SMC adds some help in the fight against mental illness

KELLOGG — Shoshone Medical Center has recently added a new therapist to their ranks and the timing could not be better, as the COVID-19 pandemic and other national issues continue to weigh on people's minds.

Licensed Social Worker and intern Crystal Chambliss began her professional career in 2018 and joined up with SMC earlier this year.

Chambliss explains that she chose to come to SMC because of the versatile options given to advance her career through distinctive avenues.

"I look forward to my growth within the field that SMC bestows with a unique, wraparound approach to service," she said.

As an intern, Chambliss is practicing counseling under the supervision of SMC Social Service Manager, Meghann Johnson, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Together, the duo's responsibilities have them working in both the outpatient (seeing patients for outpatient mental health services, such as counseling or psychotherapy) and hospital setting.

"In the clinic setting, we work with all ages and populations," Johnson said. "We assess, diagnose and treat multiple mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar d/o, trauma, among others."

In the hospital setting, the two provide counseling services primarily to their swing bed population (a group of admitted patients who are participating in rehabilitation services and tend to be at the hospital for a prolonged period of time). They also offer case management services (linking patients to resources such as home health care, etc.), provide risk/need assessments, assist patients/families to cope with the emotional responses to illness, and carry out other related duties.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Johnson has seen an increase in counseling referrals and a specific increase in clients presenting with anxiety and depression. It's clear that the pandemic has brought with it an array of new struggles and even exacerbated some previously diagnosed mental health issues.

"Daily exposure to this new stressor can impact physical, mental and emotional health," Johnson explained. "People who used to be actively involved in their community are now finding themselves isolated and anxious about the virus. We have seen increased stress specifically related to the virus, and some surrounding the effects of the virus such as job loss, financial strain, disruption of daily routines and loneliness."

It doesn't help that the pandemic has also limited people’s ability to be creative in managing their anxiety and depression. Johnson points out that things like visiting friends, engaging in community events such as church, school, exercising at the gym, going out to eat, or other gatherings have not always been possible or safe.

"We have seen an increasing amount of people isolating within their homes and slowly decompensating without being able to turn to ‘what used to work,” she said. "When we take away people’s coping tools, we tend to see an increase in symptoms of mental illness."

Common reactions to the current situation include:

• Worrying about your health and the health of your loved ones. You may feel preoccupied with concerns of symptoms of illness.

• Anxiety related to news/media outlets. You may feel compelled to watch/listen to coronavirus related news on media outlets.

• This anxiety can lead to increased substance use, excessive stocking of medical/home supplies and discord within relationships.

• You may also experience feelings of anger or distrust in regard to how your life has been affected by the virus.

• You may feel a level of mental exhaustion associated with the increased isolation and frustrations related to the pandemic.

• It’s possible to find yourself minimizing the risks of the virus and labeling it as less serious than many around you.

To combat these normal but troublesome reactions, both Johnson and Chambliss recommend normalizing your anxiety and turning to things that have occupied your mind in the past so you don't feel so overwhelmed.

"It’s OK to feel stress when the world is facing a pandemic," Johnson said. "Being aware of your emotional state can help you cope."

From embracing one of your favorite hobbies to safely engaging with loved ones (using digital or some other method), there are many options when it comes to keeping your mind off things.

When talking about dealing with anxiety, it is important to limit exposure to the things that cause it as well. For example, if news outlets only upset you, Johnson recommends shutting it off for a while and consider the way your media consumption impacts the way you feel and function.

Keeping a consistent routine as much as possible can also be beneficial.

"It’s important that as much as possible your daily schedule remains consistent," Johnson explained. "Sleeping, eating, working and socializing should continue as much as possible. While many routines have been upset by the virus, there are alternatives available to replace what may not now be possible."

Of course, if you’re experiencing significant distress that is making your daily life difficult and it does not appear to be easing, it may be time to seek professional support.

The Social Services department at SMC has recently increased its hours in the outpatient clinic, as they have seen an increase in their waitlist over the past several months.

"SMC is making efforts to serve our community as efficiently and effectively as we can," Johnson said. "We continue to look to bring on additional counselors and have our newest social worker, Crystal Chambliss, taking on clients now."

SMC is also screening new patients over the phone to assess for risk and referring to other agencies who have openings, or to crisis services.

Local mental health resources include:

• SMC Family Medicine: 208-784-1460

• Courageous Together: 208-215-1756

• Heritage Health: 208-783-1267