Unfortunately, mental health crisis hotline services found ineffective nationally

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

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CHICAGO - Addressing mental illness in America is a source of continued debate and a new report outlined areas in need of change.

The study detailed the role of response teams in a mental health episode.

Andy Wade, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Illinois, sees a need to strengthen the disconnection between the 988 system and the services and facilities supporting post-crisis recovery services.

"The progress has been positive but we need more," Wade asserted. "The crisis system isn't just the phone call. It's also about having a safe and appropriate mental health response, even if that means someone coming out to the house."

He called the system "a work in progress" and emphasized 988 operators should have the tools they need to make immediate handoffs to the right services. Wade acknowledged while law enforcement does a good job, there is often an overdependence on police officers who are not always the best responders. He is encouraged by Illinois legislators' commitment to the crisis system, and wants to continue the forward momentum on funding started by state lawmakers.

The crisis system in Illinois allows people to use it regardless of their ability to pay, which the report highlights as a success.

Angela Kimball, chief advocacy officer for the mental health advocacy organization Inseparable, said state lawmakers are the key to change.

"Lawmakers across the country need to understand, one, what does the system look like? And two, what is their role in helping make this happen?" Kimball outlined. "There is no one entity, no one person, that can make a new crisis response system happen."

She added the challenge for lawmakers is to navigate the complex emergency service regulations in place in order to create effective legislation. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed House Bill 2595 in 2021, requiring insurance companies to cover medically necessary mental health care services.

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Listening is important, Coping with the stress of social and academic struggles

Matt Hawkins, Rosecrance Health Network

The first semester of school brought its share of challenges as students and educators readjusted to in-person learning environments. As classes began, it became clear that two interrupted years left many youth falling behind in academics and social learning skills.

A lack of face-to-face interaction and an increased dependence on less-personal virtual learning hindered the development of social skills critical for these formative years. In addition, the stress of changing learning environments made it more difficult for young students to learn or retain as much information. High school students focused on college preparation may have felt added stress of not meeting personal academic expectations or scoring as high on the SAT as the would have liked.

Beyond the classroom, developing adolescent minds may have struggled to process the constant stream of harsh political conversations and news headlines that flooded social media feeds.

"All kids are behind to some extent because they all have experienced the pandemic’s impact in some way," said Rosecrance Central Illinois Director of Substance Use Treatment Carol Bradford. "They need to be reminded that we are all going through this together, including their teachers. Knowing they are not alone will help them, and really all of us, put life in a healthy perspective to face whatever each day brings."

As the spring semester kicks off, adults who are concerned about youth in their lives are encouraged to watch for irritability. That is one of the most common symptoms of struggling youth because they may not have developed the language to effectively articulate feelings and thoughts. Adults also can watch for isolating behaviors, lack of enthusiasm for usual things in life, and excessive acting out or arguing at home or school.

Listening also is important. When youth feel they are heard by a safe adult, they will be more likely to share what they are going through.

Also, recognize resilience. When a teen handles a difficult situation well or bounces back from a disappointment, let them know you saw the success.

Then, begin this semester with healthy structure and routine. Proper rest, nutrition, and exercise will equip the teen with foundational supports for success the rest of the year.

Last, if you sense your child needs help, contact a school counselor, social worker, or teacher. They are as concerned for the child’s wellbeing as you, and they have resources to help. Rosecrance works with schools in the Champaign area to provide assessment and intervention services, as well as a full continuum of care.

Guest Commentary:Grief at the holidays: It’s OK to not feel OK

The holidays are often seen as times of cheer, but for people grieving losses, they may be filled with dread. With the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a flood of distressing headlines, this year may be especially difficult for many among us.

Grief can come in many forms. There may be loss of loved ones, disrupted routines, frayed relationships, job loss, fear of life never returning to 'normal," and worries about the future. These can lead to people losing a sense of self, security, and shelter.

"In this time of celebration, hope, and goodwill, there is an expectation that everybody is happy, but it’s easy to forget that it is a sad time for many people," said Rosecrance Director of Chaplaincy Christopher Druce Jones. "For those of us who are not experiencing grief, we need to be more aware of how we can honor the people who are struggling and forgotten during the season. For those who are grieving, it takes work to recognize the holidays for what they are while realizing they aren’t the same."

To work through grief at the holidays, Iliff says it is important to be honest with yourself about the feelings, and accept that special days may feel different for a while. When you are ready, reach out to a caring friend to talk about your emotional state.

In addition, be aware of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Self-care will be important through these times, so make sure to eat properly, get enough sleep, exercise, and engage in spiritual grounding practices. When you attend holiday gatherings, give yourself permission to leave early if something triggers emotions, or you need a little extra time afterward for self-care.

Last, find ways to connect with others throughout the season. This fellowship will help overcome the dangers of isolation that can pop up at this time of year. Grief counseling and support groups are excellent resources for people who want to work through the grieving process in a supportive environment. Counseling helps address the losses, while groups are good for navigating the journey through those uncomfortable "firsts" without a loved one. For people in recovery, 12 Step groups and the Rosecrance Central Illinois Alumni program have extra opportunities for in-person and virtual connection.

"Sometimes, the best we can do is muddle through it and look forward to a brighter 2022, but that is perfectly fine," Druce Jones said. "If we manage today with the help of a few close friends, we can be assured that hope and joy will one day return."

Matt Hawkins
Rosecrance Health Network

To the Editor: Focus on mental health year-round

Dear Editor,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it has probably never gotten as much public attention as it has this year. That’s both good and bad.

To address the stigma around mental health disorders, we must talk about them openly and honestly year-round. As the Rosecrance Central Illinois Executive Director, it has been refreshing to see mental health in the spotlight for a sustained period.

Unfortunately, I also know that is because many of us are struggling. Mental illness affects one in five adults and one in six youth in a normal year. With COVID-19, that number doubled for adults. The past 12 months have been particularly difficult for those who struggle because they had to adjust to isolation and care by phone or video.

It is tough to talk about something this sensitive, but maybe now is the best time any of us might have to ask how our loved ones truly are doing. Once you have that first conversation, don’t let it be a just a May thing, or wait until we’re reminded again during Recovery Month in September. Make relationship-building check-ins a part of your life every day. The more you connect, the brighter someone’s world becomes through the joy of real relationships.

If you’re a little nervous about speaking up, or if you’re struggling with mental health now, know that you’re not alone. Whatever your concerns, there are many resources available to help you find information, support groups, or treatment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one place to turn. The Illinois Department of Health Call 4 Calm text line (text “talk” to 552020) is another great resource for emotional support. And, as always, caring Rosecrance Central Illinois staff would be delighted to talk with you or point you to valuable groups and resources.

Please remember that together we can help those who struggle with mental illness, and we can continue to work to end the stigma.

Life’s waiting.

Joey King, Central Illinois Executive Director
Rosecrance