Mental Health Awareness - so much could be said and done to bring light on the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Studies show that 1 in 4 adults will suffer from some

type of mental illness in their lifetime. Look around, you probably know someone suffering or has suffered. This month is about awareness and getting information out there to increase knowledge on mental health and to help end the stigma.

“I personally have suffered with mental illness for 21 years. It is NOT easy battling everyday. There are days that are completely unbearable and it seems as though no one understands. Then there are days that are as high as the clouds. I call this, “riding the waves”. There are calm days once in awhile and they are what help to keep me grounded.

I suffered in silence for years but once I decided to get help, I chose Four County Mental Health. They have provided me with medical services, a great therapist, and group therapy, plus more! I still struggle at times but they have taught me skills to help manage my symptoms on my own. I can honestly say if it weren’t for their services, I would not be here today to write this.

One thing they’ve taught me is to reach out when needed. In doing so, a friend once told me, “If 99% of life were bad, the 1% is worth living for”. I have hung on to those words many times and try to pass them on to others because I want to give as much hope as possible in this world.

If I can help one person as much as Four County has helped me, I’ll have met a major goal in my life.

Hold on and go on!”

~LB

Mental Heath Month was created more than 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all. This year’s theme, “Life With A Mental Illness: Learn About It, Act B4Stage4, and Share with #mentalillnessfeelslike”, focuses on the essential components of educating, acting upon, sharing information and experiences to help end the stigma. During the month of May staff are asked to pass this message along to patients and family members.

Mental health issues are abundant and include such issues as anxiety disorders, children’s health, depression, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, problems realized by older adults, situations stemming from other illnesses, recovery, schizophrenia and suicide.

One in 17 adults lives with a mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Approximately one-half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and three-quarters by age 24. Unfortunately, long delays often occur between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help.

Mental health is part of a person’s overall health. Mental health affects a person’s thought processes, their relationships, productivity and the ability to adapt to changes in circumstances or cope with adversity.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of a mental illness should see a mental health specialist where a range of treatment options exist.

Four County MissionFour County Mental Health Center is dedi-cated to providing acces-sible, innovative services in partnership with indi-viduals, families and our communities.

Four County VisionWe envision healthier communities as we help individuals and families improve their lives. Col-laborating with com-munity partners, we sustain a robust range of services that are acces-sible because we help people where they live and work.

We continue to be in-novative as we identify new and special needs, develop programs, train our staff, and deliver services. We will ex-pand our use of state-of-the-art technology to extend our capacity and enhance the quality of service. We will continue to develop well-trained, dedicated staff within a supportive, challenging, and personally rewarding work environment.

Mental HealthMat t e r s

Mental Health Mat t e r s Volume 6: Issue 2 - 2016 Mental Health Mat t e r s

Volume 6:Issue 22016

In this Issue

~“Life With A Mental Illness” - May is Mental

Health Month~~Child Abuse Awareness~

~Staff Anniversaries~~Circles: Thriving Families,

Thriving Communities~~Life In Recovery~

ServingChautauqua,

Cowley, Elk,

Montgomeryand

Wilson County

Independence(620) 331-1748

Coffeyville(620) 251-8180

Cowley(620) 221-9664 or

(620) 442-4540Emergency Services

(800) 499-1748

www.fourcounty.com

“Life With A Mental Illness” - May is Mental Health Month

May• Mental Health Month

• Teen Self-Esteem Month1-7 • Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week

1-7 • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week6-12 • Nurses Week

15-21 • Dementia Awareness Week7 • OK Kids Fair (Field Kindley High School)

30 • Memorial Day

June12-19 • Nursing Assistants Week

12 • Abused Women and Children’s Awareness Day15 • Elder Abuse Awareness Day

July4 • Independence Day (Enjoy time off and be safe)

29 • System Administrator Appreciation Day

Educational Opportunities and Observances

Support GroupsGrief Support Group • Every 2nd Tues. 6:30pm-8:30pmMeets at Community Access Center - 307 1/2 W. Pecan, Independence

Parenting ClassesPlease go to our website: www.fourcounty.com

to view a list of upcoming Parenting Classes.

Are you tired of just getting by? Would you like to set your own goals and have encouragement from others to help you reach them? Are you willing to build new relationships which will provide support and connections? Thrive, Don’t Just Survive - Circles can help you do just that!

What is Circles?• Circles is an opportunity to improve your family’s

lives by learning new techniques and setting goals to improve your circumstances. Circles wants you to thrive, not just survive.

• Circles provides a free meal to you and your family on the evening you participate in the Circles weekly meeting. Childcare is provided.

• Circles provides you with allies in the community who are willing to help you achieve your goals. These allies may also be able to help you find a job and learn about other resources available in the community to improve your life.

• You will attend, participate and graduate from a 12 week Circle Leader training (you lead your way) and then be matched with a Community Ally and have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow.

Circles inspires and equips families and communities so that everyone can grow and succeed. Solutions don’t have to be complicated but they have to be personal. In order to make a real change it has to be addressed using a multi-dimensional method.

Circles’ method has impacted thousands of individuals throughout North America. Community leaders and/or organizations work with Circles to establish a local chapter. Localized trainings are held which take a collaborative approach during implementation by building on the strengths of existing community-based organizations. Circles focuses on three stages: crisis management and stabilization, education and job placement and job retention, advancement and economic stability.

Thriving with Circles allows you to be in charge of your life.• Focus both on today and your future. • Always set aside some money for emergencies and

the future.• Get a good job that pays for more than your expenses

so you can invest in your future.

Circles will be meeting in both Independence and Coffeyville. A free meal, childcare and activities for youth-teens are provided.

For more information on participating, contact Julie at (620) 332-3125 or circlesmg@gmail.com.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month was celebrated by staff at Four County Mental Health Center in April.

This month-long observance acknowledges the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness strategies and activities and promote prevention across the country. The Parent Education Program at Four County is very involved in making a difference to parents and families.

The theme for 2016 is “Every Child Matters”. Four County staff have been very busy in promoting this theme by leading activities throughout the agency and within our community.

On April 8th Four County Mental Health Center staff wore blue to promote Child Abuse Awareness.

Several Four County staff were trained to teach one of the Evidence Based Programs - “Incredible Years” and will be able to teach that program and also will allow FCMH to offer that class in Spanish.

Pinwheel vases were placed at the reception areas at Four County North, Four County Main and Four County Coffeyville during April. The Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign began in April 2008. “Pinwheel gardens” planted in communities across the nation are visual reminders that we all play a role in ensuring happy and healthy childhoods. Look for these reminders.

Darkness to Light training on sexual abuse prevention was held throughout the month of April in our communities. Trainings were free of charge and open to the public. Other classes can be found on Four County’s website www.fourcounty.com.

Michelle Ellison, Parent Education Coordinator, and her staff presented programs to fourth grade classes in 14

Child Abuse Awarenessarea schools on the topic of “Life is All About Making Choices - Make the Right One”.

Information was provided for students to take home to parents regarding the programs provided through the

Parent Education program of Four County.

We all have a role to play in healthy child development. When communities come together to support children and families, we all benefit. Children need loving, nurturing experiences and environments to thrive. Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and

families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development.

Staff Anniversaries (Jan. 2016 - June 2016)Congratulations to Four County staff on these milestone anniversaries. Thank you for your committment to Four County and the patients we serve.

20 Years of ServiceKristy Lenington, Clubhouse SupervisorMarilynn Gonzales, Case Manager

15 Years of ServiceAmy Ford, TherapistMelody Goodspeed, Case ManagerJanet Anderson, Attendant CareDebrorah Radcliff, Case ManagerRay Barnhart, Attendant CareStephanie Redding, CBS Coordinator

10 Years of ServiceDana Davis, AideSandi Atkin, SEK Academy DirectorDarren Heady, Case ManagerHillary Arnold, Operational SupportSteve Denny, Director of Clinical ServicesDeborah Malone, Case ManagerCherylene Pope, Case ManagerKaren Bone, APRNMeagan Moore, Case ManagerSandy Swart, Operational SupportChrystal Garrison, Case Manager

5 Years of ServiceLinda Salem, Attendant CareMichelle Hernandez, Operational SupportValerie Patton, Operational SupportAmanda Kelman, Operational SupportCassie Graham, Parent Education Specialist

Support GroupsGrief Support Group • Every 2nd Tues. 6:30pm-8:30pmMeets at Community Access Center - 307 1/2 W. Pecan, Independence

Parenting ClassesPlease go to our website: www.fourcounty.com

to view a list of upcoming Parenting Classes.

Are you tired of just getting by? Would you like to set your own goals and have encouragement from others to help you reach them? Are you willing to build new relationships which will provide support and connections? Thrive, Don’t Just Survive - Circles can help you do just that!

What is Circles?• Circles is an opportunity to improve your family’s

lives by learning new techniques and setting goals to improve your circumstances. Circles wants you to thrive, not just survive.

• Circles provides a free meal to you and your family on the evening you participate in the Circles weekly meeting. Childcare is provided.

• Circles provides you with allies in the community who are willing to help you achieve your goals. These allies may also be able to help you find a job and learn about other resources available in the community to improve your life.

• You will attend, participate and graduate from a 12 week Circle Leader training (you lead your way) and then be matched with a Community Ally and have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow.

Circles inspires and equips families and communities so that everyone can grow and succeed. Solutions don’t have to be complicated but they have to be personal. In order to make a real change it has to be addressed using a multi-dimensional method.

Circles’ method has impacted thousands of individuals throughout North America. Community leaders and/or organizations work with Circles to establish a local chapter. Localized trainings are held which take a collaborative approach during implementation by building on the strengths of existing community-based organizations. Circles focuses on three stages: crisis management and stabilization, education and job placement and job retention, advancement and economic stability.

Thriving with Circles allows you to be in charge of your life.• Focus both on today and your future. • Always set aside some money for emergencies and

the future.• Get a good job that pays for more than your expenses

so you can invest in your future.

Circles will be meeting in both Independence and Coffeyville. A free meal, childcare and activities for youth-teens are provided.

For more information on participating, contact Julie at (620) 332-3125 or circlesmg@gmail.com.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month was celebrated by staff at Four County Mental Health Center in April.

This month-long observance acknowledges the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness strategies and activities and promote prevention across the country. The Parent Education Program at Four County is very involved in making a difference to parents and families.

The theme for 2016 is “Every Child Matters”. Four County staff have been very busy in promoting this theme by leading activities throughout the agency and within our community.

On April 8th Four County Mental Health Center staff wore blue to promote Child Abuse Awareness.

Several Four County staff were trained to teach one of the Evidence Based Programs - “Incredible Years” and will be able to teach that program and also will allow FCMH to offer that class in Spanish.

Pinwheel vases were placed at the reception areas at Four County North, Four County Main and Four County Coffeyville during April. The Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign began in April 2008. “Pinwheel gardens” planted in communities across the nation are visual reminders that we all play a role in ensuring happy and healthy childhoods. Look for these reminders.

Darkness to Light training on sexual abuse prevention was held throughout the month of April in our communities. Trainings were free of charge and open to the public. Other classes can be found on Four County’s website www.fourcounty.com.

Michelle Ellison, Parent Education Coordinator, and her staff presented programs to fourth grade classes in 14

Child Abuse Awarenessarea schools on the topic of “Life is All About Making Choices - Make the Right One”.

Information was provided for students to take home to parents regarding the programs provided through the

Parent Education program of Four County.

We all have a role to play in healthy child development. When communities come together to support children and families, we all benefit. Children need loving, nurturing experiences and environments to thrive. Everyone’s participation is critical. Focusing on ways to build and promote the protective factors, in every interaction with children and

families, is the best thing our community can do to prevent child maltreatment and promote optimal child development.

Staff Anniversaries (Jan. 2016 - June 2016)Congratulations to Four County staff on these milestone anniversaries. Thank you for your committment to Four County and the patients we serve.

20 Years of ServiceKristy Lenington, Clubhouse SupervisorMarilynn Gonzales, Case Manager

15 Years of ServiceAmy Ford, TherapistMelody Goodspeed, Case ManagerJanet Anderson, Attendant CareDebrorah Radcliff, Case ManagerRay Barnhart, Attendant CareStephanie Redding, CBS Coordinator

10 Years of ServiceDana Davis, AideSandi Atkin, SEK Academy DirectorDarren Heady, Case ManagerHillary Arnold, Operational SupportSteve Denny, Director of Clinical ServicesDeborah Malone, Case ManagerCherylene Pope, Case ManagerKaren Bone, APRNMeagan Moore, Case ManagerSandy Swart, Operational SupportChrystal Garrison, Case Manager

5 Years of ServiceLinda Salem, Attendant CareMichelle Hernandez, Operational SupportValerie Patton, Operational SupportAmanda Kelman, Operational SupportCassie Graham, Parent Education Specialist

Mental Health Awareness - so much could be said and done to bring light on the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Studies show that 1 in 4 adults will suffer from some

type of mental illness in their lifetime. Look around, you probably know someone suffering or has suffered. This month is about awareness and getting information out there to increase knowledge on mental health and to help end the stigma.

“I personally have suffered with mental illness for 21 years. It is NOT easy battling everyday. There are days that are completely unbearable and it seems as though no one understands. Then there are days that are as high as the clouds. I call this, “riding the waves”. There are calm days once in awhile and they are what help to keep me grounded.

I suffered in silence for years but once I decided to get help, I chose Four County Mental Health. They have provided me with medical services, a great therapist, and group therapy, plus more! I still struggle at times but they have taught me skills to help manage my symptoms on my own. I can honestly say if it weren’t for their services, I would not be here today to write this.

One thing they’ve taught me is to reach out when needed. In doing so, a friend once told me, “If 99% of life were bad, the 1% is worth living for”. I have hung on to those words many times and try to pass them on to others because I want to give as much hope as possible in this world.

If I can help one person as much as Four County has helped me, I’ll have met a major goal in my life.

Hold on and go on!”

~LB

Mental Heath Month was created more than 50 years ago to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all. This year’s theme, “Life With A Mental Illness: Learn About It, Act B4Stage4, and Share with #mentalillnessfeelslike”, focuses on the essential components of educating, acting upon, sharing information and experiences to help end the stigma. During the month of May staff are asked to pass this message along to patients and family members.

Mental health issues are abundant and include such issues as anxiety disorders, children’s health, depression, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, problems realized by older adults, situations stemming from other illnesses, recovery, schizophrenia and suicide.

One in 17 adults lives with a mental illness such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Approximately one-half of chronic mental illness begins by the age of 14 and three-quarters by age 24. Unfortunately, long delays often occur between the time symptoms first appear and when people get help.

Mental health is part of a person’s overall health. Mental health affects a person’s thought processes, their relationships, productivity and the ability to adapt to changes in circumstances or cope with adversity.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of a mental illness should see a mental health specialist where a range of treatment options exist.

Four County MissionFour County Mental Health Center is dedi-cated to providing acces-sible, innovative services in partnership with indi-viduals, families and our communities.

Four County VisionWe envision healthier communities as we help individuals and families improve their lives. Col-laborating with com-munity partners, we sustain a robust range of services that are acces-sible because we help people where they live and work.

We continue to be in-novative as we identify new and special needs, develop programs, train our staff, and deliver services. We will ex-pand our use of state-of-the-art technology to extend our capacity and enhance the quality of service. We will continue to develop well-trained, dedicated staff within a supportive, challenging, and personally rewarding work environment.

Mental HealthMat t e r s

Mental Health Mat t e r s Volume 6: Issue 2 - 2016 Mental Health Mat t e r s

Volume 6:Issue 22016

In this Issue

~“Life With A Mental Illness” - May is Mental

Health Month~~Child Abuse Awareness~

~Staff Anniversaries~~Circles: Thriving Families,

Thriving Communities~~Life In Recovery~

ServingChautauqua,

Cowley, Elk,

Montgomeryand

Wilson County

Independence(620) 331-1748

Coffeyville(620) 251-8180

Cowley(620) 221-9664 or

(620) 442-4540Emergency Services

(800) 499-1748

www.fourcounty.com

“Life With A Mental Illness” - May is Mental Health Month

May• Mental Health Month

• Teen Self-Esteem Month1-7 • Anxiety & Depression Awareness Week

1-7 • Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week6-12 • Nurses Week

15-21 • Dementia Awareness Week7 • OK Kids Fair (Field Kindley High School)

30 • Memorial Day

June12-19 • Nursing Assistants Week

12 • Abused Women and Children’s Awareness Day15 • Elder Abuse Awareness Day

July4 • Independence Day (Enjoy time off and be safe)

29 • System Administrator Appreciation Day

Educational Opportunities and Observances