King's Daughters Medical Center’s Post

Mental health and well-being is a basic part of overall wellness. That's why I was delighted to contribute to this mental health policy brief with a section on how having a chance to play in more natural surroundings, such as green schoolyards, tends to reduce stress and anxiety, and increase calm, ability to concentrate, and overall happiness among kids. Other policies addressed by my Network colleagues include (1) minor consent to mental health treatment, (2) perinatal and postpartum mental health screenings, (3) culturally specific 988 crisis counseling, (4) mental health support for frontline harm reduction workers, and (5) paid leave and workforce culture to support its use.

Mental health awareness aims to rid stigma, allowing those who experience mental health conditions to feel secure and supported, while also encouraging those who may not share these experiences to understand the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellbeing. The Network for Public Health Law is pleased to share a policy brief developed by our attorneys and staff in May for Mental Health Awareness Month: Amy Judd Lieberman, April Shaw, Ashleigh Dennis, Daniel Wacker, Darlene Huang Briggs, Emma Kaeser, Jill Krueger, Joanna Suder, Susan Fleurant, Arianna Murray, Joyce Imafidon, and Kaylee Romilus.  This document highlights six key policies with the potential to significantly improve mental health outcomes nationwide. Covering diverse areas, our brief serves as a practical resource for public health professionals, leaders, and partners. Importantly, it offers actionable strategies to improve mental health and well-being while addressing disparities in mental health care. 🔗 To read the full brief, visit: https://lnkd.in/e4ZhPVVW #MentalHealthAwareness #HealthEquity

🚀 The State of Mental Health, in the Civil Service; A Wake Up Call 🚀 Over the year we have witnessed a concerning increase in the number of servants seeking counseling and support. The figures have skyrocketed from 5,000 to a 13,000. This alarming trend sheds light on the challenges faced by those who tirelessly serve our nation. Public Service PS Amos Gathecha has raised concerns about absenteeism. The underlying causes are both serious and urgent. Depression and alcohol misuse are impacting the lives of our servants not only affecting their personal well being but also their ability to serve effectively. 🌟 It is crucial that we take action! 🌟 As we acknowledge this pressing issue let us also recognize that our civil servants form the backbone of our nation. Their dedication and commitment ensure the functioning of our government and services. It is our responsibility to ensure they receive support not during times of crisis but also as part of their ongoing well being. 🤝 Lets unite in order to; 1️⃣ Increase awareness about health challenges within the service. 2️⃣ Advocate, for counseling and mental health services. Lets foster an environment of encouragement, compassion and understanding, in our workplaces. Together we can build an more prosperous future, for those dedicatedly serving our communities. Lets prioritize the well being of our servants and acknowledge that mental health is crucial. By standing united we can overcome any challenges that come our way. #WeCareAboutMentalHealth #BackingOurPublicServants #UnitedWeSucceed ✨

Good quality mental health support is in desperate need with easy access and sustainable services.

A “day” is never enough…. We deserve so many more hours of appreciation than 24. If you know a Mental Health nurse/tech/unit secretary please know that they do the work of angels on earth. It’s tough, is challenging, it’s unpredictable and it’s not for everyone. We know this, we see/hear the responses of “I could never…” Its unfortunate that so much stigma still exists with human beings who have a diagnosis that people can’t see - but it’s real. And it hurts. And they want help. So when you find your people who are dedicated to helping the minds of those who struggle to regain mental health- it’s an immediate sense of purpose and collaboration. Happy Mental Health Nurse Day - and to all who care for others. #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #lovewhatyoudo #workculture #teamcollaboration #teamculture #nurseleadership #nursemanager #nurseempowerment #makeadifference #makeanimpact

André Decraene, Vice-President of EUFAMI spoke about the critical role families play in the recovery of patients with severe mental health conditions. We couldn't agree more with Decraene's five key prerequisites for effective family involvement in mental health care, so we wanted to share them: 🤝🏼 Quality services with multidisciplinary teams. 👨🏿👩🏽👧🏾👦🏼 Recognizing the family care burden. 👂🏽 Ensuring families are heard and respected. 🔄 Emphasizing continuity of care. ✊🏾 Advocating for a human rights-based approach.

Today, I'd like to shed light on an essential yet sensitive topic: the signs that might indicate the need for guardianship over an individual struggling with mental health issues. This conversation is crucial for ensuring the well-being and support of our loved ones who may be facing challenges beyond their control. Guardianship can be a challenging decision, but it is rooted in compassion and a commitment to providing the best care possible. Here are some signs that might suggest the need for guardianship when mental health is a concern: Decision-Making Struggles: Consistent difficulty in making rational decisions about their safety and well-being. Self-Care Decline: Noticeable neglect of personal hygiene, nutrition, or medical needs. Financial Issues: Mishandling finances, making poor choices that jeopardize their stability. Isolation: Sudden withdrawal from social interactions and relationships. Confusion: Disorientation, memory lapses, or confusion about time and place. Safety Risks: Engaging in risky behaviors that compromise their safety. Legal Challenges: Trouble understanding contracts, facing potential exploitation. Functional Decline: Struggling with daily tasks like cooking or personal care. Medical Resistance: Strong opposition to medical help or prescribed treatments. Persistent Crises: Frequent unresolved crises needing structured support. Remember, the decision to pursue guardianship should be made with utmost care and consideration, prioritizing the individual's dignity and well-being. Consultation with medical professionals, legal experts, and mental health advocates is crucial during this process. Let's foster a supportive dialogue around this topic. If you have insights, experiences, or questions, please share them in the comments. Together, we can navigate these sensitive decisions with empathy and understanding. #MentalHealthAwareness #GuardianshipSupport #CaringForLovedOnes #InclusiveWellness

You are invited - 'At What Cost?' Webinar Arafmi has just released its inaugural mental health carers report: 'At what cost? The experiences of unpaid mental health carers in Queensland 2023-2024.' If you’d like to hear firsthand from researcher and author, Sue Goodwin, Arafmi’s Lived Experience Advocacy Lead, this is your chance via a zoom webinar. There are two sessions available: • Thursday 4 July, 6:00pm – 6:45pm. Register here - https://buff.ly/4eINVtu • Wednesday 17 July, 12:30 – 1:15pm. Register here - https://buff.ly/4eIZ4ea 'At What Cost' is the culmination of months of consultation with mental health carers throughout Queensland, shining a light on who they are and what they need. As one mental health carer told us: “I am a capable person in a caring role unable to work and money is a big problem.” Read the fascinating, full report here: https://buff.ly/3VvQEOu It outlines 6 key action areas that will guide our advocacy work. Let's work together to improve the system for mental health carers.

Behavioral and Mental Health Care Policy and Practice: A Biopsychosocial Perspective