilized in secret. However, it is important to shed light on and engage in culturally-based practices in order to heal. By learning about and embracing culturally-based practices, individuals and communities can begin the process of understanding the impacts of historical trauma, reclaiming the honor and pride of their ancestors, their historical knowledge, and the power that exists in connecting with one’s community through shared values, beliefs, and customs. Source: Mental Health America BIPOC Resources GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR BIPOC BIPOC Mental Health Infographic: BIPOC And LGBTQ+ Mental Health Health Care Disparities Among Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color BIPOC Communities and COVID-19 Racial Trauma Racism and Mental Health How To Find an Anti-Racist Therapist Is My Therapist Being Racist? I Have Trauma From Racism I’m Angry About the Injustices I See Around Me BLACK AND AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES Black and African American Communities and Mental Health Black Pioneers In Mental Health Bipolar Disorder And Black Americans Depression In Black Americans LATINX/HISPANIC COMMUNITIES Latinx/Hispanic Communities and Mental Health Información Y Materiales De Salud Mental En Español (Information and Materials for Mental Health in Spanish) ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITIES Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities and Mental Health NATIVE AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES Native and Indigenous Communities and Mental Health LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health Bullying: LGBTQ+ Youth Experiencing Abuse in an LGBTQ+ Relationship How To Find LGBTQ-Friendly Therapy Questions to Help QTBIPOC Find Affirming Mental Health Providers This entry was posted on July 8, 2021 by Erin Erickson. May is Mental Health Month This past year presented so many different challenges and obstacles that tested our strength and resiliency. The global pandemic forced us to cope with situations we never even imagined, and a lot of us struggled with our mental health as a result. The good news is that there are tools and resources available that can support the well-being of individuals and communities. Now, more than ever, we need to combat the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. That’s why this Mental Health Month Mental Health Minnesota is highlighting #Tools2Thrive – what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, many people who had never experienced mental health challenges found themselves struggling for the first time. During the month of May, we are focusing on different topics that can help process the events of the past year and the feelings that surround them, while also building up skills and supports that extend beyond COVID-19. We know that the past year forced many to accept tough situations that they had little to no control over. If you found that it impacted your mental health, you aren’t alone. In fact, of the almost half a million individuals that took the anxiety screening at Mental Health Minnesota’s online screening, 79% showed symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. However, there are practical tools that can help improve your mental health. We are focused on managing anger and frustration, recognizing when trauma may be affecting your mental health, challenging negative thinking patterns, and making time to take care of yourself. It’s important to remember that working on your mental health and finding tools that help you thrive takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of the past year and develop long-term strategies to support yourself on an ongoing basis. A great starting point for anyone who is ready to start prioritizing their mental health is to take a mental health screening at our online screening site. It’s a quick, free, and confidential way for someone to assess their mental health and begin finding hope and healing. Ultimately, during this month of May, we want to remind everyone that mental illnesses are real, and recovery is possible. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between life’s ups and downs and continue to cope with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Free Support for Your Mental Health Minnesota Warmline – Certified Peer Support Specialists offer free support to anyone struggling with mental health concerns Mental Health Helpline – mental health resource, information and provider referrals 833-HERE4MN – licensed mental health providers offer free support to anyone struggling during the pandemic Mental Health Month #Tools2Thrive Resources Tools2Thrive: FACT SHEET Accepting Reality (PDF) Tools2Thrive: FACT SHEET Adapting After Trauma and Stress (PDF) Tools2Thrive: FACT SHEET Dealing with Anger and Frustration (PDF) Tools2Thrive: FACT SHEET Getting Out of Thinking Traps (PDF) Tools2Thrive: FACT SHEET Processing Big Changes (PDF) Tools2Thrive: FACT SHEET Taking Time for Yourself (PDF) Tools2Thrive: WORKSHEET Dealing With Change (PDF) Tools2Thrive: WORKSHEET Dealing with the Worst-Case Scenario (PDF) Tools2Thrive: WORKSHEET Managing Frustration and Anger (PDF) Tools2Thrive: WORKSHEET Practicing Radical Acceptance (PDF) Tools2Thrive: WORKSHEET Prioritizing Self-Care (PDF) Tools2Thrive: WORKSHEET Processing Trauma and Stress (PDF) This entry was posted on May 1, 2021 by Erin Erickson. Happy New Year (and Thank You!) from Mental Health Minnesota What a year 2020 has been…a year of extraordinary challenges and significant hardship and stress for so many due to the pandemic that has seemingly overtaken everything else in the world. However, we have also seen more people talking about mental health than ever before, as we all see the impact that isolation, loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression can have on our own lives, on our families, our employment, our overall health and wellness, and so much more. At Mental Health Minnesota, that has led to a significant increase in our services. More than 20,000 people completed our online mental health screenings in 2020 (half of those were completed in the last three months). Use of our Mental Health Helpline, which provides information and referrals, has doubled since 2019. And people are calling our Minnesota Warmline for peer support in record numbers as well, with more than 13,000 calls and texts in 2020. During this time of extraordinary challenges, we also saw an interest from those who want to help us move our mission forward. In 2020, we have a number of volunteers help make calls to connect with people who were socially isolated and struggling, and 100+ volunteer mental health professionals who have given their time to provide mental health support to health care workers, essential workers, teachers, parents, and others facing unprecedented stress. In addition, we received increased or new grant support from Otto Bremer Trust, Blue Cross Blue Shield. ICare, FEMA/Minnesota Department of Human Services, Kohl’s Community Cares Program and both Dakota and Ramsey Counties. The financial support along with the generosity of donors, helped us ensure that we could meet the increased demand for our mental health services and supports in Minnesota. As we close 2020, I want to thank everyone who has been a part of Mental Health Minnesota’s work this year. Whether you were a phone line volunteer or event attendee, whether you shared your story of recovery to help others, or connected someone in your life to our services, whether you held a Facebook fundraiser or made a donation to support our work – I thank you. I truly humbled by the generosity of our grant partners, collaborators, donors, and volunteers. I look forward to continuing our work together as we move into the next year. May we all look forward to brighter days ahead. With gratitude, Shannah Mulvihill, MA, CFRE Executive Director, Mental Health Minnesota This entry was posted on January 1, 2021 by Erin Erickson. New Law Creates 988 Hotline For Mental Health Emergencies Even prior to the pandemic, America was experiencing rising rates of suicide. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the suicide rate has climbed nearly 30 percent since 1999. The rate has also increased in 49 out of 50 states over the last ten years. People experiencing a mental health crisis who do not need an immediate trip to the hospital often find they can receive more targeted support through crisis hotlines than by dialing 9-1-1. Crisis hotlines, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, can connect a person to a trained counselor who can address their mental health needs and help connect them to ongoing care. However, when in immediate need of support, remembering the digits of a long 1-800 number isn’t easy nor is it as accessible, especially when every second counts. That’s why we are excited to see the federal government pass a law this October to approve the Federal Communications Commission’s three-digit number – 988 – for a mental health crisis hotline. The aim is to have the number up and running by July 2022. With an easy to remember and dial number like 988, our nation can reach many more people in emotional crisis, helping meet the growing need for intervention at scale. Having an accessible number like 988 will also help in the fight to end stigma for those seeking mental healthcare. Until the number is up and running, please continue to contact your county crisis team if you need help, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). This entry was posted on December 21, 2020 by Erin Erickson. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Supports Mental Health Minnesota’s Warmline Mental Health Minnesota is pleased to announce that Blue Cross Blue Shield has increased its level of financial support for the organization in 2020, contributing more than $50,000 to support the Minnesota Warmline over the coming year. “One in four of our callers to the Minnesota Warmline say that they would go to an emergency room or call 911/crisis services if they couldn’t reach us,” said Shannah Mulvihill, executive director. “We greatly appreciate the partnership we have formed with Blue Cross Blue Shield, as they support ensuring the availability of this service to their members to help them stay well.” The Minnesota Warmline is currently open extended hours, from 12PM to 10PM, Monday through Saturday. For information on how to reach the Minnesota Warmline via phone or text, click here. This entry was posted on December 10, 2020 by Erin Erickson. Mental Health Screenings Skyrocket Mental Health Minnesota saw another significant increase in online mental health screenings in October. Nearly 3,200 people completed our screenings in October alone, which was an increase of more than 600% over March screening numbers. “Use of our online screening tools has skyrocketed in recent months, mainly due to the extreme stress and anxiety so many people are feeling right now,” said Shannah Mulvihill, executive director. “Between August and October, we had more than 8,000 people complete online mental health screenings, which is more than during the entire year of 2019.” In total, 1.5 million people across the nation took a Mental Health America’s screening during this time. More people are reporting frequent thoughts of suicide and self harm than has ever been recorded by Mental Health America since the launch of the screening program in 2014. “This enormous increase in the number of screenings shows us that there are so many people who are struggling and seeking answers and help,” said Mulvihill. “Now it’s our job to be there for them when they need it.” Online mental health screenings can be accessed anytime on our website. This entry was posted on November 30, 2020 by Erin Erickson. 2021 State of Mental Health in America The 2021 State of Mental Health in America report, released in October by our affiliate, Mental Health America, provides evidence of the worsening mental health of our nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. From January to September 2020, the number of people looking for help with depression and anxiety has skyrocketed. At Mental Health Minnesota, 7,000 people have used our mental health screening tools in the last three months, which is more than in all of 2019. The majority of the individuals are under the age of 24. When people screen for mental health symptoms, they are also looking for services to help them cope and recover. Your support is needed now more than ever so we can continue to provide not only the screening tools, but our Warmline, our Mental Health Helpline, and our COVID Cares mental health support service (833-HERE4MN) to best help individuals in our community. In total, 1.5 million people across the nation took a Mental Health America’s screening during this time, revealing these highlights: 8 in 10 people have consistently found they have symptoms of moderate to severe depression since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. More people are reporting frequent thoughts of suicide and self-harm than has ever been recorded by Mental Health America since the launch of the screening program in 2014. Young people are struggling most with their mental health. Youth ages 11-17 accessed screening at a 9 percent higher rate than in 2019. In addition, rates of suicidal ideation are highest among youth, especially LGBTQ+ youth. People screening at risk for mental health conditions are struggling most with loneliness or isolation. Black or African American screeners have had the highest average percent change over time for anxiety and depression. Donate today to help us support the mental health of our community. Read Mental Health America’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America report. This entry was posted on November 10, 2020 by Erin Erickson. 7 Actions To Take During Mental Illness Awareness Week From October 4-10, 2020, we are joining our affiliate, Mental Health America, in sharing information about different mental health conditions and 7 ways to get involved with mental health awareness and advocacy: Challenge your beliefs. Rethink the way you understand mental health and mental illness and explore how “-isms” (such as racism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, etc.) relate to mental health. Learn more about the intersections of these issues and their impact on mental health: [mentalhealthmn.org/news/july-is-bipoc-mental-health-month/mhanational.org/bipoc] Act on advocacy. Representatives Chu and Smith introduced the PEERS Act of 2020 on September 11, 2020, an important step towards better-integrating peer specialists as a key part of mental health care. Ask your Representative to co-sponsor this important bipartisan bill: Take action Support others. Many people will go through a challenging time that affects their mental health. There are simple things that every person can say or do to help the people in their life who are struggling to get through the tough times. Here are 7 tips for supporting others: [https://mhanational.org/supporting-others]. Reset and engage in self-care. Finding ways to decompress and relax are critical to your mental health. Whether it’s a nap, reading, or calling a friend, take a break from the usual grind. Need help with figuring out what to do? Just do one of these 31 things to boost your mental health: [https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health]. Get screened. Screening for mental health conditions should be just as normal as screening for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic health condition. Taking a mental health screening at [mentalhealthmn.org/work/screening/] is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Get mental health into the debates. Tweet at the debate hosts and moderators to bring mental health to the national spotlight for the presidential and vice-presidential debates. Click here to send prepared tweets to the debate hosts and moderators now through October 22. Give. Whether it’s monetary support, sending someone some love, or volunteering your time, give back to your community. Donate to support Mental Health Minnesota’s programs here: [mentalhealthmn.org/donate/]. During Mental Illness Awareness Week, we will focus on sharing information about 7 major mental health conditions: Anxiety Bipolar Disorder Psychosis Eating Disorders Depression PTSD Addiction/Substance Use Disorder Source: Mental Health America This entry was posted on October 6, 2020 by Erin Erickson. ← Older posts Mental Health Minnesota | 651.493.6634 or 800.862.1799 info@mentalhealthmn.org | 2233 University Ave W, Suite 200 | St. Paul MN 55114