During Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, we are reminded that "suicide does not end the chances of life getting worse. It eliminates the possibility of it ever getting any better".
Never forget that you are not alone. Reach out 24 hours a day to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
#howareyoureally #suicideprevention #reducethestigma
During this pandemic, it is important for parents of teens to understand the mental health impact the pandemic can have on their children and the warning signs not to ignore.
"While school closures and continued social distancing recommendations are necessary to keep our community safe, they are also likely to further increase loneliness and the lack of connection many teens already experience," says Dr. Wojciechowski, PhD, clinical psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista. "The increased isolation and stress related to COVID-19 may also lead to higher rates of teen depression, anxiety and even suicide, especially in teens who were struggling with mental health challenges prior to the pandemic."
Learn more below. #suicide #SuicidePrevention
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/teen-isolation-and-suicide-prevention-during-a-pandemic.cfm
SHARP.COM
Teen isolation and suicide prevention during a pandemic
During Suicide Prevention Month, Lindsay Kramer, marriage and family therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista and lead of the Adult Intensive Outpatient Program, was interviewed by CBS 8 about how COVID-19 could be the cause of an increased suicide rate and how to help those around you.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The most powerful way we can prevent suicide is by raising awareness.
According to the WHO, approximately 800,000 people die due to suicide each year, which is one person every 40 seconds.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, seek help as soon as possible. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/destigmatizing-suicide.cfm
SHARP.COM
Destigmatizing suicide
Bringing the Backpack Project to life, Nancy Earl, lead clinical nurse at Sharp Mesa Vista, and Noor Bahramzi, clinical nurse at Sharp Mesa Vista, teamed up with a mission to collect donations for school and hygiene products for the homeless children of the Monarch School in downtown San Diego.
What started as a petition throughout their own unit, turned into a hospital-wide initiative leading their initial dream of 30 backpacks to grow to almost 80!
Fox 5 interviews Noor as the two nurses dropped off the backpacks this past Wednesday to the appreciative staff of the Monarch School.
This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week.
If you or someone you love is living with a mental health issue, you're not alone. From anxiety to bipolar disorder, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness. But sadly, too many people with a mental health issue don't get help.
"Treatment works," says Dr. Fadi Nicolas, chief medical officer of Sharp Behavioral Health Services. "Don't delay if you think you or a loved one needs help."
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/how-to-get-help-for-a-mental-health-concern-infographic.cfm
WED, NOV 18 AT 12:00 PM PST
COVID-19: Burnout and Fatigue in Essential Workers
Like most events, activities and celebrations this year, the 2020 holidays are likely to be far different than your past Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa celebrations.
Not only are we in the midst of a pandemic — severely limiting our ability to gather, and negatively affecting the health and finances of many — but COVID-19 infections continue to grow and the flu season is soon to take off.
Kim Eisenberg, LCSW, lead therapist at Sharp Mesa Vista Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma Recovery Program, advises on the best thing we can do for our mental health this holiday season.
https://www.sharp.com/health-news/the-possibility-of-happy-holidays-during-a-pandemic.cfm
SHARP.COM
The possibility of happy holidays during a pandemic
TUE, NOV 17 AT 6:00 PM PST
COVID-19: Burnout and Fatigue in Essential Workers
After years of struggling and the added pressure of COVID-19, Jessica* found a program that supported her son's mental health.
Following assessment for the Child and Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program at Sharp Mesa Vista, Matt was put into a highly structured, therapeutic environment where he learned self-esteem and relationship building, as well as techniques for improving and maintaining better behavior. A psychiatrist also worked with him to find effective medications better suited to his needs.
Read more about Jessica and her son's journey in finding the proper and best care for his needs at Sharp Mesa Vista below.
http://spr.ly/6187HDuXL
SHARP.COM
One mom’s quest for quality care for her son
This past Saturday, employees of Sharp Mesa Vista's East Wing 2 day shift organized to provide the downtown San Diego homeless population with education and some basic supplies to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Setting up their home base in downtown San Diego, by the San Diego Day Center that provides the homeless population with mail, laundry facility, showers and a safe environment, the team spent the day distributing 100 face masks and hand sanitizer.
#givingback #wearmasks #stayhealthy #volunteer
Jaspal Gill, PhD, RN-BC, a senior nursing specialist at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, developed a study in which 12 patients who had an inpatient admission to a psychiatric facility within the prior 12 months — all hospitalized for a variety of reasons, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, suicide ideation and other conditions — were interviewed about how they perceived their care and whether their own involvement in their plan of care would lead to improved results and increased satisfaction.
“It is so important to give our patients a voice,” Gill says. “They are the strongest player on the care team — they need to be heard, involved and encouraged.”
Learn more about her results below:
http://spr.ly/6185H12eb
SHARP.COM
Applying patient-centered care to mental health treatment
This morning, Caroline Atterton, lead therapist for the Senior Intensive Outpatient Program at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed on Fox 5 San Diego to offer tips to the audience to better prepare mentally for the upcoming holiday and associated feelings of isolation or depression.
She emphasized the importance of allowing yourself to feel the emotions, practicing gratitude, staying active, doing something nice for someone else and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
See her full interview below. #mentalhealth #howareyoureally
This year’s Virtual Walk4ALZ was a success - almost reaching their goal of $475,000 raised!
On October 17th, nearly 1,000 people walked independently or in small groups for local support and research for Alzheimer's and dementia.
We are happy to partner with Alzheimer's San Diego to support the research and clinical trials to help those living with Alzheimer's or dementia.
Check out more photos from the virtual walk here:
https://www.alzsd.org/walk4alzhome/
Tis' the season of giving! 🎁
This holiday season, the clinical staff of the Sharp Mesa Vista's East Wing 2 unit collected gifts to be delivered to the CDRP Polinsky Children’s Center Toy drive.
The unit collected approximately 100 stuffed animals, toys and headphones for children in need dropping them off right before the holidays to be distributed in time for Christmas.
Happy Holidays! 🎄 ☃️
“In setting boundaries, you empower yourself. You send the message to yourself that you have value and your needs matter, which is especially important right now during the holiday season and with the pandemic affecting our everyday lives.” — Shelby Espiritu, LMFT, Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital
Shelby Espiritu was interviewed on KOGO radio about protecting and preparing yourself this holiday season with proper boundaries and scheduled self-care time.
Learn more about creating boundaries before the upcoming holidays below.
http://spr.ly/6189HRCjc
SHARP.COM
Setting boundaries to survive the holidays
With the new year approaching, Dr. Lauren Butler, clinical psychologist at Sharp Mesa Vista, reminds us that even during stressful times, setting goals is a great way to help set a positive tone for the year and give us some solace and familiarity in a time of uncertainty.
It sends the message that we are still important and so is our future.
Check out 4 ways that Dr. Butler shares to take care of your mental health in the new year below. #mentalhealth #newyearsresolutions
http://spr.ly/6181HTmiH
SHARP.COM
Resolve to take care of your mental health
Last week, Dr. Kelsey Bradshaw was interviewed in an NBC segment about the toll the pandemic is taking on the mental health of students, children and young adults.
He encouraged parents to keep an open line of communication and advised them to seek professional help if they notice abrupt changes in their children, or concerning behaviors that are more persistent.
See the full interview below -
http://spr.ly/6189HTpDJ
NBCSANDIEGO.COM
Pandemic Takes Mental Toll on Students. Docs Share Coping Tips
Oftentimes, New Year resolutions include some aspect of exercise as a way to lose weight, but it is important to include the other benefits physical activity provides to our hearts, bodies AND minds.
Regular physical activity, however short/long or intense/mellow, can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and increase overall well-being.
Check out the link below to learn recommendations for activity and other benefits of regular exercise.
http://spr.ly/6188HVrjI
WHO.INT
Physical activity
#throwbackthursday
Last month, the Community Outreach Committee at Sharp Mesa Vista, collected donations throughout the hospital to give back to the homeless of San Diego during the holiday season. They were able to collect and donate items, including hand sanitizer and wipes, hygiene products, blankets, clothing and more, to those in need.
We are so proud of the amazing outreach that the Sharp Mesa Vista staff initiates to give back to our San Diego community throughout the year! #giving #volunteer
http://spr.ly/6180HkDIO
STREETSOFHOPESANDIEGO.ORG
Special Thanks to Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital Staff for Helping the Homeless - Streets Of Hope San Diego
The new year is already off to a rough start following a difficult 2020.
Charles Westfall, therapist and manager of adult outpatient services at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed by NBC 7’s Ashley Matthews on how to take care of your mental health during the continued stresses of the pandemic and how to reach out to others virtually that you may be concerned about.
If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255. For additional assistance, Sharp Mesa Vista is here to help. Please call 858-836-8434.
Shanette Smith, senior specialist and licensed LMFT at Sharp Mesa Vista, was interviewed for the San Diego Union-Tribune on the struggle hospice caregivers are having maintaining their mental health.
Smith's advise for self-care during this time is to treat yourself as you would treat your best friend.
“If you were talking to a friend or someone that you love, what would you say to them?” she said. “What words of encouragement would you bestow upon them? Turn that inward and give yourself that space to feel.”
Read the full article below.
http://spr.ly/6183HwMbB
SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.COM
Hospice caregivers face struggle to maintain mental health as pandemic wears on
A Sharp Memorial Hospital emergency room nurse, Kailan Miller, began her new podcast, "The Anxious RN" at the onset of the pandemic.
“If I can help even one person, my job is done,” says Kailan.
Her podcast aims to open up conversations about the mental health struggles of health care workers. #mentalhealth #stopthestigma
http://spr.ly/6183HbW8Z
SHARP.COM
Health care workers need to care for themselves too
Dementia is a progressive disease that evolves to include different symptoms at every stage.
One common symptom is dementia-related psychosis (DRP), where hallucinations and delusions can cause a patient to believe things that aren’t real.
Dr. Michael Plopper, medical director of clinical trials at Sharp Mesa Vista, was quoted in the HealthCentral article below offering 9 ways to ease symptoms of dementia-related psychosis, including minimizing mid-night confusion, sticking to a schedule, and planning for "trigger times".
Read more below.
http://spr.ly/6183HjcIH
HEALTHCENTRAL.COM
These Lifestyle Changed and Meds for Dementia-Related Psychosis Can Make a Difference
The leadership team at Sharp Mesa Vista joined the #GoRed movement supporting National #WearRedDay, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and heart health in women.
You can reduce your risk for heart disease with simple lifestyle changes such as diet, regular exercise, and knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar numbers. #SharpGoesRed #SDGORED #HeartMonth
Sometimes it is hard for kids to explain exactly what they’re feeling and why — and why these feelings might be making them act out — especially during trying times such as these.
“The pandemic has affected us all in a variety of ways,” says Dr. Kelsey Bradshaw, a clinical child psychologist with Sharp Mesa Vista. “While some may assume children do not face the same adult stressors, it’s important to understand that children process information in their own ways based on their development, and they have been equally affected.”
Read below to learn ways to help your child identify and name feelings they may be having.
http://spr.ly/6181HgdSV
SHARP.COM
Helping kids learn to name their feelings
One year into the pandemic, some of the new hobbies you picked up at the beginning of stay-at-home orders may be losing their spark. However, maintaining leisure time is good for your mental health.
“It’s important to understand the value of leisure time,” says Erica Price, recreational therapist and supervisor of Recreation Therapy Services at Sharp Mesa Vista. “Finding balance between work and play, and nurturing a healthy leisure lifestyle, help us manage stress, reduce burnout and increase productivity.”
So, how can we shake up our leisure time?
Learn about the five domains of leisure and ways to balance them in your everyday life below.
http://spr.ly/6180HYLwk
SHARP.COM
Prioritizing leisure time during the pandemic
This Saturday, Village of Promise surprised Sharp Mesa Vista staff with beautiful self care backpacks that included chocolates, a journal, a blanket, essential oils, some inspiration cards and more items to bring them comfort and happiness.
Village of Promise offers a mentoring program to inspire hope in the lives of children that have been impacted by the incarceration of a parent.
We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and message of support and hope in the community! 🙌 Thank you so much, Village of Promise!
TUE, APR 13 AT 12:00 PM PDT
Parenting During the Pandemic: How to Support Your Child's Mental Health
Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, a day that aims to raise greater awareness of mental health issues among teens, as well as provide education about removing stigmas surrounding preventative mental health.
During the pandemic, many teens have experienced anxiety, social and academic pressure, and loneliness and isolation.
“You can play a key role in helping your teen,” says Dr. Alisha Carpenter, manager of child and adolescent services at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital Carpenter. “This starts with open and honest discussions and unconditional love.”
http://spr.ly/6185Hlh8T
SHARP.COM
Normal teen behavior or reason for concern?
We cry from sadness. We cry from joy. We cry from relief.
Kathy Mendias, manager of administrative resources and retail services at Sharp Mary Birch, shared an important message of embracing tears for better physical and emotional health on her online TED talk.
“Having a healthy relationship with tears allows us to process emotions and let them physically leave our bodies,” she says. “Keeping emotions inside can amplify the negativity, when we really need to embrace them and set them free.”
#Letitout #cryingishealthy #mentalhealth
Watch her TED talk here: http://spr.ly/6184HQc2u
TED.COM
The mood-boosting power of crying
