Recovery Conference 2024

This conference offers hope, help, and community for those in recovery. Be sure to invite clients and community members who could benefit! The conference theme is Bridge Your Way to Recovery and will happen on September 27 at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Center. The conference is free, and attendees can register at https://cbhc1.org/register/.

Currently, eight vendors and 75 attendees are signed up, but we’re expecting more than 250 people and 25 vendors.

If you know someone who would benefit from attending, encourage them to sign up. If you know a vendor that might like to exhibit at the Recovery Conference, please connect them with Carla Ellis.

Or direct them to register at: Cbhc1.org/register.

Mental Health Heroes: Olympic Edition

 
 

Agência Brasil Fotografias, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Outdated attitudes toward mental illness meant that many saw people with MI as being “weak” in some way or other: lacking the strength to just “pull it together” or “tough it out.” While those attitudes take generations to fully go away, recent years have shown that some of the toughest people on earth can still struggle with mental health: elite international athletes.

Simone Arianne Biles Owens holds 37 Olympic and World Championship medals and is the most-awarded gymnast in history. She also holds records for most gold medals won in women’s gymnastics. In 2018 at the World Championships, she became the first woman to win 4 golds in the difficult all-around event. She has received many awards including ESPY Awards and was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.

Biles Owens also has a St. Louis connection. After 3 years of dating, she married Chicago Bears Safety Jonathan James Owen is a native of St. Louis and played football at Christian Brothers College High School in Town and Country. Since they began dating, she has made multiple social media posts about her deep love of Imo’s Pizza.

After the 2016 Olympics, her medical information was hacked and released by a Russian cyber-espionage group that attacked the World Anti-Doping Agency. Russian media accused Biles Owens of using performance-enhancing drugs, and in response she posted to social media that the has ADHD and the medication she took for it was allowed under a therapeutic use exemption. She received widespread acclaim for talking about her own mental health when athletes are often expected to project nothing but strength.

Mental health really came to the forefront with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While she helped her team qualify for the team final, Biles Owens committed several errors that were unusual for her, including bouncing off the mat in floor routine, putting her hands on the beam in balance beam, and balking on her 2.5 twist vault (completing 1.5 twists and nearly falling on the landing.

Biles Owens withdrew from several events. She cited as an inspiration tennis star Naomi Osaka who withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to preserve her mental health. In the aftermath of her withdraw, Biles Owens endured many personal attacks online that ranged from calling her weak to racist attacks. After this response, there was an outpouring of support and recognition of the immense amount of stress that professional athletes endured. Simone Biles Owens later revealed that her aunt had died two days before the competition and that she had been experiencing the “twisties,” a psychological condition that stops the body from being able to perform certain well-practiced motions (this is often called “the yips” in other sports). In this case, she was unable to keep track of where the ground was during her aerial maneuvers.

By the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Biles was able to compete in the balance beam, where she won bronze. Despite her many gold and silver medals, she refers to this bronze as her most meaningful medal as it was a symbol of perseverance and respect for her mental health.

Mental illness is not weakness, nor is caring for your mind like you would care for your body when injured. The toughest people out there still experience mental health issues and have to work toward healthiness.

Remembering Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley: Lessons from Their Struggles with Substance Use

August marks the anniversaries of the deaths of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley, we reflect not only on the immense talent and cultural impact these icons had but also on the personal battles they fought behind the scenes. Both Monroe and Presley left indelible marks on the entertainment industry, but their struggles with substance use ultimately contributed to their untimely deaths. Their stories serve as poignant reminders of the dangers of addiction and the importance of mental health care.

The Rise and Fall of Two Icons

Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley were more than just celebrities; they were symbols of an era. Monroe captivated audiences with her beauty, charm, and acting talent, becoming one of Hollywood’s most enduring sex symbols. Elvis, the “King of Rock and Roll,” revolutionized the music industry with his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. However, behind their public personas, both struggled with the pressures of fame and personal demons that led them down a path of substance abuse.

Monroe, whose real name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, battled severe anxiety and depression throughout her life. Despite her outward confidence and success, she struggled with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. To cope, she turned to prescription drugs, particularly barbiturates and amphetamines, which were readily available in Hollywood at the time. These substances, combined with alcohol, led to her tragic death on August 5, 1962, at the age of 36. The official cause was ruled as a probable suicide due to an overdose.

Elvis Presley, on the other hand, began using prescription drugs during the 1960s as a way to cope with chronic pain, exhaustion, and the demands of his career. Over time, his drug use escalated, and he became dependent on a variety of substances, including opioids and sedatives. Elvis’s health deteriorated as his substance abuse spiraled out of control, leading to his death on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42. His official cause of death was a heart attack, but his long-term drug use played a significant role.

The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse

One of the most significant lessons we can learn from Monroe and Presley’s struggles is the danger of prescription drug abuse. Both stars were introduced to these substances by medical professionals, under the guise of treatment for legitimate ailments. However, the lack of proper oversight and the culture of permissiveness surrounding drug use in their circles led to deadly consequences.

Today, we know much more about the risks associated with prescription medications, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. The opioid crisis has highlighted the importance of responsible prescribing practices and the need for patients to be fully informed about the risks of dependency and addiction. Monroe and Presley’s stories remind us that even substances prescribed by a doctor can be dangerous if not used carefully.

The Importance of Mental Health Support

Another crucial takeaway from the lives of Monroe and Presley is the importance of mental health support. Both stars struggled with mental health issues that were exacerbated by their substance use. In Monroe’s case, her untreated depression and anxiety fueled her dependency on drugs, while Presley’s chronic pain and emotional turmoil contributed to his escalating use of substances.

Their experiences underscore the need for comprehensive mental health care, particularly for individuals in high-pressure environments. Today, there is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing mental health issues with the same seriousness as physical health problems. Early intervention, therapy, and support systems can help prevent individuals from turning to substances as a way to cope with their struggles.

As we remember Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley on the anniversaries of their deaths, we honor their contributions to the arts and culture, but we must also acknowledge the pain they endured. Their struggles with substance use serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of mental health care. By learning from their experiences, we can work towards a society that prioritizes mental health, provides effective support, and ultimately prevents such tragedies from occurring in the future.

The Low Stress Guide to Back-To-School Season

The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for any parent. Balancing work, household responsibilities, and preparing children for the new school year can feel overwhelming. However, with some strategic planning and practical tips, this transition can be smoother and more manageable.

1. Start with a Plan

Having a clear plan is essential to reducing stress. Here’s how single parents can create an effective back-to-school plan:

Create a checklist: Write down everything that needs to be done before school starts, such as purchasing supplies, scheduling doctor’s appointments, and arranging transportation. This helps in ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Set a budget: Financial planning is crucial, especially for single-income households. Make a list of all the back-to-school expenses, including supplies, clothes, and any additional fees. Prioritize essentials and look for sales to stretch your budget further.

Establish a routine: Start implementing a back-to-school routine a few weeks before school begins. This includes setting regular bedtimes, waking up earlier, and scheduling meal times. A predictable routine helps children adjust more easily when school starts.

2. Involve the Kids

Getting children involved in the back-to-school preparations not only eases your workload but also helps them feel more in control and less anxious about the upcoming changes.
School supply shopping: Let your children choose their school supplies within the budget you’ve set. This gives them a sense of ownership and excitement about the new school year.

Organizing their space: Encourage your children to clean and organize their study area. This not only makes the space more conducive to learning but also helps them mentally prepare for the school environment.

Meal planning: Involve your children in planning and preparing school lunches. This can be a fun activity that also ensures they have meals they enjoy, making lunchtime at school something to look forward to.

3. Seek Support

Parents often bear the full weight of responsibilities on their shoulders, but it’s important to remember that support is available.
Connect with other parents: Forming a support network with other parents can be incredibly beneficial. You can share carpool duties, exchange tips, or even arrange playdates that allow you some time to relax.

Utilize school resources: Many schools offer programs and resources that can assist parents, such as after-school care, counseling services, or homework help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school to explore these options.

Ask for help when needed: Whether it’s from family, friends, or community services, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Simple things like babysitting, meal assistance, or even just someone to talk to can make a huge difference.

4. Focus on Self-Care

Amidst the hustle of back-to-school preparations, fathers and mothers must prioritize their own well-being.
Set aside personal time: Carve out time each day, even if it’s just 15 minutes, for activities that help you relax and recharge. Whether it’s reading, exercising, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, these moments are crucial for maintaining your mental health.

Practice mindfulness: Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling can help reduce stress and keep you grounded during busy times.

Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate the small successes in your day-to-day life. This could be something as simple as getting the kids to school on time or successfully navigating a challenging day.

Conclusion

The back-to-school season can be dauntingImplementing these tips can make the process less stressful and more manageable. Remember, planning ahead, involving your children, seeking support, and taking care of yourself are key strategies in ensuring a smooth transition into the new school year.

Pet Connection

This month, we are spotlighting Jasmine Jackson’s “fur brother” Cody.

He’s only 4 months old. Cody enjoys picking up sticks. He tries his best to bring them into the house. He’s very spoiled and loves all the attention he gets from strangers. He loves short walks but long stroller rides. He’s teething, so he is always finding things to chew on.

Crossword Puzzle Winner

The winner of July’s crossword is the Crossword Queen, Ms. Beverly. Her crossword skills are the stuff of legend. We should all give her a big round of applause for yet another crossword championship.