Tai Chi instructor Brian Weaver has brought another level of self-care to South Sound Behavioral Hospital patients. Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practice known for its defense training, but also widely popular for its health benefits and meditation.

Tai Chi overcomes hardness with softness and is a full-body workout which improves balance, strength and flexibility, burns fat, and relaxes both the body and mind. We also explore self-defense techniques and the rich history and culture of Chinese martial arts. Styles and forms taught include the Yang style short and long forms, Chen Tai Chi, modern combined-style forms, Bagua, and others.

There are so many variations of forms in TaiChi which can conform to each person’s individual needs. Patients are able to utilize Tai Chi as a way to reconnect with oneself to find a balance.

Within the communities of minorities and those who are marginalized, mental health is often considered a weakness. To receive treatment was kept quiet or even frowned upon in BIPOC communities. Since 2008 it has become apparent that there are mental health concerns for minority and marginalized communities. To be more specific, mental health concerns and treatment in Black, indigenous people of color communities receive less attention and treatment. The lack of support for mental health care in BIPOC communities is a problem, so what is the next move?

In taking action to address the issue of mental health for BIPOC communities, it is wise to recall many have lived experiences with trauma in care systems. Although emotional and physical trauma has occurred in years past, it is still very relevant to many. Such historical trauma includes racism, “conversion therapy,” and experimental procedures. Due to these experiences, it may deter people from accessing care or treatment as their lingering fear seems so closer than history says it is.

By standing together to focus on assisting the change of inequality and stigmas, access to care will be just that. The more the light shines on mental health and treatment, people will become more enlightened to seek the help and treatment they need. There will be less shame by their community or embarrassment when it comes to mental health care. Lack of access to treatment is prevalent for BIPOC communities. A system that has shown racism or discrimination and cultural incompetence among its providers make it difficult to access treatment. As stated in the American Psychological Association, 86% of psychologists in the U.S. are White.

Now that the mental health stigma is in continued attention, help is becoming less of a burden to obtain. Furthermore, it is the systemic concern within the healthcare settings that needs addressing until it is set right. There is a peak of treatment underway with positive attention on the matters of mental health treatment for BIPOC communities. 

https://mhanational.org/blog/minority-mental-health-notacharacterflaw

Along with Pride and Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, June is also PTSD Awareness Month.

Have you ever thought about how many people are affected by PTSD? 

It may not just be the person diagnosed with it, but loved ones are also affected by the symptoms of PTSD. Even though PTSD treatments work, most people who have PTSD don’t get the help they need. There are currently about 8 million people in the United States with PTSD. June is PTSD Awareness Month. Making it know that effective PTSD treatments are available. 

Those who have PTSD—whether they are veterans or someone who has a history of sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or other traumatic events—need to know that treatments really do work.

To learn more about PTSD visit the National Center for PTSD

If you are someone you love is suffering from PTSD, please give us a call to schedule an assessment 24/7. Treatment is only one phone call away.

In the modern world, today, men are groomed to withhold their feelings. It is socially accepted/normal for a man not to show their emotions, let alone talk about them. So, the understanding of the “why” is apparent. The National Institute of Mental Health performed a study and found that men are less likely to talk about their feelings than women. The results of not articulating their emotions can cause some men to cope with their feelings with physical aggression, drugs, or alcohol. The National Institute of Mental health states, “over 75 percent of suicide victims in the United States were men.”

Suicide rates are the highest among the elderly male population of 85 years and older. Not too far behind, numbers are climbing amongst other groups of men with gender disparities and sexual orientation. The five major mental health illnesses affecting men are depression, anxiety, psychosis and schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and eating disorders. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.

It is socially healthy to seek help when help is needed. Self Care also includes seeking medical or mental health assistance when necessary. June is Men’s Mental Health Month all month long. If the thought of mental health services never existed, now is the time to think about it and take a step towards a healthier life.

Additional Resources

• 5 Minute Guide to Men’s Mental Health
• National Institute of Mental Health
• Suicide statistics

To begin, we want to start by showing appreciation to the staff at South Sound Behavioral Hospital. You all work so hard, and leadership appreciates everything you do!

Sunday, May 10, 2020, kicked off Hospital Week, a week-long celebration of appreciation for hospital staff. Health care workers play vital roles ranging from those in the business office and operations to those on the front lines working directly with patients.

In a world of uncertainty, South Sound Behavioral Hospitals staff remain to be impervious. Our MHT’s, Nurses, Doctors, Social Workers, Counselors, Receptionists, Kitchen Staff, Housekeeping, Security, Maintenance, Discharge Planners, HIM team, IT, and Administration have all responded exceedingly well. They are showing up during a particular time in healthcare history that is unlike anything we have ever seen in our lifetime, and we are in awe of how well they have adapted to our ever-changing new normal. Many have had to revise work schedules, learn to navigate telehealth and remote video conferencing for meetings, work overtime, or pull a double shift, all the while continuing to show compassion for each other and the patients.

Many of you go home exhausted from the day and scared for the next, but return ready to do their part. There is no doubt that healthcare workers are essential, needed, and devoted to their field; they are true superheroes!

From everyone here at SSBH to our fellow healthcare family all around the world, we recognize you, appreciate you, and honor you.

Happy Hospital Week!