Mental Health Training
Dear Editor: I am writing to inform community members of an upcoming Mental Health First Aid training being sponsored by Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services and the HOPE (Healthy Organizations, People and Environments) Coalition on Sept. 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sitka Counseling and Prevention campus.
The goal of this training is to help improve mental health literacy – helping community members identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness as well as help our community reduce the stigma associated with mental health related issues and thus allow more people to feel comfortable in seeking help for mental health and substance use/abuse related issues.
Individuals experiencing mental health issues are at greater risk for substance use and abuse. According to SAMHSA, 26.7 percent of people with mental health issues abused illicit drugs in 2012. In the general public, only 13.2 percent of people abused drugs. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), those who suffer from mental illness may attempt to self-medicate their symptoms via drug use
Although many studies are ongoing, mental health professionals have determined a few things about addiction and mental health.
Undiagnosed mental illness can lead to substance abuse as the person tries to treat the symptoms of the mental condition. Depression, anxiety, paranoia and restlessness are some of the common symptoms that mentally ill addicts are trying to self-medicate.
Diagnosed mental illness patients often take medication that has unpleasant side effects. These patients abuse drugs to alleviate those effects. For example, schizophrenia patients take medication for hallucinations that causes depression. The patients usually smoke marijuana to deal with the depression.
A few drugs can cause mental illness after years of chronic abuse. Drugs such as ecstasy alter chemicals in the brain that control mood and other behaviors. These alterations can lead to depression or anxiety problems that the addict treats with other drugs.
People who are at risk for mental illness increase that risk when they chronically abuse drugs. Mental health risk factors include genetics, the environment, major life experiences and other things. People who already have high risk factors can be “pushed” into the mental illness by chronic substance abuse.
Heavy drug abuse in the adolescent years can lead to mental illness later. Heavy drug abuse can alter the cognitive and social development of teens, theses two things are formulated during adolescence. When these factors are altered, depression and anxiety disorders can result.
Understanding mental health related issues and responding to them in appropriate and timely ways can help mediate and reduce the negative impact of these issues and the related substance use and abuse. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness early on and responding appropriately, we as a community can oftentimes help our fellow Sitkans avoid the progression to more severe mental health problems and substance abuse.
If you are concerned about this issue, please contact Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services at 747-3636 to register for the training. If you would like to be part of increasing the overall health and wellness of our community, join the HOPE Coalition. Our next meeting will be on Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at the Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services campus. Call 747-3636 ext. 226 for more information.
Loyd Platson,
Coalition Director,
Sitka Counseling and Prevention Services Inc.
Float Your Boat
Dear Editor: In July, Sitka Sound Science Center hosted a summer camp for middle-schoolers called “Float Your Boat.” It was wildly fun and no camper will ever forget their two-person cardboard boat constructed to be paddled across the pool.
However, it was the community field trips that made the camp so special. We were all inspired by the work of the dugout canoe craftsmen at the Sitka National Historical Park. Carvers Steve Brown and TJ Young patiently described the traditional methods for patching holes in the canoe and for steaming the canoe. Some of our students carefully sketched and used their drawings to guide their own cardboard boat planning. Next, the campers visited the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society’s Boathouse. Rebecca Poulson treated the group to a complete tour and instruction on wooden boat building techniques. It was an honor to have a shipwright take time to share her knowledge and it was impressive to see all the treasures of the boathouse. The next day, the Coast Guard welcomed us aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Maple! ENS Megan Toomey organized a tour for us with LCDR Jeannette Greene. It was fascinating to learn about the functions and capabilities of the Maple and about life in the Coast Guard.
The grand finale of the camp – the launching of the cardboard boats – was held at Blatchley pool where pool manager Shellie Dunn good-naturedly welcomed some amazing floating creations to her pool. Parents and friends gathered to cheer on the nervous sailors. Whether the boat floated or sank, the cheers were equally enthusiastic.
Part of the goals of Float Your Boat camp was to inspire the next generation to understand the importance of science technology engineering and mathematics in the world around us. The camp was a great success in large part because community members were so willing to share their time and expertise with young people. The Science Center thanks Steve Brown at the Sitka National Historic Park, Rebecca Poulson of Sitka Maritime Heritage Society, ENS Megan Toomey and LCDR Jeannette Green of the Coast Guard, and Shellie Dunn of Blatchley pool for making our visits with all of them so meaningful.
Janet Clarke, Education Manager,
Sitka Sound Science Center
