AUGUST 2024 Newsletter

ROTARY ACTION GROUP ON MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES
NEWSLETTER , AUGUST 2024
BREAK STIGMA, RAISE AWARENESS, INCREASE CAPACITY

IN THIS EDITION

A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM PRIP GORDON MCINALLY
MONTHLY OPEN MEETINGS
D6960 CHAPTER DOUBLES CAPACITY FOR EARLY TREATMENT
SEND AN EMAIL TO MINDHEALTH@ROTARY.ORG
THE IMPORTANCE OF MINDFULNESS IN ATTAINING A BETTER LIFE IN TODAY'S WORLD
NEW MEMBERS
UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

A MESSAGE FROM PRIP GORDON MCINALLY

MONTHLY MEETING DETAILS

Connect during the Open Meeting!!
We will start with a brief (5-10 minutes) educational segment to start each meeting and then continue with the open discussion. Members are welcome to share presentation ideas.
The conversation begins at 9 AM (New York time) on the second Saturday each month except June, when we meet in person at the Rotary International Convention!
Enter Zoom meeting: 834 0892 3476 and Passcode: 394366 or click here

Dates of our monthly open meetings this Rotary year:
14th September -- 12th October -- 9th November-- 14th December -- 11th January -- 8th February -- 8th March -- 12th April

All meetings held at 9.00 AM (New York Time); 2:00 PM (London Time); 6.30 PM (India Time)

!! JOIN US !!

Bob Anthony, Executive Director, Adolescent Wellness, Inc; Chair, Mental Health Initiatives Rotary Action Group

D6960 CHAPTER DOUBLES CAPACITY FOR EARLY TREATMENT

Collier Pediatricians are First in Florida for Behavioral Health

Collier is the first county in Florida where the majority of pediatricians treat anxiety, ADHD and depression; in other counties just 1 in 4 pediatricians provide behavioral health care. Debbie Shepard, MD, of NCH and Sal Anzalone, MD, of Healthcare Network made it practical for their providers in the time available with the child or teen by introducing patient self-management toolkits. The D6960 Chapter – RAGMHI is now inviting pediatricians in all counties of its southwest Florida district to access scholarships for the self-paced medical training and patient resources through their local Rotary club.

From the medical center to the community – bridging the gaps in mental health care for kids

1 of 5 children & adolescents experience a psychiatric condition within the past year
1 of 3 children & adolescents experience a psychiatric condition within their lifetime
1 of 2 psychiatric conditions begin by age 14 and three-quarters by age 25
Less than 1/2 of children & adolescents with psychiatric conditions receive treatment
For those receiving treatment, 10 years is the average delay between symptom onset & treatment initiation.

Image - Pediatricians doubled knowledge and confidence treating all mild and moderate

Image - Debbie Shepard, MD at March 22 celebration of pediatricians

Addressing Pediatric Mental Health Challenges – A Better Way

The name of the Boston Children’s Hospital program, Building Bridges of Understanding, describes what occurs by sharing the prescribed patient toolkit among the patient, family, PPCP, Behavioral Health Clinician or other trusted adult (ex. school counselor). Each can be on the ‘same page’ and use the same words to discuss the experience and treatment status. These free toolkits for patients and families teach at home evidence-based skills to manage early, mild anxiety, depression, ADHD and behavior problems. The program registration site is: On.BChil.org/43nWrZV An additional local support for pediatricians is case consults by phone with a Florida-based child and adolescent psychiatrist provided through the Florida Behavioral Health Collaborative Pediatric Hotline: 1-866-487-9507.

Proven Effectiveness

The Building Bridges of Understanding portfolio of materials was developed in the context of Behavioral Health Integration (BHI). Over the past decade, BHI has been found to:

be feasible and acceptable to pediatric primary care practices
increase behavioral health knowledge, skills, and confidence
increase behavioral health integration in pediatric primary care
improve patient access to behavioral health services (behavioral health screening, behavioral health visits, and appropriate prescription of medications for anxiety and depression) without increasing total outpatient behavioral health costs

This Boston Children’s Hospital program is proven effective with findings detailed in published articles (https://www.adolescentwellness.org/resources/).

MINDHEALTH@ROTARY.ORG

When you send an email to mindhealth@rotary.org, it is directed to Dan Conley, the Team Lead for Executive Communications at Rotary International. Once this information is received, the team reviews and assesses it to identify notable projects that align with Rotary's broader goals and values. Dan and his team play a crucial role in Rotary's mission by collecting and curating information about various mental health initiatives carried out by Rotary clubs and districts around the world. These emails serve as a vital source of information, helping Rotary International stay informed about the diverse range of projects and activities being undertaken by its members.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MINDFULNESS ATTAINING A BETTER LIFE IN TODAY'S WORLD: A SCHOLASTIC PERSPECTIVE

- Debashish Das

In the contemporary era, characterized by rapid technological advancements, globalization, and increasing societal pressures, individuals are confronted with numerous challenges that affect their mental and physical well-being. The constant barrage of information, the rise of social media, and the demands of professional and personal life contribute to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Against this backdrop, mindfulness has emerged as a critical practice for improving overall life quality. This essay explores the importance of mindfulness in today's world through a scholastic lens, examining its impact on mental health, cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and social well-being.

The Concept of Mindfulness
Mindfulness, rooted in ancient contemplative traditions, particularly Buddhism, refers to the practice of maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment. It involves a non-judgmental acknowledgment of the present moment, fostering a sense of acceptance and awareness. In the context of contemporary psychology, mindfulness has been adapted into various therapeutic approaches, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which have gained widespread recognition for their efficacy in treating mental health disorders.

Mindfulness and Mental Health
One of the most significant contributions of mindfulness is its role in enhancing mental health. Studies have shown that mindfulness practices can lead to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. According to a meta-analysis by Khoury et al. (2015), mindfulness-based interventions have a moderate to large effect on reducing anxiety and depression, with sustained benefits over time. The practice of mindfulness helps individuals disengage from automatic negative thought patterns and ruminations, which are often associated with these mental health conditions.

Moreover, mindfulness fosters emotional regulation by promoting awareness and acceptance of emotional experiences. Instead of reacting impulsively to stressors or emotions, individuals who practice mindfulness learn to observe their emotions without becoming overwhelmed. This ability to regulate emotions is crucial for maintaining mental stability and fostering resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Cognitive Benefits of Mindfulness
In addition to its impact on mental health, mindfulness is also associated with cognitive enhancements. Research indicates that mindfulness practices improve attention, working memory, and executive functioning. Zeidan et al. (2010) found that even brief mindfulness training can lead to significant improvements in cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention. This is particularly relevant in today’s world, where the ability to focus amidst constant distractions is a valuable skill.

Mindfulness also contributes to cognitive flexibility—the capacity to adapt one's thinking in response to changing circumstances. This is essential in a rapidly evolving world where adaptability and problem-solving are key to success. By promoting cognitive flexibility, mindfulness enhances an individual’s ability to approach challenges with creativity and openness, rather than being constrained by rigid thought patterns.

Emotional and Social Well-being
Beyond cognitive and mental health benefits, mindfulness plays a significant role in emotional and social well-being. By cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion, mindfulness encourages individuals to develop a healthier relationship with themselves. This self-compassion is associated with lower levels of self-criticism and higher levels of life satisfaction. Neff (2003) posits that self-compassion, which is nurtured through mindfulness, is a predictor of psychological well-being and resilience.

On a social level, mindfulness enhances interpersonal relationships by promoting empathy, active listening, and non-reactive communication. When individuals practice mindfulness, they are more likely to engage with others in a meaningful and present way, which strengthens social bonds and fosters a sense of community. This is particularly important in today’s society, where social isolation and disconnection are growing concerns. Furthermore, mindfulness practices encourage prosocial behavior by reducing automatic biases and increasing empathy. This can lead to more harmonious interactions and a greater sense of social responsibility, which are essential for building cohesive and compassionate communities.

In conclusion, mindfulness is an essential practice for attaining a better life in today’s complex and fast-paced world. Its benefits extend across various dimensions of well-being, including mental health, cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and social relationships. By fostering awareness, acceptance, and compassion, mindfulness helps individuals navigate the challenges of modern life with greater resilience and equanimity. As mindfulness continues to gain recognition in both clinical and everyday contexts, it holds the potential to transform not only individual lives but also the broader societal approach to well-being. As we face the uncertainties and pressures of the modern world, mindfulness offers a timeless and invaluable tool for cultivating a more meaningful, peaceful, and fulfilling existence.

LOVE AND HUGS !!

WE WELCOME YOU !!

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