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MHA Kentucky Blog

Oldest Mental Health Advocacy Organization in Kentucky

KENTUCKY COLLEGE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

10/14/2020

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As a current college student, I know how difficult it can be to put your needs first. It can be hard being away from your friends and family back home, your overwhelming course load might be causing an unbearable amount of stress, and sometimes you just need someone to listen to you. It is important to remember your physical health is just as important as your mental health. You would be surprised to see how many free easily accessible resources can be found at your college. 

Here is a list of resources that can be found at some Kentucky colleges!

1. The University of Kentucky: Full-time students at UK have free access to resources that are already included in the price of tuition fees. 

-If you are feeling stressed you can visit the relaxation room located at Frazee hall. Different resources you will find there include biofeedback equipment, meditation and mindfulness activities, light therapy, imagination, and art therapy, wildcat wellness programs, and much more!

Other free resources at UK: 
-Crisis and Emergency Assistance (Call 859-257-8701 to speak with a mental health clinician)
-UK Behavioral Self Services: Evaluate, diagnose, and treat new or existing psychological conditions.
-Nutrition Counseling: Provides steps and ways to deal with medical conditions or eating disorders.
-Health and Wellness Coach: Helps students plan and achieve different health goals.
-Stressbusters Wellness Apps: Provides different techniques and activities to help manage stress.
-Wellbeing Workshops: Different workshops located at Frazee Hall to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. 
-Group Counseling: A great way to talk with and support others who are dealing with similar issues as you.
-Individual Therapy: Talk one on one with a counselor on any issues you are facing.
-Mental Health Screenings: Screening is anonymous and can be taken online for feedback on many different mental health disorders.
-LGBTQ center: Provides information, support, and resources related to different sexual orientations and gender identities.
-Sister Circle: Allows women of color to support and communicate with each other while further developing leadership, social, and cultural skills. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://www.uky.edu/president/mental_health_resources

 
 
 
2. Eastern Kentucky University: Current EKU students have free access to short term psychotherapy and other psychological services.

Free resources at EKU:
-EKU Counseling Center (Call (859) 622-1303)
-Group Therapy: Students can meet in groups to talk about their experiences and offer support to others.
-Individual Therapy: Discuss methods to cope with stress, treatment for anxiety, depression, and any other disorders.
-Couples Therapy: If both partners go to EKU, they can go to the couple's therapy and discuss any concerns.
-Zone of Wellness: Consists of many different workshops that promote physical and emotional wellness among students.
-Referral Form: If you are concerned about a friend's wellbeing, you can fill out an online referral form to help assist them in getting the help they need.
-Feel Better Fast: Consists of many different workshops focusing on coping strategies for different struggles. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://counselingcenter.eku.edu/

 
 
3. University of Louisville: Current students at UofL have free access to campus health services including confidential psychiatric services.

Free resources at UofL:
-Psychiatric Evaluations: Discuss new or old mental health issues with a counselor. (Call (502) 852-6479 to schedule an appointment)
-Group Workshops: Series of different workshops students can choose to participate in based on their related experiences.
-Self-Care Worksheet: Helps with addressing issues and planning self-care techniques to achieve goals.
-Tips for Handling Stress: A page of different tips can be found under Resources on the UofL counseling page.
-Emotional Support Animals: ESA requests are made by your therapist.
-Referring Students in Distress: Signs and symptoms of students in distress can be found under Resources on the UofL counseling pages. If you notice a fellow student is in distress, information on how to refer your friend to the counseling center can also be found there.
 
For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://louisville.edu/counseling

4. Morehead State University: All registered students at MSU have free access to counseling services and other emergency crisis options.

Free resources MSU:
-Counseling (Call 606-783-2123 to make an appointment): Discuss different mental health issues or any other problems you are facing.
-Psychotherapy: Talk out strategies to improve your wellbeing.
-Online Mental Health Screening: Anonymous screening to help determine any misdiagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues.
-Tips for Mental Health Promotion During Pandemic: Great way to remember many different things you should be doing to acknowledge your own wellbeing during this time. 
-Recreation and Wellness: Different activities provided to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Student-Affairs/Counseling-Health-Services

5. Western Kentucky University: WKU offers free healthcare services to students.

Free Resources at WKU:
-Counseling (Call 270-745-3159 to make an appointment): Discuss different problems or mental health issues you are facing with a counselor.
-Group Counseling: A list of outreach topics is provided under the counseling webpage. Students will be able to meet in groups and discuss their different experiences, providing support for each other. 
-Clinical Testing: Different assessments to determine cognitive/symptom measurements, substance abuse inventories, and personality measurements.
-WellU: A great way for students to be involved and develop healthy habits and lifestyles. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://www.wku.edu/heretohelp/
As a current college student, I know how difficult it can be to put your needs first. It can be hard being away from your friends and family back home, your overwhelming course load might be causing an unbearable amount of stress, and sometimes you just need someone to listen to you. It is important to remember your physical health is just as important as your mental health. You would be surprised to see how many free easily accessible resources can be found at your college. 

Here is a list of resources that can be found at some Kentucky colleges!

1. The University of Kentucky: Full-time students at UK have free access to resources that are already included in the price of tuition fees. 

-If you are feeling stressed you can visit the relaxation room located at Frazee hall. Different resources you will find there include biofeedback equipment, meditation and mindfulness activities, light therapy, imagination, and art therapy, wildcat wellness programs, and much more!

Other free resources at UK: 
-Crisis and Emergency Assistance (Call 859-257-8701 to speak with a mental health clinician)
-UK Behavioral Self Services: Evaluate, diagnose, and treat new or existing psychological conditions.
-Nutrition Counseling: Provides steps and ways to deal with medical conditions or eating disorders.
-Health and Wellness Coach: Helps students plan and achieve different health goals.
-Stressbusters Wellness Apps: Provides different techniques and activities to help manage stress.
-Wellbeing Workshops: Different workshops located at Frazee Hall to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. 
-Group Counseling: A great way to talk with and support others who are dealing with similar issues as you.
-Individual Therapy: Talk one on one with a counselor on any issues you are facing.
-Mental Health Screenings: Screening is anonymous and can be taken online for feedback on many different mental health disorders.
-LGBTQ center: Provides information, support, and resources related to different sexual orientations and gender identities.
-Sister Circle: Allows women of color to support and communicate with each other while further developing leadership, social, and cultural skills. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://www.uky.edu/president/mental_health_resources

 
 
 
2. Eastern Kentucky University: Current EKU students have free access to short term psychotherapy and other psychological services.

Free resources at EKU:
-EKU Counseling Center (Call (859) 622-1303)
-Group Therapy: Students can meet in groups to talk about their experiences and offer support to others.
-Individual Therapy: Discuss methods to cope with stress, treatment for anxiety, depression, and any other disorders.
-Couples Therapy: If both partners go to EKU, they can go to couple’s therapy and discuss any concerns.
-Zone of Wellness: Consists of many different workshops that promote physical and emotional wellness among students.
-Referral Form: If you are concerned about a friend's wellbeing, you can fill out an online referral form to help assist them in getting the help they need.
-Feel Better Fast: Consists of many different workshops focusing on coping strategies for different struggles. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://counselingcenter.eku.edu/

 
 
3. University of Louisville: Current students at UofL have free access to campus health services including confidential psychiatric services.

Free resources at UofL:
-Psychiatric Evaluations: Discuss new or old mental health issues with a counselor. (Call (502) 852-6479 to schedule an appointment)
-Group Workshops: Series of different workshops students can choose to participate in based on their related experiences.
-Self-Care Worksheet: Helps with addressing issues and planning self-care techniques to achieve goals.
-Tips for Handling Stress: A page of different tips can be found under Resources on the UofL counseling page.
-Emotional Support Animals: ESA requests are made by your therapist.
-Referring Students in Distress: Signs and symptoms of students in distress can be found under Resources on the UofL counseling pages. If you notice a fellow student is in distress, information on how to refer your friend to the counseling center can also be found there.
 
For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://louisville.edu/counseling

4. Morehead State University: All registered students at MSU have free access to counseling services and other emergency crisis options.

Free resources MSU:
-Counseling (Call 606-783-2123 to make an appointment): Discuss different mental health issues or any other problems you are facing.
-Psychotherapy: Talk out strategies to improve your wellbeing.
-Online Mental Health Screening: Anonymous screening to help determine any misdiagnosed or undiagnosed mental health issues.
-Tips for Mental Health Promotion During Pandemic: Great way to remember many different things you should be doing to acknowledge your own wellbeing during this time. 
-Recreation and Wellness: Different activities provided to help maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Student-Affairs/Counseling-Health-Services

5. Western Kentucky University: WKU offers free healthcare services to students.

Free Resources at WKU:
-Counseling (Call 270-745-3159 to make an appointment): Discuss different problems or mental health issues you are facing with a counselor.
-Group Counseling: A list of outreach topics is provided under the counseling webpage. Students will be able to meet in groups and discuss their different experiences, providing support for each other. 
-Clinical Testing: Different assessments to determine cognitive/symptom measurements, substance abuse inventories, and personality measurements.
-WellU: A great way for students to be involved and develop healthy habits and lifestyles. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit: https://www.wku.edu/heretohelp/






6. Asbury University offers mostly free counseling services for students. 

-Call (859) 858-3511, x2277 to speak with an on-call counselor. 
-Individual Counseling: One on one discussion about concerns that may include, other relationships, anxiety, stress management, and any other mental health issues. 
-Couples Counseling: This is encouraged for couples at any stage in their relationship. This is great for communicating with your significant other, dealing with conflict resolutions, determining life goals, and much more.
-Conflict Meditation: Professionally trained counselors meet with you to help you develop conflict resolution skills and skills that will help you further advocate for yourself when needed. 
-Crisis Counseling: Counselors will do their best to meet with students requiring immediate counseling. 
-Self-Help Library: Access books and other virtual pamphlets on helpful topics. 
-Stress Reduction Exercises: Many recordings can be found and listened to help with mindfulness. 
-Self-Evaluator: Take mental health screenings that can help identify underlying issues you might be dealing within your life. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit:
https://www.asbury.edu/about/offices/student-services/wholeness-wellness/counseling/services-resources/ 





7. Bellarmine University:  Counseling at Bellarmine is free including confidential mental health services for all enrolled students. 

-Call 502.272.8480 for the counseling center.
-Mental Health Screenings: Anonymous mental health screenings assess if you may be experiencing symptoms associated with mental health issues.
-Online Workshops: Online workshops are provided in the summer over various mental health topics. Access to online modules to help cope with different issues can be found on their website as well.
-Group Therapy: Meeting with a group of people can offer support from peers, further develop skills, receive feedback, and enhance social skills. 
-Understanding Important Issues: Information and signs eating disorders, alcohol/drugs, and sexual assault can be found on their website. 

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit:
https://www.bellarmine.edu/studentaffairs/counselingcenter/ 



8. Campbellsville University offers free, confidential, and professional counseling for students.
To schedule an appointment call (270) 789-5070 or (270) 789-5005

Other free resources include:
-Mental Health Screenings
-Coping Skills and Methods
-Mental Health Awareness Seminars
-Group Counseling
-Referral Services if you’re concerned about others
-Educational Information

For more information on these resources and other resources not mentioned above please visit:
https://www.campbellsville.edu/campus-life/student-services/counseling-services/


If your college was not included and would like it to be, please let us know. If you have any other questions or concerns reach out to us at 859-684-7778.

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Fireworks and mental health

7/2/2020

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Every year, Kentuckians set off thousands of fireworks.

While there are legal issues if you set off fireworks, we all know they will happen sometime in our neighborhoods.

But did you know fireworks can be a mental health issue for your neighbors?
For some, hearing a firework near their home begins a cycle of intense fear, flashbacks to past events, and even paranoia for several days. 

Post Traumatic Stress can happen in anyone who has experienced trauma. Victims of gun violence, military veterans, immigrants from war-torn countries, and many others could have damaging, negative experiences because of your celebration.

If you are going to set off personal fireworks somewhere, please use the following tips to minimize the mental health damage to your neighbors:
  • Limit the fireworks to scheduled times in your area, or the July 4th holiday.
  • Alert your neighbors of any plans you have, with enough notice they can leave or take precautions.
  • Don’t set off fireworks after 11:00 pm. Later fireworks are less expected, and reactions can be worse.
  • Be willing to stop when someone asks.

If you are experiencing PTSD, some tips for you:
  • Purchase noise-canceling headphones. These can muffle the sounds and sometimes even eliminate them.
  • Plan to be somewhere you feel safe and secure for the 4th of July weekend.
  • Be upfront with those around you about your potential reaction.
  • Talk to your therapist about other ways you can tailor interventions to your unique needs.

If you are concerned you or a loved one has PTSD, please take a free mental health screening at mhaky.org/mental-health-screenings.html. If you need more information, please reach out to us at 859-684-7778 (call or text) or email mhaky@mhaky.org.

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SUmMER 2020 QUARANTINE GUIDE FOR PARENTS

6/10/2020

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by Maggie Almasri
Resources, learning tools, and activities for children and parents at-home in quarantine.

Many people are struggling during this time. With a lot of daycares not open due to the pandemic, we understand how difficult this can be for parents.  We hope this guide will help parents better understand coping methods for their children and provide them with fun at-home activities to deal with boredom. 
​

Activities For Children: 
- Outdoor Activities 
 -Indoor Activities
 -Crafts
 -Involves Food
       
Additional Free Resources:
 -Educational
 -Entertainment

Tips for Parents:
-Understanding coping methods

Have tips and ideas that aren't in our original post? Send them to mhaky@mhaky.org and we'll be happy to add.
​​
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Summer Activities for Kids: COVID-19 Edition

6/10/2020

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By Casey Malley
​Summer 2020 may cause for a change in summer plans, but there are still ways for your children to enjoy their time off school, instead of laying on the couch all day complaining that they are bored and that there is nothing to do.
 
Here is a list of 10 different options to do with your kids, while proactively social distancing from others!

1. Virtual Summer Camps!  As summer is a time to go visit different zoos, museums and aquariums are a fun place to learn about the world around us, many are offering virtual camps and tours to keep your young ones curious about the world around them.
           
Check out this USA Today article below and Jamestown Settlement’s website  to see what children museums are offering online programs!
  • https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/10best/2020/04/27/kids-activities-childrens-museums-offer-online-quarantine-programs/111582436/
  • https://www.historyisfun.org/webcasts/
            Check out Birch Aquarium’s website to enroll your children in its online summer camp!
  • https://aquarium.ucsd.edu
 
2. Camping!  
As some areas start to open up for the summer, this is  a perfect time to take your kids camping. Camping is not only a great time to spend quality time together, it is also a great time to teach your young ones some useful tips of survival. Teaching young ones how to build fires, make a tent, fish, or even make a meal over the flame, it is a fun and interactive time spent with nature. The link below takes you to all the different states to help you find out what campgrounds are open near you! https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/campground-closures-list-covid-19/#state parks
Even if you are not the most outdoorsy type of people, camping can also be a blast in your backyard! Setting up a tent, making hotdogs over a fire and enjoying s'mores, catching lightning bugs, playing different campfire songs and games and much more,  this can be a time to have the whole family be outside and enjoy each other’s company. Even if you're just in your backyard, there is just something different than sleeping on a sleeping bag compared to one's bed- as it can create stories for years to come.

3. Pool closed? No problem!  
  • As pools seem to not be opening up this summer, there are still fun ways to cool off from the hot sun. Make or buy a slip-and-slide, as this can be the hit of the summer.
  • Or go to the local store and buy a sprinkler, where it can have your kids running around for hours.
  • Water balloon fights are always a fan favorite, as this is a fun way to release some steam from being locked up at home for months :)
 
4. Sign Up for your local library Summer Reading Program!
 
Many different schools and districts are offering reading programs, to get its students engaged with each other and to keep their minds working. The link below takes you to Kentucky’s summer reading programs, along with the reminders of the importance of reading. https://kdla.ky.gov/librarians/programs/summerreading/Pages/default.aspx

5. Wild Safari Drive Thru! Looking for  a little bit of a roadtrip to the safari? Stay in your car, and watch and feed all of the exotic animals.

6. Biking  
This is a perfect time to teach your kids how to bike, and if they already do, this summer is a great way to enjoy time together and take some rides along different trials throughout Kentucky. Not only is this a fun activity for everyone to do, it is also a great way to stay active during the summer, as biking is a great workout.

7. Drive- In Movie Theaters!  
As the weather is starting to get warmer consistently, enjoy time in your car, socially distant from others, by enjoying new films coming out this summer at a Drive- In Movie Theater. Put all the seats down in the car and lay in the trunk of your car with blankets or bring lawn chairs and blankets to set up outside your car to enjoy the film!

8. Become a Scientist! Dedicate one day of each week to experimenting different science  experiments. This is not only fun, but teaches your kids problem- solving issues, while doing hands on activities. 
 
Some examples can be making volcanoes, slime, homemade ice cream, view the different density of liquids, make a balloon blow up with yeast, and so much more!

9. Master the Kitchen!  
Try new recipes in the kitchen. Have each person in the family find a recipe and have them be in charge of cooking it for everyone (help the kids out, obviously). This can be a great way to venture out people’s appetite and change the family’s eating habits!
  • Buy a cookie kit from a local bakery to not only enjoy tasty desserts, but support local restaurants! The link below has some examples of cookie kits mainly in Louisville, but outside of the Louisville area!
    • https://louisvillefamilyfun.net/2020/03/where-to-get-cookie-kits.html 

10. 
Make a garden! Make a garden in your yard, and teach your children the responsibilities of taking care of the plants. Teach them how to weed out an area for the soil, how to properly plant each plant, how to make sure no animals get into the plants, and some basics of yard work. Don’t be afraid to get our hands dirty.   
You can also make a birdhouse and put it out by the garden, along with a bird feeder, to bring nature into your yard, and see all the different kinds of birds that come into your yard. 

If you want to share your kids' activities with us, please post on social media with #MHAKY or send photos to mhaky@mhaky.org. Feel free to email us with YOUR tips and tricks.
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Uncomfortable conversations: our commitment

6/5/2020

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At Mental Health America of Kentucky, we provide mental health education, information, and resources to anyone who asks for it. We aim to do so in a spirit of cultural humility, deferring to individuals with lived experience to tell us what they need and what changes they’d like to see.
People don’t typically reach out for mental health information or education when they’re comfortable.
We have uncomfortable and difficult conversations all the time. We will continue to have them.
We hear you, Black Lives Matter.
We hear you, Louisville. 
We hear you. 
All of you.


We see your tears, your anguish, your stress, your anxiety. 

We share information about your health inequities and we lift it up in statewide discussions. We continue to promote healing of trauma - including racial trauma - through training and information sessions.

The time for listening is still now, but we hear you asking for additional action.

We can’t fix racism alone. Our board is more diverse than ever, but we’re in need of more of your voices at our table. We’re rededicating ourselves to recruit board members whose voices are strong in their communities - not just geographic communities - but cultural, racial, and ethnic communities.

We rededicate ourselves to addressing disparities in mental health treatment in Kentucky.

There are far too few Black mental health professionals in the Commonwealth and across the United States. We rededicate ourselves to promoting the stories of those professionals who do practice here and will continue asking mental health professional organizations to promote their work to Black Kentuckians. We will continue to lift up the voices of Black persons with lived experience.

There is no health without mental health. 
There is no mental health in a commonwealth that promotes or tolerates white supremacy and racial injustice.

Mental health providers and peers are available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-372-8255 and via text (“MHA”) to 741741.

Contact us if you would like to be at our table.  Email mhaky@mhaky.org or call/text 859-684-7778.

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gRIEVING THE DERBY: MENTAL HEALTH TIPS FOR GETTING THROUGH THIS TOGETHER

4/29/2020

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Grieving the Derby: 
Mental Health Tips for Getting Through This Together
By Marcie Timmerman, Executive Director, Mental Health America of Kentucky

The Kentucky Derby is much more than a two-minute horse race. It is an event that signals Spring is here and Summer is on its way. It is a gathering of family and friends. It means special food, special drinks, hats, flowers, and a feeling of pride in being from Kentucky. The 2020 Kentucky Derby has been postponed to September because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The postponement has led to feelings of deep sadness, loneliness, anger, and all the other emotions that come from grief. It's one piece of an overall grief for the pre-pandemic "normal." We have collected some tips for helping yourself and your family get through this time.
  • Have empathy for yourself and others. We are all dealing with things being uncertain, with changes to ourselves and our families and the world around us. Being sad or missing the Derby is one feeling among many during these times, and those feelings are valid. Resist the urge to one-up someone’s feelings. Don’t tell others how to feel. Listen without judgment and be supportive.
  • Connect with friends and family. You are not alone in how you feel. Connect with others who understand what this event means to you. Use video calling, telephones, or even start a watch party on Netflix of your favorite Derby-themed movie.
  • Make the Derby food. For many, Derby party food is served only once per year. The recipes have been passed down for generations. There's no reason to deny yourself a little fun with food right now. Wear your masks, shop local when you can, and be safe about it. It's okay to make smaller portions of your favorite party foods and have an at-home feast to welcome the good weather. Finding yourself too short on cash to have your usual fun foods? See other steps.
  • Wear the hat, the suit, the fun gear. It's okay to have a Derby-themed gathering at home no matter what the time of year. Kids, especially, love an excuse to get dressed up. Adults do too. Wear your hat, wear the suit, dress up in your favorite Derby tee. This is your license to have a little fun while being #HealthyatHome. Don’t have fancy clothes? Make some Derby accessories out of recycled materials.
  • Feel the feelings, but keep them in context. Don't give in to the inclination to catastrophize this event. "We will get through this together," as Gov. Beshear says.
  • Channel your extra energy, funds, or time into doing good. If you're lucky enough to be financially stable, send some of that betting money to charities in your area. Brighten someone else's day. Doing good makes you feel good.
Need more ideas? Having feelings that are more complicated? Contact us at 859-684-7778 or check out www.mhaky.org for mental health providers, tip sheets on COVID-19 and our Tools 2 Thrive kit for Mental Health Month.
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Save Lives - End the Death Penalty for Individuals with SPMI

2/24/2020

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Picture
a note from coalition partner Fr. Patrick Delahanty of Louisville:

Senate Bill 154 is to ban executions of seriously mentally ill persons and will be heard in the S. Judiciary CommitteeThursday, February 27th. 

Because the vote will be close in committee, we need your help badly. If your State Senator is: Stephen West, Danny Caroll, Michael Nemes, John Schickel, Will Shroeder, or Phillip Wheeler, they are a member of the committee who has not committed to YEs and it is very important that he hears from you before next week's vote.

Please call 1.800.372.7181 and ask the staff person to deliver a message to your State Senator.

This is the message: Dear Senator I support passage of Senate Bill 154. I believe that when a person is seriously mentally ill at the time of a crime, even a heinous crime like murder, they should not be held to the same standard of culpability as you or I who are not mentally ill. This bill exempts them from the death penalty, but still holds them accountable by providing for lengthy prison sentences, even life without parole. I urge you to join me in supporting SB 154 when it comes up for a vote in committee on February 27. Please let me know how you plan to vote.

Please use the above language or words of your own choosing to make it clear you support the bill and you want their support. As a constituent your voice is very important and now is the time to press for support. On behalf of all those whose lives may be saved after this bill passes, I thank you. This fact sheet was prepared for the House version of the bill, but applies equally to SB 154. You are part of that 82% of Kentuckians who support this measure. You might want to let your State Senator know that also.

Photo credit: Steve Benson/Creators Syndicate, US News World Report

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Open Doors to Treatment for Teens Experiencing Homelessness: Support HB 213

2/24/2020

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by Marcie Timmerman

Homeless teens in Kentucky who are over age 16 deserve to receive mental health treatment.
They can't currently get it.
​

Teens in homelessness who are separated from their parents, or disowned by their parents, are not eligible to receive mental health treatment without their parents' permission. The same parents whose behaviors or attitudes may have been reasons for the teen being homeless.

HB 213 would clearly outline that mental health professionals can provide services to teens in homelessness who are age 16 or older without parental permission. It has been referred to the Senate Health & Welfare Committee and has a real chance of passing.

Please call 1-800-372-7181 and leave a message for Senate Health & Welfare Committee to hear and pass this bill. This 2 minute phone call will help move it forward, and likely will save a life. We know for a fact they hear the bills they hear the most about. There's no opposition to this bill. Let's get it passed in 2020.
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Surviving the Holidays & Winter BREAK....

12/17/2019

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Holiday Stress? Worried about surviving Winter Break?
We've gathered some resources on both of those topics!


Short list of our favorite tips:
  • Be realistic about your expectations. This goes for gift-giving, family dynamics, friends, and your own time.
  • Take time out to enjoy something. If there's nothing about the holiday seasons that is stress-free to you, focus on something else. This can also be a good time to engage in a breathing exercise or meditation.
  • Plan. For as much as you can ahead of time, plan. Make a budget. Plan your time. Plan your activities. Plan your exit from gatherings which may be stressful.
  • Live in the Joy.  This is a mindfulness tip of sorts. Allow yourself to feel happy. Don't smother the happy with a to-do list or a feeling of guilt because someone else can't be with you or experience the same thing. It's okay to feel joy.
  • Learn to say no. Whether you're staying sober or refraining from the ongoing to-do list, learning to say no is a skill all of us need to practice every single day.

Additional Resources you can share with your families and friends:
5 Things To Do When the Holidays Aren't Exactly Uplifting by MHA National
Winter Break Survival Tips for College Students by MHA National
Holiday Depression & Stress by MHA Wisconsin
Women and the Holiday Blues by the American Psychological Association
Making the Most of the Holiday Season by the American Psychological Association
Stress, Depression and the Holidays by the Mayo Clinic
How to Manage Holiday Stress and Depression by the American Institute of Stress
5 Ways to Manage Your Health Over the Holidays by Forbes

How to Cope with Grief During the Holidays by Psychology Today
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    Marcie Timmerman

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