In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to operate through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-8255) network of over 200 locally operated and funded crisis centers across the country.
On July 16, 2022, the U.S. will transition to using the 988-dialing code, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen and expand the existing Lifeline.

988 is more than just an easy-to-remember number—it’s a direct connection to compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress – whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
The 988 dialing code is just a first step toward strengthening and transforming crisis care in this country. It serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who can help.

Over time, the vision for 988 is to have additional crisis services available in communities across the nation, much the way emergency medical services work.

Need for 988
Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the pandemic has only made a bad situation worse when it comes to mental health and wellness in America.

There are urgent realities driving the need for crisis service transformation across our country. In 2020 alone, the U.S. had one death by suicide about every 11 minutes—and for people aged 10 – 34 years, suicide is a leading cause of death. Additionally, from April 2020 to 2021, over 100,000 individuals died from drug overdoses.
There is hope. The Lifeline works -- providing 24/7, free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress helps thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day.
About the Lifeline
The Lifeline is a national network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis via call, chat, or text. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support to people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.
Numerous studies have shown that the Lifeline works—most callers are significantly more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to a Lifeline crisis counselor.

While this is an exciting time to re-imagine how we provide crisis services in the U.S., the full vision of a transformed crisis care system with 988 at its core will not be built overnight. Transformation of this scale will take time, and we must all work together to make it happen. It will require continued collaboration, commitment, and support to make it effective, appropriate, and sustainable –both from the public and private sectors.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a crisis, call or walk into the Polara Health Crisis Stabilization Unit located at 8655 E. Eastridge Drive Prescott Valley, AZ.  The CSU is open 24/7.  You can also call 928-445-5211 at any time.
 

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949.  Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness.  During May, let us join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. 
 
Let’s help to fight stigma, provide support, learn to take time for ourselves, seek professional help when needed and check in on family, friends and neighbors. 
 
The global pandemic has forced us to cope with situations we never imagined, and many of us struggle with our mental health. Throughout, people who have never experience a mental health challenge are now finding themselves struggling for the first time. 
 
There’s no way to predict or quantify the long-term impact of the global pandemic but we do know more people are discussing their mental health and wellbeing more freely.  Our collective suffering over the last 2 years has provided the chance to break down some of the barriers and the stigma that has long surrounded mental illness. 
 
With Covid-19, we are seeing more openness, more discussion, more willingness to talk about mental health challenges. Important messaging has been amplified during the pandemic on topics such as self-care, check on your neighbor, check-in with your family and friends and staying connected. 
 
Have you ever looked out a dirty window through which you could hardly see, then wiped it clean and enjoyed the view? That's the best way to describe when someone is facing a mental health challenge and then reaches out for help. When having difficulties that are obstructing the quality of life, it important to reach out to a family member, a friend, a local behavioral health organization or call the crisis line. It is important to make adjustments in your daily routine and talk to your doctor when needed.
 
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or co-workers. That is why each year, we encourage you to observe Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May. Help us to raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination, fight stigma and provide resources, information and support.
We believe that mental health discussions are important year-round, but highlighting them during the month of May provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice and to educate the public about mental health.
 
HOW TO OBSERVE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Take care of yourself
Life has numerous ups and downs. Some are solvable but others not so much. When your mental health acts up, seek the right treatment and make yourself better because, after all, life has much more to offer than just pain and suffering.
Take care of your loved ones
Check up on your friends and family. Many times, all people need is a shoulder to cry on and/or an ear to listen. Support and encourage them if they are being treated for any mental health problems.
Talk about mental health
One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is by talking about it with your peers. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will become. This is one of the aims of the month as the stigma attached to mental health has led to countless delays in treatment AND research on the matter.
 
WHY WE LOVE MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
It’s a celebration of mental health
The only way to enjoy life to the fullest and experience all its wonders is if we take care of ourselves, mentally and physically. Don’t shy away from talking about what’s plaguing you because it might not be your fault, no matter how much society tells you otherwise.
It’s a celebration of changing attitudes
We have come a long way from the times when mental health patients were treated as outcasts, not only by their loved ones but also by medical professionals. Times are changing and more and more people are changing their outlook on mental illnesses. Join us in removing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and encourage someone who is suffering to seek help.
It’s a celebration of humans
We humans are a set of meticulously-put-together details. Our minds and our bodies work in harmony to bring us amazing feats. It is our job as a community to care for our neighbors, friends and loved ones to create better mental health outcomes for the coming generations.
 
Polara Health will be showcasing Mental Health Moments throughout the month on May.  You can find these on our social media pages and on our YouTube page. 
 
Deanna Eder
Director of Marketing & Communications
Polara Health
polarahealth.com

A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her painful experience to help others find hope and shine more light on the fact that 20 young people die every day by suicide in the United States.

“My Ascension” is a feature-length documentary that chronicles Emma’s inspiring journey and quest to walk again, as she works to bring Hope Squad, a school-based suicide prevention program, to Louisiana. The film also highlights the stories of two remarkable young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and we learn first-hand from their families, friends, school officials and suicide prevention experts about the devastating effects of suicide and what can be done to prevent it.
A group of community partners, including Polara Health, MATFORCE, Suicide Prevention Coalition of Yavapai County, Community Counts AZ and Yavapai College are working together to increase awareness and talk about suicide prevention during Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
As part of the effort, the community is invited to a free showing of My Ascension at 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 11, at the Yavapai College Performing Arts Center. The 90-minute film will be followed by a virtual question and answer session with Emma and the filmmaker, Greg Dicharry.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health’s most current data from 2018,  approximately 7,600 young people under the age of 25 died by suicide that year. That’s 20 young people dying every day in the U.S. alone.
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line – HELLO to 741741. QCBN

Deanna Eder is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Polara Health. She can be reached at d.eder@polarahealth.com

Stress is a natural part of life. The expressions are familiar to us, “I’m stressed out,”  “I’m under too much stress,” or “Work is one big stress”. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.
Stress is hard to define because it means different things to different people; however, it’s clear that most stress is a negative feeling rather than a positive feeling.You may feel physical stress which is the result of too much to do, not enough sleep, a poor diet or the effects of an illness. Stress can also be mental: when you worry about money, a loved one’s illness, retirement, or experience an emotionally devastating event, such as the death of a spouse or being fired from work.
However, much of our stress comes from less dramatic everyday responsibilities. Obligations and pressures, which are both physical and mental, are not always obvious to us. In response to these daily strains your body automatically increases blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, metabolism, and blood flow to you muscles. This response, is intended to help your body react quickly and effectively to a high-pressure situation.
 
When you are constantly reacting to stressful situations without making adjustments to counter the effects, you will feel stress which can threaten your health and well-being.
It is essential to understand that external events, no matter how you perceive those events which may cause stress. Stress often accompanies the feeling of “being out of control.”
 
Remember, each person handles stress differently. Stress can cause physical, emotional and behavioral disorders which can affect your health, vitality, peace-of-mind, as well as personal and professional relationships. Too much stress can cause relatively minor illnesses like insomnia, backaches, or headaches, and can contribute to potentially life-threatening diseases like high blood pressure and heart disease.
 
As you read the following tips for reducing and controlling stress, remember it will take determination, persistence and time. Some suggestions may help immediately, but if your stress is chronic, it may require more attention and/or lifestyle changes. Determine YOUR tolerance level for stress and try to live within these limits. Learn to accept or change stressful and tense situations whenever possible.

• Be realistic. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family’s), learn to say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary. Shed the “superhero” urge. No one is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Ask yourself, “What really needs to be done?” How much can I do? Is the deadline realistic? What adjustments can I make?” Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
• Meditate.  Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing.
• Visualize. Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully. Whether it’s a business presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable them to take a more positive approach to a difficult task.
• Take one thing at a time.  For people under tension or stress, an ordinary workload can sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of “checking off” tasks is very satisfying. It will motivate you to keep going.
• Exercise. Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind.
• Hobbies. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening or painting, schedule time to indulge your interest.
• Healthy life style. Good nutrition makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol (alcohol actually disturbs regular sleep patterns), get adequate rest, exercise, and balance work and play.
• Share your feelings.  A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day. Stay in touch with friends and family. Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don’t try to cope alone.
• Give in occasionally. Be flexible! If you find you are meeting constant opposition in either your personal or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies stressful feelings. If you are willing to give in, others may meet you halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to your problems.
• Go easy with criticism. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to feel frustrated, let down, disappointed or even “trapped” when another person does not measure up. 
  

Go to the Polara Health Resources page to take a stress test or use a well-known tool, Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, used by health professionals to measure the amount of stress someone’s experiencing. All types of stress can be managed, though. If you’re having a difficult time dealing with stressors or have experienced a traumatic event, consider reaching out to a mental health professional.
 
Deanna Eder
Director of Marketing & Communications at Polara Health

Social isolation has become the “new normal” for most people during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was the “old normal” for many people before the pandemic began.  There are numerous reasons why people of all ages become socially isolated, which may include physical and psychological disabilities, but older adults are particularly at risk of unwanted social isolation. Health conditions they may be experiencing can reduce mobility, and the inability to drive certainly reduces independence.
We have an increasing population of older adults moving to the quad-city area to enjoy all it has to offer.  Being healthy and active and able to travel can ease the sense of loss of family and friends who may live some distance away.  Most older adults are able to enjoy this independence into older age, but as we know, life can change in an instant or over time. Many who have lost a life-long partner find themselves living alone for the first time far from close family and friends. Loss of vision and hearing can isolate people even if they don’t live alone. We live in a place where most of us need a car to handle every day chores, get to appointments and visit friends, but what happens when we can no longer drive?

Can social isolation lead to loneliness? Yes, it can, but loneliness is a subjective experience and can happen even when we have people in our lives. For many it is a sense of not quite fitting in and belonging. You can feel it even when you are in the midst of a small get-together or at a family holiday celebration. Persistent loneliness may lead to loss of self-esteem, a belief that one does not matter to others, and those feelings can lead us to isolate ourselves even more. Symptoms of depression may manifest and suicide is a risk for those with serious or clinical depression.
Getting older requires courage and the ability to be flexible and adapt to the changes we experience. Having supportive family and friends who respect us and want to listen can make all the difference.  If you know someone who is experiencing feelings of loneliness or isolation, there are several things you can do to help. 

• Actively listen to them with your heart.  Asking gentle and caring questions about their sense of well-being will encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. 
• Invite them to think about what their interests are—what brings them joy—and then help them to explore ways they can pursue these interests. Suggest connecting with others who also hold a common interest, such as exercising at a gym, attending a church, going to a senior or community center, volunteering, etc.  
• Offer to do something with them, such as shopping together, going out for a meal or inviting them to come over for coffee and dessert, taking a drive and looking at the beautiful sites around our communities, or enjoying a walk in nature together.

The volunteers and staff who are part of the Senior Peer Program of Polara Health know that the most important thing we can give an isolated or lonely older adult is the recognition that they, and their life experience, are truly valued. We listen without judgement, patiently and with compassion. We want to hear whatever they’d like to share and we respect what they offer as elders. We know this makes a difference, and our volunteers who are themselves older adults, will be the first to tell you that they are getting back as much as they give, if not more.  It enriches each of our lives and brings a sense of meaning and purpose to us personally. We may not be able to significantly alter the circumstances of the lives of the older adults we serve, but we do know it takes very little to help someone by walking together with them as they travel their own individual paths in life.   
Polara Health Senior Peer Program is actively seeking volunteers.  If you would like to know more about the Senior Peer Program at Polara Health, please visit our website at seniorpeerprogram.org, or call 928-445-5211, Ext. 2035 for more information about the services we provide in our community to adults ages 60 and over. 
 
Senior Peer Program – Polara Health
Connie Boston, Manager Senior Peer Program

Earlier this month the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy, stated that young people are facing overwhelming mental health effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation.  This 53-page report noted that the pandemic intensified already wide spread mental health issues. 
Dr. Murthy issued an urgent call to address the youth mental health crisis. The Surgeon General also recognizes what we know to be true: that mental health cannot be treated separately from our overall health, and that we need society-wide solutions so that everyone can access affordable, high-quality, competent mental health care.
 
The report states half of all people who experience a mental health condition in their lifetime begin experiencing symptoms before the age of 14, and 75% begin experiencing them by age 24. Half of young people with mental health conditions do not get treatment, despite our knowledge that early intervention works.
 
Far too often, young people experience stigma that invalidates their struggles with mental health.
Far too often, young people are treated as if they are incapable of experiencing mental illness.
Far too often, young people don’t get the help they need.
 
How can we expect our youth to reach out for help with challenging symptoms when they often only receive more pain than help? When they think they will be stigmatized or told they are “too young to be so sad?” As a society, we should be encouraging young people to be open about their mental health rather than allowing them to struggle in silence. Especially considering what’s at stake: Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-34. In other words, fighting stigma matters. Polara Health is committed to fighting stigma so that future generations are encouraged to get help when they need it.
 
It is also important that we provide programs, opportunities and activities that engage and support youth mental health. One example is a high school on the east coast that operates a youth mental health support group. The faculty-supported club provides a supportive environment for students to share their thoughts and feelings. It was started by a student who attempted suicide, and afterward wanted to help her fellow students and help reduce the stigma of youth suicide. 
 
Like any other health emergency, it’s important to address a mental health crisis like suicide quickly and effectively. The behaviors of a person experiencing a crisis can be unpredictable, changing dramatically without warning.
 
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
It’s important to know that warning signs are not always present when a mental health crisis is developing. Common actions that may be a clue that a mental health crisis is developing:
♦ Inability to perform daily tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, brushing hair, changing clothes
♦ Rapid mood swings, increased energy level, inability to stay still, pacing; suddenly depressed, withdrawn; suddenly happy or calm after period of depression
♦ Increased agitation verbal threats, violent, out-of-control behavior, destroys property
♦ Abusive behavior to self and others, including substance use or self-harm (cutting)
♦ Isolation from school, work, family, friends
♦ Loses touch with reality (psychosis) - unable to recognize family or friends, confused, strange ideas, thinks they’re someone they’re not, doesn’t understand what people are saying, hears voices, sees things that aren’t there
♦ Paranoia
 
Techniques that May Help De-escalate a Crisis:
✔ Keep your voice calm
✔ Avoid overreacting
✔ Listen to the person
✔ Express support and concern
✔ Avoid continuous eye contact
✔ Ask how you can help
✔ Keep stimulation level low
✔ Move slowly
✔ Offer options instead of trying to take control
✔ Avoid touching the person unless you ask permission
✔ Be patient
✔ Gently announce actions before initiating them
✔ Give them space, don’t make them feel trapped
✘ Don’t make judgmental comments

• Don’t argue or try to reason with the person

If you don’t believe there is an immediate danger to the person in crisis, call your local mental health provider, a psychiatrist, a therapist or family physician that is familiar with the person’s history. If the situation is life-threatening don’t hesitate to call 911 and ask for immediate assistance. When you call 911, tell them someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and explain the nature of the emergency, your relationship to the person in crisis and whether there are weapons involved. Ask the 911 operator to send someone trained to work with people experiencing a mental crisis such as a Crisis Intervention Training officer, CIT for short.
 
Resources:
NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults
NAMI: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis Guide
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Mental-Health-Crisis/Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis?utm_source=website&utm_ medium=cta&utm_campaign= crisisguide
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. Call any time of day or night, 800-273-TALK (8255) or chat online at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/.
U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory Report: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-youth-mental-health-advisory.pdf
Polara Health Crisis Stabilization Unit - 8633 E. Eastridge Drive Prescott Valley. AZ - Open 24/7
928-445-5211 polarahealth.com
 
Knowing that they have somewhere to turn can make all the difference for a young person as they cope with today’s unique pressures. Even more, it can help them build a strong foundation for mental health as they transition into adulthood and throughout their lives.

Deanna Eder, Polara Health Director of Marketing & Communications