Monthly Archives: May 2015

Suicide Prevention Mobile Apps

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As the world is becoming more technology driven, using technology to reach out to people who struggle with behavioral health issues is important. Smart phones and internet are everywhere and using mobile apps could be an important tool to connect with people who struggle with mental health issues. There are a wide variety of apps for the different mental health issues. Some of the important apps are those that focus on suicide prevention because they connect those who struggle with suicidal ideation to the world and decrease their isolation. MY3 and A Friend Asks by the Jason Foundation are two of the effective, accessible and easy to use suicide prevention apps that are on the market.

MY3 Mobile App
What makes the MY3 app unique is that it is targeted to individuals at risk for suicide, while other apps are geared toward providers, family members, and other support persons.. The at-risk individual follows the app’s guidelines to create an individualized support plan.. This is a process that an individual can do on their own or with the support of a behavioral health care provider. In the first screen, the person can add 3 contacts who they can reach out to when they need to.The first page also has a direct link that connects them to the crisis hotline and a direct link to 911.
The user can also fill out a “safety plan” by inputting: 1) warning signs. 2) coping strategies. 3) distractions, 4) network, 5) keeping myself safe, and 6) my reason to live. Finally, they have the option of emailing the safety plan to someone.
In addition to that, the app gives a list of different support resources that the person might need. The person can “add resources” that fit their needs from the big provided list. The app is very simple to use and easy to navigate.
http://www.my3app.org/

MY3 1

A Friend Asks- The Jason Foundation
This app is targeted more toward people who live/ have contact with someone who might be at risk for suicide. The app has the option of connecting someone directly to the crisis hotline; however, it also provides information and resources for people who might know someone at risk. One icon in the app is called “How to help a friend”- when this icon is clicked, it takes you into another page that has options of: warning signs, how to ask, what to do, and what not to do. The way the app looks (colors and display) is attractive, and it is easy to navigate and read. In the end of each page, there is an icon for “GET HELP NOW” and “resources for help”.
http://jasonfoundation.com/get-involved/student/a-friend-asks-app/

A Friend Asks app

Behind the Scenes: Be The One Campaign Photoshoot

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Take a look behind the scenes photoshoot at our “Be The One” campaign to eliminate stigma in San Mateo County. Learn more about how you can help “Be The One” at www.smchealth.org/bhrs/stigma.

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Congregation at St. Andrew Catholic Church certified in Mental Health First Aid

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On May 16th, twenty-two community members were certified in Mental Health First Aid through collaboration between the Filipino Mental Health Initiative (FMHI) and the Office of Diversity and Equity (BHRS ODE). The training day began with a prayer and message by Father Piers Lahey, a priest at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Daly City. He shared the following message with the audience:

God, we come before You remembering all those whose lives have been touched by mental illnesses. We give thanks for the people who have given of their time and talents to help those who are dealing with mental illnesses – in their own lives, or in the lives of their families and friends. We give thanks for the improvement in medication and treatment programs that have enabled persons with mental illnesses to live productive lives. We pray that our society would do everything possible to make early diagnosis and treatment a standard procedure. We pray that stigma be removed, so that both those who are unwell, and their families, get the appropriate help as soon as symptoms appear. Guide each of us, and help us, as we endeavor to bring help and hope to all whose lives have been touched by mental health issues. Amen.

Father Lahey shared his lived experience of depression and credited his recovery and treatment to psychologists, counselors and prayer. Through community education programs such as Mental Health First Aid, our hope is that stigma related to mental health and substance abuse is decreased and our community empathy and education will be increased. We want to sincerely thank FMHI and St. Andrew’s Church of Daly City for a poignant and meaningful training of mental health education and the idea that mental health recovery can be stronger and more impactful with professional help and spirituality.

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Looking For A Few Good Members!!!

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Get Involved! The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications for appointment to the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Recovery Commission (MHSARC).
Members of the commission review and evaluate the County’s mental health and substance abuse disorders needs, services, facilities and special problems, agreements; advises the Board of Supervisors and the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Director of any aspect of the local mental health and substance abuse disorders services and programs; reviews and approves procedures used to ensure citizen and professional involvement at all stages of the planning process; submits an annual report to the Board of Supervisors on the needs and performance of the County’s behavioral health and recovery services system; visits programs sites; and inducts consumers/clients into the Consumer Hall of Fame, recognizes individuals for the contributions to the substance use field through the David Lewis Award, and similarly for individuals making a contribution to mental health services through the Tony Hoffman Award.
The Commission has opening for consumer/clients, family members and the general public. The average monthly time commitment is approximately 4 hours. The Commission meets the first Wednesday of each month from 3 to 5 pm.
If you want to make a positive difference in the lives of thousands of children, youth, adults, their families and the general community, consider becoming part of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Commission.
For more information about eligibility requirements please contact Chantae Rochester at crochester@smcgov.org or to apply visit the County website at https://bnc.smcgov.org/vacancies

Veterans Court Graduation

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This morning in Judge Grandsaert’s court five veterans were honored and recognized for their completion of the Veterans Court Program. The courtroom was overflowing with friends, family and other well wishers. The stories of each of the graduates were inspiring in their own right. A man with post traumatic stress disorder and substance use addiction, a Vietnam vet similarly with PTSD and substance use, a young woman living with major depression and substance use and finally a 78 year old veteran with an addiction to cocaine that has plagued him for decades.

Listening to their live stories reinforced the notion that recovery is always possible and that relapse is a characteristic of the trajectory of addiction and  given the right circumstances with the right kind of support amazing things can and do happen.

Judge Grandsaert has been the driving force behind the creation and implementation of Veterans Court in San Mateo. His vision and commitment is now delivering to veterans struggling with addiction and mental health challenges the structure, support and services that is facilitating the kinds of dramatic life changes exhibited by today’s graduates.

When you hear a 78 year old man tell his story and how he is now cherishing his drug free life you realize how important it is to instill hope and offer encouragement to those seeking help regardless of their past.

Congratulations to Judge Grandsaert and his Veterans Court Team!!

More Community Members pledging to “Be The One”

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Check out the pledges of additional community members who are helping to reduce stigma in San Mateo County.  See more in the Be The One photo gallery.  Share your personal pledge and be entered into a drawing to win a $25 Starbucks gift card!

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Hope, Love Yourself, Recovery – Yesenia, Redwood City

2015 San Mateo County Pride Celebration…Coming June 13

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PrideSaveTheDate2015

June 9th Grand Rounds: Managing Media: Reflections on Video Game Usage From a Therapeutic Perspective

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San Mateo County Psychiatric Grand Rounds

Date: Tuesday, June 9th
Time: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Silicon Valley Community Foundation
1300 South El Camino Real – Room 114,  San Mateo
“MANAGING MEDIA: REFLECTIONS ON VIDEO GAME USAGE FROM A THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVE”

Presented by: Jesse Adams, M.D.
Psychiatry Resident, PGY4
San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
San Mateo County, California

Flyer: Psych_Grand_Rounds_June_2015

Open to public. Questions? Call 650-573-2530

May 26th Grand Rounds: Telepsychiatry, The New Frontier in Mental Health: How Technology is Bringing Psychiatry to People in Underserved Areas

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San Mateo County Psychiatric Grand Rounds

Date: Tuesday, May 26th
Time: 12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: 225 West 37th Avenue – Multipurpose Room 100, San Mateo
“TELEPSYCHIATRY, THE NEW FRONTIER IN MENTAL HEALTH: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS BRINGING PSYCHIATRY TO PEOPLE IN UNDERSERVED AREAS”

Presented by: Katalin Szabo, M.D.
Psychiatric Chief Resident, PGY4
San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services
San Mateo County, California

Flyer: Psych_Grand_Rounds_May_2015

Open to public. Questions? Call 650-573-2530

In the News: Mental Health First Aid, the new CPR?

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The Mercury News recently published an article on the increased funding for Mental Health First Aid, alluding that it just may become as popular as CPR…now, that would be the goal!

As the article quoted, “You are far more likely to come across someone having a mental health crisis or substance abuse disorder than a heart attack or choking on the piece of food at a restaurant”…

Yet, how do you know what depression or anxiety look like?  What do you do when you do meet someone experiencing suicidal thoughts? How do you provide that crucial initial support and help that could save a person’s life?

That’s what Mental Health First Aid teaches you!

And, in San Mateo County we are taking a deliberate approach of ensuring that we reach all ethnic and cultural groups… “In San Mateo it is taught in several languages, including Spanish, Tagalog, Samoan and Tongan, said Jei Africa, director of the county Behavioral Health and Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity and Equity. “What we are doing is paying attention to the cultural nuances — so it’s not ‘one-size-fits-all’ teaching,” Africa said.”

Enjoy the read and visit the Office of Diversity and Equity website to find out how you can attend a FREE, local Mental Health First Aid course (MHFA) or host a course at your location.

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_27946284/a-surge-in-federal-funding-for-mental-health-first-aid-could-make-it-as-popular-as-cpr 

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