News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Friday, the “Health and Wellness: A Tribute to Giving and Community Service,” sculpture is seen set against a cloudy sky. The sculpture was dedicated last October and celebrates Alpena’s focus on the health and well-being of community members.

ALPENA — Medical authorities in Michigan and Alpena recognize the importance of mental health and reflect upon the status of mental health in our communities amid Mental Health Awareness Month, which occurs every May.

Amy Northrup, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, stated that MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena provides a variety of services to support the mental health of the community.

“MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena helps to support the mental health needs of the community by providing a variety of services…including outpatient and inpatient treatment, therapy options, and several support groups such as the suicide loss support group and brain injury support group,” Northrup said.

Northrup said that the community has many generalized psychiatric services but could use more specialized psychiatric services for specific mental health concerns.

“Some of the greatest mental health care needs in the community include increased access to providers and therapists,” Northrup said. “The community overall would benefit from more access to services specifically for children and the elderly. In addition, access to intensive outpatient programs or partial hospitalization programs for those who may not necessarily meet the criteria for inpatient hospitalization but require more intensive care than outpatient. Access to specialty services such as individuals diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s, autism, Asperger’s, or eating disorders, for example.”

Northrup noted Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health crisis walk-in as an important resource, though it is a separate facility than MyMichigan Alpena.

Northrup said that some challenges people face regarding mental health include a lack of transportation to mental health services, a lack of family support, the cost of prescriptions, and insurance access.

“Stigma is a big one,” Northrup said, in regards to mental health challenges.

In general, Northrup explained that mental health does not discriminate, especially if individuals are experiencing ongoing stressors and have limited coping skills.

“Anyone can be at risk for a (mental health) crisis,” Northrup said.

Some warning signs of poor mental health include isolation, substance abuse, poor sleeping habits, making statements of feeling hopeless, and others, according to Northrup.

Northrup explained that there are some steps individuals can take to maintain good mental health.

“Community members maintain good mental health through regular diet and exercise,” Northrup said. “In addition, close communication with providers, medication compliance, and follow-up are also important.”

Northrup also mentioned support groups, setting goals, focusing on positivity, staying connected with friends and family, and engaging in relaxation exercises as ways community members can support their mental health.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) highlighted resources available to the community in a MDHHS press release on Thursday.

“We want to ensure all Michigan residents have access to the behavioral health services when they need them, where they need them, and at the level of care they need,” Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, said in the press release. “Michigan agencies offer a variety of services, and we want to ensure residents are aware of these resources.”

The first resource highlighted in the press release was the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (previously called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). According to the press release, the 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline is where care and support are available via call, chat, or text. The 988 hotline is for anyone experiencing mental health distress, which may include thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.

According to the press release, people can also call the 988 hotline if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

The second resource that MDHHS highlights is the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline, 800-270-7117. This hotline is available for crisis intervention and referral to treatment. Counselors are available 24/7 by phone or virtually to provide immediate help to address issues related to gambling disorder. Support offered includes screening services and referrals to treatment or support groups.

The third resource highlighted in the press release includes Michigan.gov/workplacementalhealth. This resource provides information on how employees and employers can build strong workplaces with mental health strategies that have a positive impact on employee well-being, the employer’s bottom line, and communities.

The non-profit Mental Health America (MHA) reported last year that per 100,000 people in the United States, 37 people in Alpena County screened by MHA reported experiencing severe depression. Additionally, 13 people scored positive for PTSD, 68 people identified as trauma survivors, 36 people experienced frequent suicidal ideation, and 15 people were at risk for psychosis.

Presque Isle, Montmorency, and Alcona counties were not included in the MHA reports.