1. `xÇàtÄ [xtÄà{ TááÉv|tà|ÉÇ Éy fÉâà{ãxáà YÄÉÜ|wt
Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness since 1957
55 Years of
providing Services March 2012
throughout
SWFL Join us in Celebrating 55 Years
of Service to Southwest Florida!!
Coming Events:
♦ March 3, 2012
Diversity Festival
♦ March 10, 2012
Putting Children First
♦March 21, 2012 Advocacy, another important activity of the Mental Health Association of
Proclamation Naples City Southwest Florida, has had its share of milestones. After successfully advocating for
Council Meeting a psychologist in 1957, the Association in 1963, obtained and paid for the
♦ March 24, 2012 part-time services of a psychiatrist. Then attention was turned towards increasing
Putting Children First the funding for the State Hospital to pay competent personnel, greater use of NCH for
♦March 27, 2012 psychiatric patients, and more after care programs for patients.
Proclamation Collier County
In 1963, The MHA rejoiced when President Kennedy signed the Mental Health Act.
Commission meeting
Dr. Louis Moore, President of the MHA1961-1962, lead the effort to secure a mental
♦ April 14, 2012
health center for Collier County. After conducting a survey on mental health needs,
Putting Children First
he urged the Board to inform the State Division of Mental Health of Collier County’s
♦ April 22, 2012 desire to apply for federal funds to build and staff a center. During this same period
Rockin ‘& in the Tropics
The Kiwanis Club, in support of MHA, approved a project of acquiring land and a
Outdoor Concert
building for the clinic. By late 1968, during Carl Clemmer’s presidency, a clinic
♦ April 28, 2012 committee was incorporated and a budget submitted to the State. The following year,
Putting Children First Polly Keller’s term as President, the dream was finally realized when the clinic
doors opened in October.
Support Groups:
The present day Board and Staff of the MHASWFL appreciate the dedication of the
• Here for Life
founders and volunteers whose efforts have greatly improved the lives of all in our
1st Tuesday every Month
community. The mission has not changed. The goals may have been reprioritized and
7:00 PM
the language modernized but the intent remains the same.
• Veterans
Wednesday
7:00 - 8:30PM
Our Mission
• Depression To Advocate for Mental Wellness through
Thursday
10:30AM - Noon Education, Prevention, and Support
4. Page 4 Mental Health Matters
Gollee’s Tip
Help end bullying at your school
with the following actions:
• on respect, school safety, and anti-bullying.
• Ask school personnel to have a discussion at an
assembly or an after school activity about
prejudice.
• Arrange for a group to present bullying
prevention activities and programs at your
school.
• Do encourage anyone who’s being bullied to tell
a teacher, counselor, coach, nurse, or his or her
parents or guardians. If the bullying continues,
report it yourself.
Seek help when necessary
If you are worried about a child’s reaction or have
Discuss your ongoing concerns about his/her
behavior or emotions, contact a mental
child’s day, health professional at school, your community
listen for mental health center, or
signs of MHASWFL at 261-5405.
concerns!!
7. March 2012 Page 7
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
ANNOUNCES:
US SENATE RESOLUTION 55 DECLARES
MARCH 30
‘‘WELCOME HOME VIETNAM VETERANS DAY’’
Collier County Commission and Naples City Council are proud to honor
ALL of our returning veterans by proclaiming March 30
“Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.”
Please join the Mental Health Association in accepting the Proclamations on:
• Naples City Council meeting March 21, 2012 meeting at 9 am.
• Collier County Commission meeting the March 27, 2012
meeting at 9 am in the main County Administration building.
8. Page 8 Mental Health Matters
Insomnia; the good the bad and the ugly
Insomnia (sleeplessness or trouble sleeping) is very common.
It appears with increasing frequency as people age. It can be a
symptom of depression or anxiety.
Many of the medications commonly used to treat insomnia are ad-
dicting. These medicines “damage” brain receptors and often make in-
somnia worse when the dose is reduced or they are stopped in the fu-
ture. In addition, as people age, these medications can cause an agi-
tated state called “delirium.” In delirium patients experience intense fear
(paranoia) and sometimes see and hear things (hallucinations).
Benzodiazepines, Z drugs and alcohol share these harmful properties. The “Benzos” include
Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Valium (Diazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam) and
Xanax (Alprazolam). The “Z drugs” are Ambien (Zolpidem), Lunesta (Eszopiclone) and Sonata
(Zaleplon). All are addicting; all can be difficult to stop or cut down (insomnia worsens).
All can lead to delirium in the elderly.
Non-addicting medications may not work as well as the more dangerous medicines. (Salads
aren’t as tasty as French Fries). However, they are more wholesome and don’t cause problems in
the future.
It’s very important in treating insomnia to treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom.
An assessment for insomnia starts with an exploration of possible causes.
Depression is sometimes insidious and can sneak up on a person. Because of the stigma
associated with depression, many people acknowledge insomnia but deny depression even
when those close to them see it clearly.
Anxiety (worry, apprehension) can cause insomnia.
Some people “self medicate” their insomnia with alcohol. Alcohol, though often helpful initially, can
lead to serious problems later. This merely sets the stage for bigger problems in the future.
Alcoholism can be an obvious consequence. Even when alcoholism does not follow, alcohol
damages brain receptors and can lead to serious consequences such as liver, brain and peripheral
nerve damage.
Treatment for insomnia starts with a professional evaluation of any underlying cause. If depression
or anxiety is present treatment should be directed at that. When insomnia presents as a solitary
symptom it can be treated directly.
Multiple wholesome approaches are available:
The first is “sleep hygiene.” Sleep hygiene embodies elements that naturally foster restful sleep.
Sleep hygiene involves using the bed only for sleep and sex. No reading, eating, relaxing, etc in
bed. Sleep needs to be confined to bed. No napping at any time in bed, chair or elsewhere. Time in
bed needs to be restricted to a maximum of 8 hours. This maximum is important even if you have
been wakeful for part of the 8 hours. I tell patients, “don’t get into bed until 11 pm and be out of bed
by 7 am no matter how your night has been.”
While this may sound severe, good sleep hygiene has the potential to be very helpful in attaining
restful sleep without chemicals.
9. March 2012 Page 9
Second are Yoga and relaxation techniques. Guided imagery and breathing exercises can also
be useful. Self help books can be found in the library, on-line and at the bookstores.
Melatonin is the natural medication. It can be purchased without a prescription. It is mild but can
be quite helpful.
Benadryl is an antihistamine (Diphenhydramine). I don’t recommend it. It is the active ingredient in
TylenolPM, Sominex and Wal-Som. It can cause confusion and even delirium in the elderly. Doxyl-
amine (Unisom), also an antihistamine, has similar problems.
Trazodone (Desyrel) is a prescription medication that can help insomnia. Sometimes it causes a
“hung over” feeling in the morning but this usually is mild. It is not addicting and has no long term
consequences.
Another prescription medication that can be useful without the potential for damaging brain receptors
or delirium is Gabapentin. It is relatively short acting and does not usually cause any “hung over”
feelings in the morning. It is not addicting and has no long term consequences.
If you have insomnia, consider: 1) the possibility that you might have depression or anxiety, 2) be
sure you are not using alcohol to “self medicate”, 3) follow sleep hygiene guidelines, 4) try relaxation
or Yoga and 5) consider Melatonin.
If insomnia persists, ask you doctor about Trazodone or Gabapentin.
Beware of Benzos and Zdrugs. They are frequently prescribed. Patients “love them; they feel
good”. Like borrowing too much on your credit cards, the problems only show up later!
If your insomnia persists, consider an appointment with a psychiatrist or sleep specialist.
By Dr. Deutschman
10. Page 10 Mental Health Matters
S a ve t h e D a t e
“Shooting for the stars”
Basketball Clinic
August 4, 2012
DESCRIPTION: Wali Jones will conduct the clinic
which will feature human development training
emphasizing academic excellence,
problem-solving, refusal skills, increasing
self-concept and self-esteem and promoting
teamwork. Kids will also work on fun and exciting
fundamental athletic skills through a variety of
basketball drills, viewing of films, foul shooting
contests and more! The clinic will accommodate
up to 100 kids between the ages of 8-17.
www.mhaswfl.org
(239) 261-5405
11. March 2012 Page 11
YOU ARE INVITED
TO THE FIRST EVENT OF THE
NAPLES ALLIANCE OF
DIVORCE PROFESSIONALS
THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012
CliftonLarsonAllen
4099 Tamiami Trail North, Suite 200, Naples FL 34103
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Refreshments to be served
R.S.V.P. by April 20, 2012 to Julie
jbarlow@zungfamilylaw.com
(239) 325-1895
Steering Committee
Rebecca Zung-Clough, Esq., Law Office of Rebecca Zung-Clough, PLLC
David Schultz, CPA, ABV, CliftonLarsonAllen
Dale Klaus, Esq. Klaus Doupe, P.A.
Petra Jones and Brian Follweiler, Mental Health Association of SW Florida
Nancy Thorsen, First American Bank
12. March 2012 Mental Health Matters Page 12
To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education,
Prevention, and Support
The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and
develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those
facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community.
If you are interested in becoming a member, e-mail us at info@mhaswfl.org Or Simply fill out the application and mail a check
payable to MHASWFL or donate online using a credit card. Your contribution is tax-deductible and crucial to helping us continue
our work. If you have any questions about Membership please contact our office by phone at (239) 261-5405
or mail The Mental Association of Southwest Florida 2335 Tamaimi Trail N, Ste 404, Naples FL 34103.
