Category: Awareness

The following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit. This toolkit includes key messages, images, and resources.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.

This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to start the conversation. The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding mental health and suicide. Changing the narrative on how we perceive and talk about mental health and suicide requires systemic change. To make change happen, we will need to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support.

Week 2: Let’s Talk About Mental Health With Loved Ones. Talking to a loved one about mental health is one of the best ways to get the help we need. Often our first points of contact when we are struggling are our friends, family, or colleagues. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, talking with them can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Talking to a loved one about mental health and suicide can be an uncomfortable and an uncertain topic, but it is also one of the best ways to prevent it. We can all take action to have these conversations with someone who may be suicidal by using the five action steps from #BeThe1To.

ASK. Asking openly and directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” shows that you are willing to discuss suicide in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner. The other important part of this step is to listen to their reasons for their emotional pain, as well as reasons that they want to continue to live. Help them focus on their reasons for living, not on the reasons that you think that they should stay alive.

BE THERE. Be physically present for someone, speak with them on the phone when you can, or show up in any other way that demonstrates support for the person at risk. If you are unwilling or unable to commit to being there, talk with them to develop ideas on who else might be able to help and how they might support.

HELP KEEP THEM SAFE. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it is important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. The first question will be to ensure that they have not done something already to hurt themselves. Secondly, you will want to ask them if they have a plan and a way to die by suicide. Knowing the answers to each of these questions can tell us about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in.

HELP THEM CONNECT. One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a Safety Plan. A safety plan is designed to guide people through a crisis, with a goal to keep them safe and get them help. Connected people are significantly less likely to feel depressed, suicidal, and overwhelmed, while also feeling more hopeful. You can download a Safety Plan, or you can pick one up from Meinders Library on our resource table.

FOLLOW UP. Make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. This is a great time to see if there is anything else that you can do to support them. This type of contact can continue to increase their feelings of connectedness and potentially reduce their risk of suicide.

• Check on your friends and family. Talking with them is one of the best things that we can do to get them through difficult times. However, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, daunting, or just plain awkward. The Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends gives ideas on what support can look like, how to offer support, and where to begin.

• Having conversations around mental health and suicide can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it can also make a big difference. Not sure where to start? Check out these trainings offered in Minnesota. Suicide Prevention Trainings

• If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you matter and can be the difference in getting them the help that they need. The 988 Lifeline has resources on what to look for and how you can help them.

• It is important to have a conversation about safety if you or someone you know are having or have had suicidal thoughts in the past. Everyone can put together a safety plan to help identify when we might need additional support. Create your own safety plan and encourage your family and friends to do the same. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has a great video called Michelle’s Safety Plan to show how to develop a safety plan.

Be sure to stop by the library and browse our selection of suicide and mental health materials. From books to promotional items, magnets, and stickers, our display will be up throughout the month of September. I am one of four wonderful librarians, so please don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out. Even if I don’t know you, I am always open for a conversation.

Keep following along during the month of September for more information and resources. Week three will cover talking about mental health in our community.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

The following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit. This toolkit includes key messages, images, and resources.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Although mental health and suicide prevention is important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.

This year’s theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to start the conversation. The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding mental health and suicide. Changing the narrative on how we perceive and talk about mental health and suicide requires systemic change. To make change happen, we will need to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support.

Week 1: Let’s Change How We Talk About Mental Health. What we say to ourselves and others about mental health matters. We all have mental health and it is as essential to a person’s life, just as physical health. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and shapes how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

It can be hard for people, families, organizations, and communities to talk about mental health. Not talking about mental health and suicide can increase the risk of people that are struggling, and potentially decrease the likelihood that someone will seek help when they need it most.

Too often, public messaging conveys negative narratives about mental health and suicide. These negative narratives stigmatize mental health and suicide, which can contribute to feelings of uncertainty, shame, and self-loathing that prevent someone from seeking help or putting them at greater risk for harm. Instead, a narrative of hope and resilience can influence how people think, feel and act and lets us know that there is hope, there is help, and suicide is preventable. What we say to ourselves and others can encourage hope, celebrate life, and help ourselves and others understand that mental illnesses are treatable.

Ideas for action to start the conversation with yourself about your mental health:

• Know that you are never alone. Do you have crisis numbers available or a plan if you do feel like you get into a state of emotional crisis? 988 resource reminders and safety plan sheets are available year-round at Meinders Community Library.

• Identify what you do and do not have control over. As hard as it may be, life is a balance of holding on and letting go.

• Manage your own life and take responsibility for your actions. Recognize that you cannot control every event, but you can always choose how you respond. Put your energy into what you can fix right now instead of ruminating about the past.

• Seek help and support from family, friends, or health care professionals during times of need. Therapy and/or medications are sometimes needed to control your symptoms and better understand your illness.

• Seek help during times of struggle with loneliness or isolation by reaching out to a family member, friend, counselor, health care provider, or the 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8 or using the 988 Online Chat feature.

• Sometimes it is hard to know when you need to connect with someone to support you with your mental health. If you want to learn more about when you may need to get support, check out My Mental Health from the National Institute of Mental Health.

• Starting the conversation around mental health doesn’t have to be heavy. Seize the Awkward has tips and opening lines to help make starting the conversation easier.

• We are less alone when we turn to each other. The Mental Health Coalition has tips for fostering connection and how to find people to connect with through technology.

Be sure to stop by the library and browse our selection of suicide and mental health materials. From books to promotional items, magnets, and stickers, our display will be up throughout the month of September. I am one of four wonderful librarians, so please don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out. Even if I don’t know you, I am always open for a conversation.

Keep following along during the month of September for more information and resources. Week two will cover talking about mental health with loved ones using the five action steps from #BeThe1To.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

Summer Safety

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, please consult a professional. I will include a list of resources at the bottom.

It’s no secret that July typically brings the hottest weather of the year.  With elevated temperatures, you also face the increased risk of heat related illness, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion.  Implementing immediate measures, like frequent water breaks, is essential to protect against heat stress.  And if you take SSRIs for a mental health condition, the risk of heat related illness increases.

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most widely prescribed class of antidepressant medications, primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. They work by increasing the availability of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotion—in the brain.  SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by the presynaptic nerve cells. By preventing the brain from immediately reabsorbing it, more serotonin remains in the synaptic space to bind with receptors, which helps improve mood and communication between brain cells.  Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Citalopram (Celexa), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Fluvoxamine (Luvox).

SSRIs can impair your body’s temperature regulation and disrupt thirst perception, significantly increasing your risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. They can also cause photosensitivity, making you more prone to sunburn.  Here are some ways you can stay safe this summer, while keeping your mind happy and healthy:

• Manage your medication:  Keep SSRIs in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as high temperatures can degrade their effectiveness. 
• Protect your skin: Because some SSRIs cause photosensitivity, apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and wear protective, lightweight clothing.
• Avoid peak sun: Limit outdoor activities and exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when UV rays and temperatures are highest.
• Preempt dehydration: Drink fluids regularly before you feel thirsty.  Carry water with you, and take breaks in the shade or indoors where it is cooler.
• Watch for warning signs: Monitor for rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive/absent sweating.  Seek medical attention immediately if you feel you are experiencing a dangerous, heat related emergency.

In addition to SSRIs, individuals taking antipsychotics are also at risk. Antipsychotics, which are used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can also interfere with the body’s natural cooling system, reducing awareness of heat or thirst, and increase the risk of overheating. This means people taking them may find it harder to stay cool during a heatwave.

So, as the temperatures rise, so must our ability to recognize the symptoms of a heat crisis. Watch for warning signs, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor sun exposure. Be sure to speak to your physician or healthcare professional if you notice severe or persistent sweating, are feeling faint or confused, or are unusually hot, which could be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, cool, and safe! ~Sally~

Psychology Today — Antidepressants and Heat Stroke Risk: What You Need to Know

Healthline — Can Antidepressants Cause Heat Intolerance?

AARP — 8 Types of Medications That Can Make It Harder to Handle the Heat

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Heat Health

While mental health is important to address year round, May provided a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme was “You Matter.” The theme is intended to remind you that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are going through, you belong here and matter to the people in your life and community. Whether it is through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in your own lives, “You Matter” reflects our commitment to creating a world where everyone’s mental health is valued and supported, no matter who they are.

Each week of May, I used the Minnesota Department of Health’s Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit to raise awareness and provide actionable tips and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. I include key messages for discussion, as well as images and additional resources focused on mental health. Minnesota’s Mental Health Awareness efforts are rooted in the belief that help is available and healing is possible. Use the link above to download your own copy of this year’s toolkit.

I hope the information I provided was helpful and you took some time to explore the resources and you made time to explore your own mental health. Everyone’s journey is different, but you are never alone! Get connected with your own mental wellbeing. Prioritize yourself and give yourself permission to embrace it.

A huge THANK YOU goes out to the following people and organizations that made this month’s programs and events possible:

• The Meinders Library staff: Jody, Emily, and Kim – For letting me plan and proceed with my vision for Mental Health Awareness Month. Their continued support, encouragement, and guidance is truly amazing and I am so proud to be a member of this wonderful team!
• PAFL (Pipestone Area Friends of the Library) – For backing my Mental Health Awareness Month events and programs, and for purchasing the needed materials, supplies, and prizes.
• Caitlyn VanDamme from SWHHS – For coming and discussing the CredibleMind platform and all of it’s resources. It is very easy to get lost in the content, but also very easy to learn new things about the over 100 topics that it covers!
• Joel Gindo: Author & Storyteller – For coming and reading from his published book, “The Bee’s Colony” and filling our minds with amazing bee facts!
• Kristee Hart and Mariah Dragstra from Pipestone County Medical Center – For coming and discussing the Senior Life Solutions program and the options available for older adults in our community.
• And lastly, our community and patrons – For every like, share, comment, and discussion that you had that was centered around mental health! TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!

The theme “You Matter” is intended to remind you that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are going through, you belong here and matter to the people in your life and community. Whether it is through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in your own lives, “You Matter” reflects our commitment to creating a world where everyone’s mental health is valued and supported, no matter who they are.

Each week, I will use the Minnesota Department of Health’s Toolkit to raise awareness and provide actionable tips and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. It will include key messages for discussion, as well as images and additional web resources.

Week 4: Community Support For Mental Health Matters. It’s important to make mental health an ongoing priority in our lives and communities. Community advocacy for mental health and what’s needed to support our own and our neighbor’s mental health and wellbeing can help others feel more comfortable talking about mental health, seeking help, and ensuring access to helpful resources that are available when people need them. As a result, community efforts will help build connections and foster the feeling that no one is alone. It will also help connect our neighbors to mental health services and resources in times of need, and make space to gain perspective on the difficulties we and our neighbors are experiencing.

• NAMI MN provides free education and support groups and confidential crisis resources to reach communities across the state, including those who remain disproportionately affected in the wake of recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Learn about free classes and support groups and find resources at https://namimn.org/support/information-and-resources/ and https://namimn.org/ice/.
• Having conversations around mental health can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it can also make a big difference. Not sure where to start? Check out these tips and tools from Seize the Awkward to help you start the conversation and what to do during and after the conversation.
• Offering support is one of the best things that we can do to support the mental wellbeing of friends, family, and neighbors. However, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, daunting, or just plain awkward. The Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends gives ideas on what support can look like, how to offer support, and where to begin.
• This guide by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a broad approach for things we can do—at our own pace, in our own time, and within our own abilities—that can help support us in our wellness journey. Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness

Be sure to stop in the library and check out our book displays, which will be up through Saturday, and you can also browse our Online Catalog for more selections. A HUGE THANK YOU to PAFL (Pipestone Area Friends of the Library) for backing my Mental Health Awareness Month events and programs, and for purchasing the needed materials, supplies, and prizes.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!

The theme “You Matter” is intended to remind you that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are going through, you belong here and matter to the people in your life and community. Whether it is through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in your own lives, “You Matter” reflects our commitment to creating a world where everyone’s mental health is valued and supported, no matter who they are.

Each week, I will use the Minnesota Department of Health’s Toolkit to raise awareness and provide actionable tips and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. It will include key messages for discussion, as well as images and additional web resources.

Week 3: Reaching Out Matters. Seek Help When You Need It. When your mental health is off, it is important to find the help that is right for you. Where you go for help will depend on what is happening within your life. Often the best place to start is to talk with those that you already have connections with, including your friends and family, your primary care doctor, or spiritual advisor. You can also find safe and confidential support through local mental health organizations or the 988 Lifeline.

Help can be found across many places and depends on what type of support that you may need. It can start with participating in some self-care, or engage with friends, family, or someone else to help you process, find a distraction or problem solve. If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. Even if you’re not sure that you’d benefit from help, it can’t hurt to explore the possibility. Engaging in formal services can help you develop plans for solving problems, change behaviors that hold you back, and build self-confidence, all while healing from your past and thinking about your mental health goals.

• Everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Mental Health America Tools 2 Thrive, provides information, tips, and practical tools for situations that we all deal with. These tools can be used to improve your mental health and increase your resiliency.
• Sometimes it is hard to know when you need extra help with your mental health. This information from the National Institute of Mental Health may help guide you if you don’t know where to start.
• Even in the darkest times, there is hope. Connecting with the 988 Lifeline is simple and convenient. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, skilled, caring 988 specialists are available to talk through your unique situation any time. Call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
• 988 mental health support is available for non-English speakers too. For Spanish, call 988 and press 2. If texting, type “Ayuda” to connect with a Spanish-speaking specialist. Or you can call 988 to access translations in more than 240 languages. Ask for an interpreter in English if you are able or say the name of the language you need.
• Supporting kids’ mental health matters and knowing how to help isn’t always straightforward. 988 is also here to support families and caregivers. Call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org.
• If you know someone who is struggling, having a supportive conversation can be a big help. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health challenge 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 connection to confidential support. There is hope. Just call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Stay tuned for next week’s message, as I discuss community support for mental health. Be sure to stop in the library and check out our book displays that we have up and you can also browse our Online Catalog for more selections. We also have a community presentation scheduled at the library for Mental Health Awareness Month. We hope you can join us on Wednesday, May 27th at 2pm to learn about the Senior Life Solutions program available at Pipestone County Medical Center.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

There were so many artistic entries for the Mental Health Awareness Month “Bee Happy At Your Library” Coloring Contest, but we narrowed it down!

Daniella A., Beckett G., and Emberly K., you are the winners! Please come to the library to pick up your prize bag and to have your photo taken!

THANK YOU to all who entered! We will be displaying all of the entries at the library, so stop in and check out the creativity from this talented group of youngsters! A very special THANK YOU to the Pipestone Area Friends of the Library (PAFL) for sponsoring this month’s programs, providing prizes, and purchasing our Mental Health Awareness items and supplies!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!

The theme “You Matter” is intended to remind you that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are going through, you belong here and matter to the people in your life and community. Whether it is through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in your own lives, “You Matter” reflects our commitment to creating a world where everyone’s mental health is valued and supported, no matter who they are.

Each week, I will use the Minnesota Department of Health’s Toolkit to raise awareness and provide actionable tips and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. It will include key messages for discussion, as well as images and additional web resources.

Week 2: Practicing Self-Care Matters. Self-Care is about finding practices that help you thrive, and it can include a wide range of things. It takes purposeful effort, but it can help you maintain or improve your daily mental well-being. It can be helpful to think of it as taking time to care for yourself as you would others. Prioritizing time for self-care doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive, and it is important for you to find out what works best for you. Below are a few different ways to nurture your well-being, from the Mental Health Coalition.

Physical: Notice and address the stress that shows up in your body. Notice what physical activities reduce or alleviate pain, tension, and mental stress for you. Some common activities are massages, fitness, dance, aromatherapy, rest, hugging loved ones (with their consent), and boundary setting. Emotional: Tend to your own internal emotional world, especially your mood and feelings. Ways to tend to your emotional self can include connecting with others, naming and acknowledging your emotions, psychotherapy, journaling or creative writing, art, and setting boundaries. Cognitive: Engage in activities that are intellectually rewarding and/or stimulating. This can include reading, writing, listening to books or podcasts, watching movies, and psychotherapy. Spiritual: This can take many different forms and does not have to be tied to formal religion. It means getting in touch with the less tangible aspects of yourself and the world around you. This can include meditation, breath work, prayer, connecting with a spiritual or religious community, and mantras.

Especially during times of stress and uncertainty, identifying a few small ways to take care of yourself can help maintain your mental health and well-being. Set aside the time you need to do it, give yourself permission to embrace it, and work towards adding these moments regularly into your life. Know that what taking care of yourself may look like can change over time, and it is okay to adapt to what activities you engage in to fits your needs.

• Just like you do things to take care of your body, there are things you can do regularly to tend to your mental well-being. This can and will look different for everyone. The JED Foundation has a variety of resources to help find ideas to add to your self-care practice.
• Learning to recognize and name your emotions and know how they show up for you mentally and physically will help you navigate life when your emotions are strong. The Mental Health Coalition has tools for identifying and dealing with feelings.
• Being well connected to other people promotes positive mental health and physical health and gives life meaning. Connecting with others is one of the 10 Tools for Resiliency that Mental Health America has put together to help you feel stronger and more hopeful.
• Finding movement that’s a good match for you physically and mentally can help you thrive. Be kind with yourself and your body in the process of learning to move. Explore these videos from the University of Minnesota’s Move + Thrive Project that features diverse bodies and a variety of movement and meditative practices.

Stay tuned for next week’s message, as I discuss reaching out and seeking help. Be sure to stop in the library and check out our book display that we have up and you can browse our Online Catalog for more selections. We also have some special programs and community presentations scheduled at the library for Mental Health Month. We hope you can join us!

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~