May is Mental Health Month

Mental Health Misconceptions

There are several common misconceptions about mental health, such as mental health problems being caused by weakness or character flaws, or that people with mental health issues can pull themselves out of it without help.

In fact, there are many factors that can contribute to mental health problems, such as family history, physical sickness, brain chemistry, and history abuse, neglect or trauma. Mental health issues are not a sign of weakness, and often require outside help to help resolve.

Unfortunately, stigma and misconceptions are still prevalent in the population that Landmark serves. We address this through patient education, universal screening, and referrals to outside specialists to help when necessary.

Special Mental Health Considerations for Complex Patients

With Landmark’s patient population – those with complex chronic health issues – there are special considerations as far as mental health is concerned. Our patient population is more likely to experience mental health challenges due to dealing with complex medical situations.

While the use of Landmark’s services varies across by region and health plan, we know that over 40% of our population of chronic complex patients have behavioral health conditions – predominantly anxiety and depression.

Landmark Social Work Team Contributes to Mental Health Solutions

At Landmark, the efforts of our social workers dovetail with the those of our mental health providers. As a part of the standardized Social Work assessment, social workers assess a patient’s behavioral health history and any unmanaged behavioral health needs. If we identify unmanaged behavioral health needs, the social worker consults with the behavioral health practitioner to determine a course of action.

Social workers also provide brief therapeutic interventions to help stabilize the patient as needed. For those patients who have longer term behavioral health needs, the social worker assists by connecting patients to behavioral health resources available in their community.

Are you struggling? Seek help from your healthcare provider, or one of the many national and community resources available. Learn more about mental health and Mental Health Month here.