Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “While a cure for depression and anxiety remains stubbornly out of reach, becoming an agnostic thinker and questioning the assumptions we make about the world is most certainly good behavioral medicine. While an apple a day is said to keep the doctor away, doubting our negative assumptions each day can be an effective way to keep the therapist away as well.”
Mental health
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer plans to call for boosts in funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) in her proposal for the next state budget.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas argues, “The solution to the crisis of loneliness couldn’t be more obvious, but just because a solution is obvious doesn’t mean implementing it is.”
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes, “Mental Health services in Three Rivers and St. Joseph County are lacking. Oftentimes we have to travel out of town to find some relief. Now, I don’t want to take away from the amazing people who are working tirelessly in this county to change the system and support these kids, but I do want to highlight a few hurdles I have encountered throughout my time as a mom who struggles with mental health.”
As we reach the end of 2023, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories that had the biggest impact on our community this year. Let us take you through some of the highlights to illustrate why your financial support is crucial to this work.
In this week’s column, Watershed Voice’s Charles Thomas writes, “[…] the benefits of asking better questions are immense. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that changing the questions you ask yourself in times of struggle can alter the trajectory of your life, and over the long term be life changing. Better questions can also lead you away from narrow-mindedly blaming yourself whenever something bad happens in your life.”
“The goal of it is to bridge the gap by creating greater access for people of color,” said BlackWellness Network Founder Valarie Cunningham, referring to the gap she has discerned between the level of ongoing care provided to African-Americans vs. the experience of White patients.
With its new Behavioral Health Care and Access Center, Integrated Services of Kalamazoo builds a safety net for those with mental health issues.
“Trial and error is the hallmark of prescribing mental health medication. This test can help minimize, or even eliminate in some cases, that trial-and-error process.” — Anna Langerveld, president and CEO of Kalamazoo’s Genemarkers
While gaining some understanding of how one identifies is the first step toward being authentic to oneself, what comes next for many LGBTQ+ youth is confusion, anxiety, depression, isolation, fear and discrimination. Help is available if one is willing to reach out.
The 2023 SWMJC Mental Wellness Project produced packages of stories focusing on: the mental health of caregivers, published in March; issues around youth mental health, published in June; and mental health workforce issues, published in August.
Our final series this year is The Science and Art of Well-being: Innovations and best practices in mental health care. This package features four solutions journalism stories, all of which Watershed Voicewill publish this week.
Insurers and state regulators are being pushed to improve mental health care coverage from the federal level. The move comes as overdose deaths rise and youth mental health problems grow more rampant, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Inflation and a shortage of mental health care providers, including psychiatrists and specialists who treat adolescents, further hinder access to care.
Watershed Voice columnist Amy Davidhizar writes about the recent tragedy that befell the Three Rivers community, and where we go from here.
Editor’s Note: This column makes reference to suicide and other issues related to mental health. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Text or call 988 to chat with someone now.
“Life and Death is Hard.” is written by Rock Island, Illinois native Aubrey Barnes, also known as “Aubs.” Barnes performed at the 2022 & 2023 Watershed Voice Artist Showcase in Three Rivers at the Huss Project.
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “When I was a kid, the Dallas Cowboys were called America’s football team because they were winners. But today, I think the Detroit Lions are America’s football team because even though they are perennial losers, they just keep getting back up, again and again and again. Through grit and determination, the last are now first, and the Lions are finally having their moment in the spotlight. As Prince once sang, ‘the ride up front is better once you been in the back.'”
Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network (BHN) in Cassopolis will be hosting a Recovery Celebration and Suicide Prevention Awareness family day on Saturday, September 9. The event will recognize and honor those who have overcome personal challenges by celebrating with family-friendly activities such as face painting, food trucks, raffle prizes, and a petting zoo.
Bryann Books is a full-time Pivotal social worker who has recently been added to the department as the “Mobile Crisis Clinician – TRPD Liaison,” and will assist officers with individuals experiencing mental health crises in the community.
Trained in the treatment of both physical and mental health needs, PMHNPs serve as a bridge between those worlds.