Applying for Help

I find that with the downturn in the economy, my patients and I spend more time talking about financial worries related to health- and mental health care. Some people are unemployed, others are disabled. If you suspect that you have a mental-health related disability (learning disorder, attention deficit disorder, debilitating depression or anxiety, etc.), and are unable to adequately support yourself financially or get the care you need, consider applying for state disability support.

Your local site for the Utah State Office of Rehabilitation is a good place to start. They help with job training and education. They work with Disability Determination Services in deciding who qualifies for social security income. They may refer evaluations out to someone like me, or you can have the results of a recent evaluation sent to them.* Their counselors are--in my experience--kind, competent, and knowledgeable of resources to help their clients get back on their feet. They have local offices in American Fork, Provo, and Payson (check this link for contact info for each office).

Medicaid is one of the options available for those who need health and/or mental health care but are unable to get coverage on their own or through an employer. Other health care options are described at the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health web site.

A growing number of people are not disabled, but are simply unable to get health insurance. Coverage for kids is available through the CHIP program. For workers who don't have insurance coverage, the UPP program helps you pay your monthly health insurance premiums through your employer's health insurance plan.

There are options out there as we wait for comprehensive health care reform to happen.

*For Utah County residents, a very good, inexpensive place for a complete evaluation is the BYU Comprehensive Clinic.

Help for College Students

A recent article in the La Crosse Tribune mentioned some of the challenges facing college students today.

Students.... show up with bipolar disorder, major depression, evidence of self-harm, officials said. "Not a day goes by in my office when one of my staff is not talking about someone with severe mental health issues," said Jon Hageseth, director of counseling and testing at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

He compares his office today to an outpatient mental health clinic.

It's a trend experts said that has been seen... nationwide -- and it has forced colleges and universities to evaluate whether they have the means to meet these more severe psychological problems.

The 2007 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors found 92 percent reported greater numbers of college students with major mental health problems.

But we have some very good counseling services on campus here in Utah Valley.

The BYU Counseling and Career Center (where I completed my predoctoral internship in psychology) offers free personal counseling for full-time students; a variety of stress management services; academic advisement including choosing a major and improving study skills; and help in pursuing a career all the way up to finding a job.

Utah Valley University has a Career and Academic Counseling Center, and also offers psychotherapy through Student Health Services. Click on the Mental Health Therapy tab for a list of specific services.

Another resource for the community (including for part-time students who may not qualify for services at the university counseling centers) is the BYU Comprehensive Clinic. As described on their web site:

Individuals or families desiring services are generally seen or evaluated by a graduate student or students under the supervision of experienced faculty. The CC provides evaluations, psychotherapy, counseling, and educational services through its Mental Health Clinic.

I also worked here for a time during my training. The level of care is superior, given the close supervision of providers, and the cost is minimal--currently $15 per session--and fees may be reduced based on financial need.

More Pictures from England

This one is from Wales, actually -- Danywenalt, near Brecon Beacons National Park (photo by our student, Marshall):This is the Durdle Door, in Dorset on the Jurassic Coast (photo by Bentley):

Here we are early one morning at Stonehenge:

This is the Tennyson Monument on the Isle of Wight (photo by Marshall):

Here is one of the Roman Baths, in Bath (photo by Bentley):

and a guard at the Tower of London (photo by Marshall):

We had a great time but we're glad to be home.

Photos of Where We've Been

...with the BYU students:

Loch Lomond - the students climbed Ben Lomond:

We visited the Ruthwell Cross, an Anglo-saxon cross about which the ancient poem "The Dream of the Rood" was written:

In the Lake District, we stayed at Wastwater, after which the students climbed over the Scafell Pass:

We visited the Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick:

We visited the Wordsworth houses (this is Rydal Mount):


and Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin on Coniston Water:

Brantwood gardens are lovely:

Now we are crossing the Yorkshire Dales and moors. Next stop is Haworth, home of the Brontes.

Edinburgh

We are finally here in Scotland. Here is a photo from our walk yesterday to Edinburgh Castle. It took me a few days to get my phone system figured out, but I think I can check messages fairly regularly now. I hope everyone is enjoying the spring as much as I am, but possibly getting a little more sleep!

Chicago

On our way to the UK, we are stopping to visit our daughter and her husband in Chicago. Here's a photo of the city coming in from the airport on Highway 94.

Ten Techniques for Increasing Happiness

Inspired by Dr. Martin Seligman’s Positive Psychology

1. Keep a gratitude list. Write in your journal or therapy notebook three things every day that you are grateful for, that went well, or that make you happy. For an added bonus, share the daily list with a loved one.

2. Write a letter of gratitude to an important person in your life, and share it with them in person. Do it again with another person who means a lot to you.

3. Practice secret acts of service and kindness. Be as unobtrusive but effective as possible. Begin by doing one per week and work up to once daily.

4. Reframe setbacks as challenges and opportunities rather than as defeats. This may be something to practice with your therapist.

5. Pursue a challenging hobby or avocation. Make time for the interest that you gave up long ago—it may truly improve your life.

6. When speaking with your spouse or loved ones, practice active, constructive (that is, engaged and truly listening) responding. Don’t just say “uh-huh.” Listen and comment in supportive ways. Soon you’ll find them reciprocating as the relationship improves.

7. Try writing your own legacy. How do you want to be remembered?

8. Learn to savor life as it happens. Practice being in the moment, enjoying the sensory details of the world we live in, and your own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual response. Do brief meditation/mindfulness moments throughout your day.

9. Be socially active. Seek out the company of others regularly. Even if it’s hard at first, it will give a boost to your mood.

10. At this web site: http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/Default.aspx try the VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire (scroll down to the middle of the page). You have to register, but you can make up a name and email address if you’d rather not leave your own.