Community Mental Health Resources

Several of my VS posts hit on the obvious importance of providing students, staff and parents with science-based information from trained professionals to assist with individual, team and family well-being. Our approach has been to share through our school wellness blog a balance of information in being proactive engaging with Positive Psychology while also providing strategies in dealing with anxiety, stress and the effects of isolation.

An additional component of our Virtual School Handbook is to provide community mental health resources. To give you an example of what a letter or blog post could look like, here is a letter to our staff from our school psychologist. I did not include some of the resources that only pertain to our locality.

Dear colleagues,

Catriona has asked me to share some important information with you. This email is intended for faculty and staff members who have concerns for the mental health of themselves or others. It includes:

1. Information and basic education on mental health conditions
2. A link and directions for an evidence-based checklist to privately screen your own risk for a mental health condition
3. A list of internal and external resources for you to receive consultation and/or treatment

For all staff – remember to bookmark the Wellness Blog for helpful information, tips, and strategies. Our counseling department is also available to offer coaching and guidance for any concerns – large or small.

Mental Health Screening for Adults

We speak often about taking care of ourselves, particularly during difficult times. We know that clean eating, regular exercise, and quality sleep, are vital to our physical health and functioning. We understand the physical symptoms and, in most cases, we know what to do about them or, at least, where to get help.

We talk less frequently about mental health.

Let me start by saying yes, taking care of our bodies undoubtedly helps with our mood and other facets of cognition, however sometimes we can take every precaution (just like with our physical health) and still get sick. Globally, it is estimated that one in seven adults currently have one or more substance abuse or mental health disorders, and one in four adults will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Episodes of major depression and anxiety episodes have been shown to affect over half the population in the Western hemisphere at some point in their lives.

So with that said, how do we know whether we are experiencing “normal” levels of stress/anxiety/sadness or if we are at real risk of developing a mental health condition?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) partnered with a number of experts to develop the M3 Checklist, a 27-question assessment of mood and anxiety symptoms that can be indicative of four common mental health conditions: anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The checklist is nationally-recognized (US), peer-reviewed and clinically validated* (see below for notes). Some possible questions and answers:

• Is the checklist private?

Yes. It is located on a secure web-based platform and does not ask for any identifying information.

• Is there anything I need in order to complete it?

No, but it is recommended that you complete mental health-related checklists after eating a meal and feeling relatively alert.

• What does the score mean?

This checklist should not be used as a diagnosis. The score indicates the degree that you are at risk of developing a mental health condition. A higher score (above 32) may encourage you to make personal changes or consult with a mental health professional.

• Isn’t the use of terms like “Bipolar” and “PTSD” a little extreme?

Mentioning physical health terms, such as cardiovascular disease or cancer, often causes discomfort, yet it is important that we continue to screen for them. Becoming more knowledgeable (“learn it”) and familiar with mental health-related vocabulary is also likely to help in reducing the stigma and fear associated with mental disorders and conditions.

• What if I don’t think I need to do this checklist?

Fantastic! Consider doing it anyway and learning some more about mental health so that you can best support those around you.

• My score indicates that I could be at risk. What can I do?

If you obtain a score that is moderate or higher, this could be an indication that you would benefit from internal or external treatment and support. See below for these resources.

Internal supports – school counselors and psychologist

Our school team has various levels of mental health training, however this may be a good first step to take to discuss your difficulties, consider a treatment plan, and/or decide to make an appointment with an outside provider. All discussions with the counseling department are confidential unless there is a suspicion of harm.

External supports – medical doctors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists

1. An initial consultation with your medical doctor may be an appropriate first step, however keep in mind that qualified mental health doctors are rare and, in some cases, doctors will simply prescribe medication, which may help with symptoms, but may not address the underlying condition. Providing a copy of your M3 checklist results will assist the specialist during the initial consultation.
2. Therapists and psychologists are available for direct booking. I have created a list of established providers in HCMC where you can review qualifications, approaches to therapy, and contact information. Remember to bring your M3 checklist results to your initial appointment.
3. Virtual resources include www.therapysolutionsabroad.com and https://truman-group.com/. They both specialize in mental health support for expatriates, however we cannot vouch for the individual quality of the services.

We hope that completing the M3 Checklist will help to better inform you of your current mental health. Besides this, there are many small but effective practices that can maximize your mental wellbeing; many of which can also be found in our Wellness blog. Don’t hesitate to speak with a counselor or myself – we are here to help!

 

* Gaynes BN, et al. Feasibility and Diagnostic Validity of the M-3 Checklist: A Brief, Self-Rated Screen for Depressive, Bipolar, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in Primary Care. Ann Fam Med 2010;8:160-169.doi:10.1370/afm.1092.