Mental health matters
Geauga County Public Library is committed to serving all citizens. Sometimes patrons face mental health situations. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental health may prevent some people from seeking help or from interacting with others. Addressing mental health concerns is important, and GCPL is proud to partner with Ravenwood Health to help provide a dialog about mental health issues. Each month, we will feature a #mentalhealthmatters post about an aspect of mental health from an expert at Ravenwood Health. Vicki Clark, President and CEO of Ravenwood, kicks off the series with a message of hope.
There is hope. People do get better.
Vicki Clark LPCC-S, President & Chief Executive Officer Ravenwood Health
I love to read, but I am not a writer. I am passionate about mental health and addiction recovery, and after thirty-two years in the field, I have much to say.
- It is often misunderstood.
- There is help.
- People do get better.
- There is hope.
The Ravenwood Health team will provide a monthly blog where we will outline the hope in mental health and addiction recovery.
The field of addiction has long used the idea of recovery. More recently, the mental health field has joined the recovery movement. Getting well is more than just the management of symptoms; it is a holistic way of living. Counseling and medications are very useful in treating the disease, but other services such as supported employment, case management, and secure housing significantly increase the quality of life.
“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service’s Administration (SAMHSA) has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery:
- Health—overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms—for example, abstaining from the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem—and, for everyone in recovery, making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
- Home—having a stable and safe place to live.
- Purpose—conducting meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society.
- Community—having relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
Hope, the belief that these challenges and conditions can be overcome, is the foundation of recovery. A person’s recovery is built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values. It is holistic, addresses the whole person and their community, and is supported by peers, friends, and family members.”
At Ravenwood Health we work with our clients to find the hope in recovery. Visit our website or call 440.285.3568 to learn more or talk to someone today.
As I mentioned, I love to read. Some of my favorite books are, Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, Hawaii by James Michener, and One Second After by William R. Forstchen.
