Kelch speaks at Lunch ‘n Learn on mental health

The Huntington County Chamber of Commerce held a Lunch ‘n Learn on July 26 to learn more about mental health and how it affects individuals, employees and employers. The seminar was presented by Julie Kelch, business development specialist with the Bowen Center.

Kelch shared with those in attendance the many ways to overcome the stigma about mental health. One effective way is to start by replacing myths about mental health with the facts. Kelch went on to explain ways to battle mental health as an individual and how employers can notice and help their employees receive the help they need.

Kelch then gave some statistics about mental health to explain that 20% of all U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. She said that statistics also show that one in 25 U.S. adults will experience ‘serious’ mental illness each year. One in six U.S. youth aged six to 17 experience a mental health disorder and 50% of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

Kelch said that mental illness does not mean you are ‘crazy.’ She said mental illness is similar to a physical illness like diabetes. While mental illness might alter your thinking, destabilize your moods, or skew your perception of reality, that doesn’t mean you are ‘crazy.’ It means you are human and are susceptible to sickness and illness, the same as any other person.

If you or someone you know is experiencing some form of mental health to include suicidal thoughts, that person needs to pay close attention to their self-care routines such as basic hygiene routines. Try daily meditation, connecting with your spirituality, a digital detox from devices, mentally transitioning from work to home with music, or take a vacation and disconnect from your routine and leave work behind you and unplug.

Individuals should also find a support system of people whom you can speak with about your feelings. Individuals that have walked in your shoes and understand what you are feeling. Just as important as those mentors, look for relationships that are toxic and find a way to resolve them. The key is to identify and develop positive support for your emotional well-being.

Look for peer support when you are struggling with your mental health. A ‘peer’ could be a work cohort, someone who does the same job as you but for another company, a person who shares the same role as you or a person that shares the same interest, values or beliefs.

Finally be sure to get plenty of exercise. We carry our stress physically and must release it through exercise. However, to make exercise part of emotional hygiene develop mindful exercise. Walk for a half hour each day while focusing on the moment by counting your steps, deep breathing or describing your surroundings. Simply breathe in slowly and exhale slowly. Start small until mindful exercise becomes routine and natural.

This seminar was the first in a series of three. The second Lunch ‘n Learn will be held on August 30 and will cover social media, while the third in the series will be held on September 27 and will address domestic violence. More information will be provided by the Chamber at a later date.