Wasatch Review Wasatch Mental Health October 2014 Letter from the Executive Team I heard a family that used the phrase “We do hard things” as a motto to help encourage their children to give their best effort even when it was difficult. As I approach my tenth anniversary with WMH, I can say I have seen our team face some difficult challenges. While we have faced some difficult challenges, I’m more than impressed with the accomplishments I have observed our organization make. We could also say that at WMH “We do hard things”. Let me mention a few of these things. Remember the robust economy back in 2007? The stock market was rising, home prices were soaring, unemployment was very uncommon, you could freely board an airplane without a strip search, and consumer confidence in the economy was high. What happened at MWH that year? We had a financial loss of more than a million dollars. We had to make significant cuts in personnel, we adopted productivity standards, we focused on client service. It was challenging and difficult, but that process caused us to improve and those changes continue to benefit us today. ( By the way, we also will show a substantial operating loss in FY2014, the year just ended on Volume 8, Issue 10 Inside this issue: Executive Report 1 Blood Drive 2 Employees Birth- 3 day , Transfers, new hire, departures Todd Phillips Briefing Report 4 CFO Success Stories 5 WMH Announcements 7 June 30. The difference is that we had planned that outcome in FY2014 and will move forward into FY2015 with expanded programs and numbers of employees. ) When I came to WMH in 2005, the center recently had changed to a new electronic records system. The conversion had been difficult and using it continued to be a challenge. After working for a couple of years, some improvements were made but it just wasn’t meeting our needs. We teamed up with a sister agency and brought in Junction as our electronic records system. While Junction continues to evolve and improve, we are actively involved in the direction of that process. We now have reliable realtime data to use in making deci- October Obser- 8 vances The Plate Method 9 Tips for Fall Fitness 10 Cultural Compe- 12 tency Key Indicators 13 Contributions for the newsletter are welcome! Send to [email protected] sions. This system has been a great benefit to us. not always easy, but we make this a high priority and are committed to continuing this pattern. A couple of years ago, the landscape of mental health delivery in Utah changed. As an agency, we believed we could do a better job of helping our clients. We changed to an acuity based care model for the delivery of services. There was angst and concern over this change, we ran into problems, and we continue to talk about this on a regular basis. That doesn’t meant we don’t continue to have challenges, but we are moving ahead and improving each day. Each year we have a site review from representatives from the State Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH). They review our entire agency from finance matters to client care and clinical records. They were very complimentary of our accomplishment in adopting the acuity based care model. We have had clean audits for the last three years in a row. As we continue to move forward, there will be more challenges down the road. As a team, I think we have all that is needed for us to be successful. As we provide value to our community, we will be rewarded with their support. Our authority board consists of the three county commissioners. They are very supportive of our mission. We have felt great support in recent years from those who have noticed the contribution we make to the community and the good we do in the lives of our clients. The county commission selected WMH as the financial beneficiary of an annual golf tournament they organize. The popular band Neon Trees performed a benefit concert in our behalf. It not only raised money but increased awareness regarding autism. Orem City held a special event in memory of Robin Williams a few weeks ago and invited WMH to participate. These opportunities and others came to In the past several years WMH has pursued an active us as a result of the good work done in recent years. plan to be a preferred employer. We want to be an organization that can attract and retain good employees. Our compensation and benefit plans are very A major concern and focus right now is in the area competitive in the market. Our physical facilities of integrated health care. There are opportunities have also seen improvements. Many buildings have and potential challenges for us. After several years been remodeled and updated. Does anyone else of efforts and discussion, we are excited to have miss the old Lake New Vista that used to exist in the Mountainlands Community Health open a clinic in parking lot on the Parkview campus? How about the our Westpark building. This is a crucial opportucold brick feeling that greeted visitors as they ennity to improve the physical healthcare options tered Westpark? There was a time when these situa- available to our clients. We are extremely fortunate tions seemed to be a permanent part of our culture. to have this opportunity for affordable, high quality Thank goodness for these changes. and convenient care available to our clients and WMH is unusual among our peers with respect to staff. Please make sure you are familiar with this the good relationships we have with our other comnew clinic on the second floor. munity partners. We value these opportunities to work with others in serving those in need. This is Red Cross Blood Drive The next blood drive will be held on October 15 from 11:00-3:00 p.m. at Parkview Campus. Please plan ahead to sign up! Volume 8, Issue 10 Page 2 Employees Birthdays in September Kaitlin Bartholomew Julie Westwood 10/3 Jessica Helms Jared Casey 10/4 Alan Hunt Darren Gillespie 10/4 Kurtis Pugh Terry Brady 10/5 Kelsey LeBaron Alyssa Ashton 10/5 Brittany Clay Vicky Hernandez 10/6 McKell Bond Rebecca Kidd 10/6 Caleb McClellan 10/7 Darsi Powell 10/7 Roger Peay 10/8 Natasha Johnson 10/10 Mary Lambson 10/12 Ryan Perkins 10/14 Holli Howland 10/14 Brigham Breton 10/15 Monte Memmott 10/15 Doran Williams 10/17 Hilary Wilson 10/17 Casey Greer 10/20 Katrina Cook 10/21 Carmen Creal 10/21 Katy Gibson 10/21 Colleen Oshier 10/22 Tricia Brown 10/25 Elaine Losee 10/27 Bryant Jenks 10/29 Hannah Bellnap 10/31 Barrett Johnson 10/31 Jill Klemetson New Hires Kathy Younkin—GS Brooke Hatfield—GS Brent Lybbert—GS Ryan Busch—GS Kelly Brose NV Jonathan Hammond—Xcel Michelle Weaver—VP Stephanie Gardner—VP Tanner Hickman—VP Kaitlyn Dixon—VP Ralf Barnes Adm Jordan Dye—VP Dennis Rasmussen—Maint Eric Bylund—VP Reagan Mulleneaux Youth Serv Taylor Nielsen—Aspire Dixy Escalante—Youth Serv Tyree Thurgood—Aspire Chanel Nagaishi—PFC Mark Skiles—Aspire Megan Jackson—PFC Jennifer Burchacki Psych Lynette Beard—SFFC Tessa Salisbury—Psych Myriam Bardsley—SFFC Kimberlee Hughes—Clerical Jessica Berry—AFFC Holly “Tileah” Patterson—AOP Chelsey Hicken—AFFC Scott Innes—CSS Carron Zullo—AFFC Dawn Leavitt—CSS Paul Dymock—AFFC Brelynn Downs—SDS Annie Peterson—Stride Kylie Marsala—SDS Audrey South—Stride Fania Amburn—SDS Kurtis Pugh—Stride Melinda Chamberlain—SDS Jacky McAlister—WCFC Samantha Pehrson SDS,/CSS Jeff Carlson Hannah Cox—IRT Helen Latu—GS Grace Lisch—IRT Jenissa Nichols—GS Alesa Van Dyke—IRT Shyanne Diaz—GS AnnaLisa Tyler—IRT Melissa Hathaway—GS Elaine Losee—IRT Ryan Card from Stride to Autism Charity Mitchell—GS Kanani Carmack—IRT David Latu from FT to PT NV Kaylor Ficklin—GS Danielle Okelberry MPC Kelly Fullmer from pt to FT AFFC Kaitlin Nichols—GS Sarah Higbee—VP Transfers Jessica Read from Stride to WRC Leaving us Charlotte Hill—GS Briana Boudreaux—GS JonPaul Boyle Heidi Josephson—GS Shyanne Diaz Nick Top—GS Kevin Adams Page 3 Wasatch Review Briefing Report Highlights Adm—According to the recent 2014 Scorecard developed by the DSAMH, WMH continues to be the leader in collecting the Y/OQ within the state. J. Korbanka, Ph.D. had invited the DSAMH leadership and the Department Director, Ann Williamson, as well as several allied agencies to a meeting about the Systems of Care (SOC) initiative (for which Utah County serves as one of the pilot sites). The meeting was well attended and outlined how Catherine Johnson, LCSW, and her team have successfully implemented the SOC protocol for several cases. The meeting was very well received and Ann Williamson, the Director of the Department of Social Services commented very positively on the dedication of the Utah County Local Mental Health Authority and the allied agencies. GIANT Steps—GIANT Steps was able to add an additional treatment room in Provo School District. PSD is providing a classroom for GIANT Steps at Franklin Elementary School on 600 West and 300 South in Provo. AFFC—Greenwood Elementary has agreed again to host the Strengthening Families Program in American Fork. A community interagency partnership between Orem schools, Volume 8, Issue 10 DCFS, law enforcement, and Wasatch Mental Health had their first meeting and DCFS presented on their services. Sam Ashton was able to attend in behalf of Wasatch Mental Health. He was able to share with the group about the services we can offer in the schools. Wasatch Mental Health has been invited to present in October’s meeting. Bryant Jenks will be presenting. WCFC—This past month we participated with the Wasatch County Health Department, Caring Community Coalition and other community partners in sponsoring the first Dinner in the Park event. This event was to strengthen families and to encourage families to have dinner together. A dinner was provided at the park for families and then several booths were set up with each booth having an ingredient that was given to have a family dinner at home. As participants came to each booth information about strengthening families was provided in addition to the food item. After visiting all booths the family would then have the necessary ingredients to have a family dinner on their own at home. This event was very successful with over 400 individuals participating. port Conference. She demonstrated courageous and graceful assertiveness when she respectfully offered a counter point to the key note speaker’s premise that recovery without medication is liberating. Leslie also did a good job of having WMH well represented at this conference. Psych—The following comment was received recently from one of the prescribers: "You guys are cranking out such great reports. I just had two new clients that had psych testing done and it made it so much easier to evaluate what is happening". Med—Leslie Klein did an outstanding job co-hosting (along side Robert Snarr) the Peer Sup- Page 4 Success Stories ASPIRE—We have two residents that will be stepping down into proctor/foster care within the next 2 to 3 weeks. They have made very good progress and we are excited for them. One of these girls just completed all of her school credits, so she is helping Stu in the kitchen. We are so proud of her! SFFC School Based—I have been working with [a client], who has not been able to attend public school for 2 years. She became really depressed after her parents divorced, and then started having health problems. She had also struggled with social anxiety since she was in elementary school. Health where they both had an evaluation and were given different therapists to work with them. Allyson Guilbert works with Mark [name changed] and Kayelyn Robinson with Lisa [name changed]. Sometimes progress seems so slow and I appreciated both the therapists who would collaborate with me on treatment. at recess. She refused to do any school work at school, because it was "too boring," and was constantly being sent to the office. Today she said she won super star student of the week, because she has been following all the rules. She has 4 friends that she plays with everyday at recess. And the school thinks she is a totally different kiddo.... Best part I asked her how she shows her mom respect "by beAs I was filling out the OQ forms today, I realized just how ing nice to be around and make far these precious children have sure to listen to her when she is giving directions." come. They are doing so much better, even with the knowledge You guys did good work :) that they won't be going back to Saw her yesterday, at Salem High School. She was the happiest I had their parents for a long time...if GIANT Steps—A parent reever seen her. She stated "School is ever. They are still being traumarked that Giant Steps really amazing!!" She had not missed one matized with the news of their day, and has not been late once. We parents going in and out of jail, “spoiled” their family in terms having their parents lie to them, of the quantity and quality of worked with her school counselor to get a good fitting 504 Jeans. She and making a new life. And yet, services we provided them. This parent had her child with they are REALLY ok! started the summer deficient 10 us last year and now the child credits. Now she only has to make I am so Thankful to Allyson and is in another program in the up 3 (thanks to her awesome school Kayelyn for helping our family county and she has had trouble counselor). Her mom stated "This in this hard thing. I couldn't adjusting because “they don’t is the Morgan I lost 2 years ago." have done this without them. provide the same quality of And these children couldn't care.” She said she was very grateful for the time she was SFFC OP—“I am the grandmother have either.” able to have her child in Giant to Mark and Lisa [names changed] and they have been in my home Steps. SFFC—So, I thought I would since June 2013 when their parents just share this little success. were arrested. The children had Since you guys don’t always get AOP—a woman with a long been living a pretty dysfunctional to see the results of all your history of suicidal ideation and lifestyle up until that point. To put it hard work... attempts. She has Major Depresmildly, they were traumatized and I met with our friend C. and her sion and PTSD. Her therapist had many negative habits. The mom; she is doing awesome at indicates that “the client has hardest thing was their inability to school! Complete 180. At the maintained stability and proidentify and "get out" the feelings end of the school year she had gressed enough in therapy”. they were feeling. Our caseworker zero friends, and was the bully had us come to Wasatch Mental She has decided that she only Page 5 Wasatch Review Success Stories Cont... needs to come to therapy about once a month. A second woman with a diagnosis of Major Depression, panic disorder, and has an abuse history has also maintained good stability. She has now reduced therapy to two times per month. She has increased effective boundary setting and reduced thinking errors. Supportive Housing—We have had a significant success story with a client who had been residing with his mother and step father in the Springville area, who was very suicidal and not managing his moods very well and was hospitalized for his suicidal intent. As he was an adult in his mid 20’s, he had become very dependent on his mother and she was very protective of him and his perceived needs. After some intensive therapy with Laura Oaks and intensive case management by Tom Robertshaw with both the client and his family, we were able to assist in stabilizing this client. He was referred to the clubhouse, however, he was so troubled with anxiety he ran away and refused to come back. Several staff including the manager of the department encouraged him and convinced him to stay and give it a try. He had not spent time away from his home in over a year. After a couple of successful days at clubhouse, he moved into Alpine House for more independent living and was doing fairly well. His mother needed lots of encouragement and coaching on letting go and having the treatment team take on some of his anxiety and concerns. He and his mother have a more healthy relationship and his mood has increased significantly and he is managing his anxiety much better. He has recently moved towards more independence at the SRT apartments and is doing very well. been working very hard once clients are finally able to find an apartment, to provide wrap around services so that the client remains stable and able to stay in the apartment for long periods of time. These efforts were noticed by a local owner of several properties and is offering the BRIDGE team first preference of vacant apartments as they become open. This partnership is new, but a result of close monitoring of clients that would otherwise be homeless or living out of a motel room week to week. We are working with local housing authorities to extend shared housing contracts to a new complex that could potentially open 24 new rooms for rent. We have placed several clients with this owner’s properties and have been able to navigate problems as they arise since the owner is an invested partner in our clients recovery. Bridge—Our BRIDGE Team has struggled since the beginning to find adequate housing resources for our clients. Most of the BRIDGE clients have criminal, credit and rental histories that make them an undesirable risk for housing assistance and rental contracts. Our case managers have Page 6 Newsletter Title Wasatch Mental Health Announcements and Updates Didactic Training for October October 1st: Mike Lambert, Ph.D. speaking on OQ45 October 15th: Gary Burlingame, Ph.D speaking on Group Psychotherapy October 22nd: Jared Warren, Ph.D presenting on YOQ: Research update on Clinical Support Tool. In consultation with Weber Human Services (they have an integrated Physical and Mental Care System), we have learned that one of the ways to help introduce clients to an integrated system is to let them see the actual clinic and make the connection with their potential physical health care provider. Consequently, we would like to invite any and all clients to the following: October the 29th: Marilyn Call, LCSW Division Director for Div. of Services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Sanderson Center) And Joene Nicolaisen, LPC, LVRC, Case Manager will be presenting on the challenges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Mountainlands Community Health Center and Wasatch Mental Health Open House October 8, 2014 1:30 – 3:30 PM 750 N Freedom Blvd Suite 201 If any Wasatch Mental Health employees would like to attend any of these didactic sessions that are in the West Park Boardroom from 1-3pm on these dates, please email Randy Pennington, or Judy Love so that we can have adequate seating available. Mountain Lands Department of Aging will be hosting a Health Fair on October 16th at the Provo Recreation Center Provo Utah Please invite any clients that you work with to come and see their new potential Medical Home. The Medical Team will be available that day to introduce themselves to our clients. Any help that you can provide in extending a personal invitation to this event would be appreciated. In addition, Mountainlands Community Health Center has extended to WMH employees and clients a $5 off coupon for your prescription through the pharmacy. We have also clarified that the coupon can be given to client, a family member, friend, or neighbor. These coupons can be obtained through your respective Program Manger. Volume 8, Issue 10 Page 7 Observances for October Monthly Observances 6-12 Drive Safely Work Week 10. World Mental Health Day Adopt a Dog Month Financial Planning Week 11. Universal Music Day Antidepressant Death Awareness Month 10-16 Take Your Medicine Americans Week 12. Spanish Language Day Bullying Prevention Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month 12-20 Bone and Joint Health Awareness Week 14. National Face Your Fears Day Eat Better, Eat Together Month Earth Science Week 15. National Grouch Day Emotional Wellness Month National Food Bank Week 16. Boss’s Day German-American Heritage Month Teen Read Week 17. Mammography Day World Rainforest Week 18. Bridge Day Halloween Safety Month National Crime Prevention Month 19-25 Free From Bullies Week 19. Evaluate Your Life Day National Character Counts 20. Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day Friends of Libraries Week National Dental Hygiene Month Save for Retirement Week National Domestic Violence Month Red Ribbon Week National Book Month National Physical Therapy Month National Popcorn Poppin’ Month National Pork Month 20-26 Freedom of Speech Week Health Education Week 24-31 Prescription Errors Education & Awareness Week National Seafood Month World Origami Days Organize Your Medical Information Month Polish American Heritage Month Positive Attitude Month Weekly Observances 1-7 Universal Children’s Week 4-11 Fall Astronomy Week World Space Week Great Books Week Carry A Tune Week Volume 8, Issue 10 21. Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity Day 22. National Nut Day 23. IPod Day National School Bus Safety National Protect Your Hearing National Substance Abuse Prevention Month 13. English Language Day October Daily Observances 1. International Day of Older Persons 2. Guardian Angels Day 24. World Punkin Chunkin Championships 3. National Diversity Day 25. National Forgiveness Day 4. Improve Your Office Day 26. Howl at the Moon Night 5. World Teachers Day 27. Cranky Co-workers Day 6. Techie’s Day 28. National Chocolates Day 7. You Matter to Me Day 29. Internet Day 8. National Bring Your Teddy 30. Haunted Refrigerator Night Bear to Work & School Day 31. National Knock-Knock Jokes Day 9. Depression Screening Day Page 8 Wasatch Mental Health Wellness Programs Page 9 Wasatch Review Tips For Fall Fitness by Web M.D. Archive How many New Year's Eves have you spent sipping champagne and vowing to get more fit in the coming year? And how many times have you failed to follow through? Durkin, MS, fitness coach and owner of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, Calif. Discover park trails and take in some new scenery, whether you're walking, biking, or in-line skating, he suggests. "December 31 over a drink is too late to set goals and make promises," says Justin Price, owner of The Biomechanics, a personal train- In places where snow falls early, try cross country skiing or snowshoeing and wellness coaching facility ing. Or, if you live near the beach, in San Diego, Calif. get out and play volleyball, throw the Frisbee around, or play a vigorFall, on the other hand, is a great ous game of fetch with your dog. time to start a fitness program because "'you're going to create good "It's a great time to do beach activihabits for the holiday season and the upcoming winter months," says ties because it's so much less crowded," says Price. Price. Chris Freytag, a fitness instructor and fitness expert withPrevention magazine, agrees. "With the change of seasons comes a renewed time to rethink and restart," she says. "'What's so special about January?" Continue reading below... Besides, says Freytag, a mother of three, moms with school-aged kids "think of September as the new year." Here are 10 ways to start making the most of the season. And who knows? This year, you might be in great shape before that New Year's Eve party rolls around. 3. Be an active TV watcher. Many people get geared up for fall premieres of their favorite television shows, says Freytag. "If you're going to sit down and watch hours of TV, get moving," she suggests. "Make a date with exercise and TV." While you watch, you can walk or run in place, do standing lunges, do tricep dips off the couch, or lift weights. During commercials, do push-ups or sit-ups. In a one-hour show, you probably have close to 20 minutes worth of commercial interruption. If you're near a lake, try kayaking or canoeing, for an excellent wholebody workout and a great change of 4. Integrate exercise into your life. You pace. already know the obvious suggestions: park farther away from your destination; And remember, it doesn't have to take stairs instead of elevators; take a seem like exercise to be a great walk during your lunch break. Here are a workout. few that are less obvious: "Raking leaves or doing some fall outdoor yard work is a great way to get the heart pumping, and it's great calorie-burning," says Freytag. 2. Think outside the box. Always wanted to learn to tap dance? Attempt to box? Master the jump rope? Ask any schoolchild: Fall is a great time to learn something new. Many classes at gyms and else1. Take advantage of the weather. where get started in the fall, so look around and see if something inFall can be a treat for the senses: trigues you. the crisp air, apple picking, pumpkin carving, a gorgeous canopy of And with the kids in school, parents fall foliage, and the crunch of have more time to check out those leaves underfoot. These months are classes, Freytag says. a great time to exercise outdoors and enjoy cooler temperatures. Fall is the perfect time to gain new physical skills, Price says, because "Walking, hiking and cycling are you burn fewer calories when you all awesome in the fall," says Todd begin a new activity (thanks to the Volume 8, Issue 10 learning curve). If you learn something new now, by next summer, you'll have mastered the skill -- and you'll burn more calories doing it, just in time for swimsuit season. If you're spending the afternoon taking kids to soccer practice, instead of reading a book or visiting with another parent, "why not walk around the outside of the field while they practice?", suggests Price. "Or (if you feel comfortable) warm up and cool down with the kids." Or try "walking meetings," like those Price and his colleagues at Biomechanics often hold. '"We go for a walk, we brainstorm, and we figure out who's going to take what responsibilities," says Price. "'Things get achieved much more quickly," he says, and everyone feels better for doing it. You can even get moving while you get motivated -- for fitness or other life goals. '"Get some inspirational music or find a motivational talk and download it to your iPod," suggests Durkin. Walk while you listen for Page 10 30 minutes. 5. Rejuvenate yourself. Fall is the time to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit, says Durkin. Get a massage after your run. Learn to meditate. Take an art class. Treat yourself not just with exercise but other activities that promote wellness, he says, so you can feel good physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Continue reading below... 6. Remember the 30-day rule. "'It takes about four weeks for the body to adapt to lifestyle changes," says Price. That's why people who give up on their fitness programs tend to do so within the first 30 days. So, when the alarm goes off in the morning and it's darker and colder, don't roll over and hit the snooze button. "Try to stick with a program for a month," Price says. "After a month, behavior patterns will have adapted and it will be much easier to stick with it after that." Continue reading below... When cycling, affix a light to your helmet or bike. If possible, use trails or a local school track to avoid vehicle traffic. Try to work out at the same time every day, so drivers get used to seeing you. 9. Dress in layers. When exercising outside, layer your clothing. Before your body warms up, you may feel chilled, but once the blood gets pumping, you'll feel overdressed. These days, there's no lack of great weather gear. Freytag and Price recommend clothing with wicking, often called "DriFit."' This fabric wicks moisture away from your skin so you're not exercising with wet fabric hanging on you. Freytag suggests three layers: "The inner layer should be a moisture-wicking fabric, so it wicks away sweat and you're not chilled. The second layer should be a warmth layer, and the third layer should be a protective layer (like a windbreaker or rain slicker, depending on the weather)." 7. Strive for the 3 Cs. Freytag calls commitment, con"And don't forget the sunglasses," she warns. UV protecvenience, and consistency "the three Cs", and says tion is important year round. Fall sun can be blinding at having all three will lead to a successful fitness procertain times of the day. gram. First, exercise takes commitment. When a client complains to Freytag about a lack of time, she responds: "Tell me something I haven't heard before. We're all busy; that's just part of our lives. 10. Find your motivation. "People are motivated by different things," says Durkin. It's important to first discover what your individual goals are, whether it's losing weight, strengthening and toning, or preparing for a race or event, says Durkin. "You have to start planning exercise, just like you do everything else," like meetings, dinners, and getting kids to lessons and practice, she says. "Put in on the calendar, because later always turns into never." But goals aren't enough to get you there; you have to be motivated by the day-to-day workouts, he says. So choose something you'll enjoy doing and will be likely to keep up, whether it's walking or hiking with a friend, working with Convenience means choosing a gym that's close by, or a trainer, or taking part in a "boot camp" class. an activity you can do at home, or a time when you're Creating a challenge for yourself will motivate you, as will not likely to be interrupted. encouragement and accountability, he adds. "You want to Finally, there's consistency. "I'd rather see a brand-new know when you're doing a good job, and when you're not," says Durkin. client work out for 10 minutes a day rather than one hour every month," Freytag says Remember too, that anything worth having takes work. 8. Deal with darkness. The best way to enjoy fall is to exercise outdoors. But it is getting darker earlier, and "Tell me something you can do three times a week for 10 staying dark later in the morning, so be smart and safe. minutes and be great at? It doesn't exist," he says. "If it was easy to be great, everybody would be great." "Just because it's 6 p.m. (or a.m.) and dark doesn't mean you can't work out," says Durkin. If walking or running outdoors, he says, "wear a reflective vest and carry a flashlight." Volume 8, Issue 10 Page 11 Cultural Competency WHY RISK TAKING MAY INCREASE TEENS HAPPINESS By Marilyn Price-Mitchell, Ph.D. Quite the opposite. These students were describing the positive experience of pushing their psychological boundaries as they participated in a variety of community service activities. Some had come face-to-face with people living in situations It seems like one of the first very different from their own, things we associate with the like poverty or homelessness. teen years is risk-taking behavior. And most of the time, those Others were doing physical laassociations are negative. Right? bor that stretched them to new levels of endurance. Several That’s because we are deluged feared failure as they set their with stories of troubled youth sights on unimaginable goals to whose risk-taking actions got benefit others. out of hand —sometimes with tragic results. These students came from But what if there was a flip-side highly diverse backgrounds. But what they shared in common to youth risk-taking — a side that would encourage us to gen- was a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem that came from tly push teens out of their comlearning to solve problems, fort zones? working with others, and pushIn 2010, I conducted a research ing their comfort zones. study with college students The bottom line? The students showing that teens, like adults, in this study discovered their find happiness when they experience risk-taking. At the peak identities through the process of risk-taking. Simultaneously, of their discomfort, students they found a path to happiness. made comments, including: “I crossed barriers in my mind.” Changes to the limbic system of the brain cause teens to seek “I felt scared.” risk, challenge, and emotional “I felt liberated.” stimulation. While some parents “What a powerful experience.” fear this phase of a child’s life, it’s really quite natural. And it’s a time to be embraced as a positive transition to adulthood. Of course, we mostly associate teen risk-taking with drinking, drugs, smoking, and sexual experimentation. But risk-taking is equally associated with positive activities, like mountain climbing, community service, politics, faith groups, and other experiences that can push young people out of their comfort zones and reward them handsomely.........risk-taking can seed happiness, life purpose, and well-being. When young people learn to overcome challenges and meet risk head on, they learn to be resilient. They learn that exploration beyond their comfort zones often leads to unexpected rewards and psychological peaks. They develop courage, curiosity, selfconfidence, and persistence. Can we reshape the idea that teen risk-taking is always negative? What positive experiences have you or your teen enjoyed that pushed psychological comfort zones and increased happiness? “I was way out of my comfort zone.” What risk-taking experiences caused them to make these comments? Were they high on drugs or alcohol? Page 12 Wasatch Review What is a vampire's favorite holiday? Fangsgiving... Wasatch Mental Health , UT What would a monster's psychiatrist be called? Shrinkenstein... What do you call someone who puts poison in a person's corn flakes? A cereal killer... Phone: 801-373-4760 Fax: 801-373-0639 Wasatch Mental Health “Vitals” Avg # of Outcome Questionaires Collected by Day 250.00 205.29 200.00 182.35 193.65 189.79 191.50 188.86 180.63 185.62 178.89 180.48 189.14 180.67 166.55 150.00 100.00 50.00 0.00 Aug-13 Sep-13 Oct-13 Nov-13 Dec-13 Jan-14 Feb-14 Mar-14 Apr-14 May-14 Jun-14 Jul-14 Aug-14 Percent of Staff Meeting Productivity Standard 100% or more 127 95%-99% 23 94% or less 86 0 Volume 8, Issue 10 20 40 60 80 Number of Employees 100 120 140 Page 13
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