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California’s Proposition 1 officially passed more than two weeks after election day, and KPIX -TV reported on what it means for the state.
Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, a supporter of Prop 1, was interviewed for the piece. Mark shared that he believes Prop 1 will help folks in need get the behavioral health care they need.
Watch the report here.
San J,osé Spotlight recently ran an op-ed by our CEO, Mark Cloutier, explaining that without Prop 1, which is on the ballot in California on March 5, our housing and mental health crisis will become even more of a challenge.
Mark writes, "Prop. 1 is a game changer for our state, one that is finally recognizing the dire needs of its underserved communities. This would open doors for individuals past the stage of needing intervention services. Prop. 1 heralds supplying resources that are vital for mental health and substance use treatment. The reprioritization of funds will require state and county governments to step up to finance sidelined services. It’s time we dedicate proper funding to both issues while unequivocally voting yes on Prop. 1 — that’s the best step forward to treat the most neglected among us.”
We invite you to read the full op-ed.
Caminar’s Speakers Series, held in May of this year, offered a discussion with adolescent mental health experts who helped address solutions to the question: How can we restore hope and resilience in our youth? Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, wrote this piece after the event and included some of the insightful and actionable ideas our expert panel shared.
The mental health crisis is gripping our youth. It’s time to release the tension.
By Mark Cloutier, Caminar CEO
From climate change and COVID-19 to mass shootings, the prevalence and effects of lethal drugs, and so many other issues, our youth are burdened with anxiety and depression. And the indicators for detrimental levels of concern have never been as worrisome as they are today. Leaving youth mental health unaddressed, we face an entire generation growing up with unresolved trauma and built-up stress. We need to build hope and resilience in adolescents today as future generations will depend on what we are doing now.
In order to provide the right support, we first need to understand what indicators are causing this crisis. A large proponent is social media, which is limiting time - time to interact with other children and adults, and reducing the time to sleep. The other two big factors compounding the issue are climate change and gun violence. A global study showed that 8 out of 10 children worry that climate change is threatening people, and the planet. Firearms are also the leading cause of death for children and young adults between 0 to 24 years of age. These statistics, coupled with the normal stressors of adolescence - likeability, acceptance, identity issues, etc. - are contributing to poor mental health. So how do we, as parents, do what we can to mitigate their exposure to these issues by having on-going, effective and informed communication with them? To start, recognizing distress they may have from these issues is the beginning of being able to create hope in them.
Prioritize Connection
We can start by recognizing what adolescents value. Younger generations look to us for honesty and authenticity, and they hunger for deep connections to feel seen for what they think. Putting ourselves in their shoes and understanding where they’re coming from and what they’re feeling, will help us build connection and instill the hope they’re looking for.
Connecting with adolescents and understanding them on an emotional level by offering them a safe space to open up and letting them know it’s normal to have big feelings about societal issues, i.e., climate change or gun violence, will begin the process of restoring our youth’s mental health. As Elizabeth Allured, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and educator at Suffolk Institute, advises, “you don’t have to be a therapist to be a good listener, but you do have to listen quite well.” Instead of talking to our children, listen to them. Hear what they have to say, as this will not only validate their feelings, but allow you to form a deeper connection with them as well.
Don’t Jump to A Solution
Oftentimes, our society will see a problem and want to find a solution right away. Instead of trying to solve the issue, it’s important to recognize the issue at hand and how it’s impacting our youth, on an emotional level. “Young people do not consider incremental change as a solution-
making aspect anymore,” said mental health advocate and public health major at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Faria Tavacoli. Adolescents find that by expressing their emotions about the problem first, they’re able to clear their minds and then tackle the solution.
Be Honest and Authentic
In discussing one’s emotional toll and feelings that surmount when these issues arise, it’s important to be honest with our youth. Allow them to trust you. If a child asks you how you feel about climate change and you’re worried about it too, be honest with them. Let them know that when you do experience moments of hopelessness, you pause and let the feelings fully in. It is important to communicate that so they feel safe talking to you about how difficult their feelings are for them. If it feels appropriate, you may consider exploring what solutions might work –including them in brainstorming solutions empowers them. It may also be a good time to remember the progress that has been made as a way of instilling hope. If you say “everything will be alright,” but your face shows worry, the chances of that child trusting or opening up to you again are likely slim to none. Simply, we need to be better role models by being vulnerable and sharing our emotions too.
Caution Against Misinformation
Another challenge is the ever-expanding web of misinformation that challenges our youth’s ability to see clear facts or fables, leading to doubt and mistrust. More so, as technology like artificial intelligence (AI) advances, it’s critical to give our youth the resources and knowledge to identify an AI-generated source versus a human one. Susan Clayton, PhD, Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology at the College of Wooster in Ohio, suggests that staying on top of these advancements is vital, but also “teaching children how, and when, to be able to trust what they hear is an important skill too.” Reputable news sites are helpful resources to distinguish between fact and fiction, as well as validation from an adult who may have more knowledge on the topic or situation.
Understand that Resilience Takes Time
Regardless of the stressor, like the isolation brought about by the pandemic, or the polarizing political environment that is creating civil strife, every child will have a unique perspective and connection to these events. It’s also important to recognize and accept that resilience is not a constant. The saying, “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger,” doesn’t apply here, as even the most resilient people have hard days. Nonetheless, “resilience can be built with practice, it’s like a muscle,” says Anne E. Brodsky, PhD, Professor and Chair of Psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Staying resilient amidst these events will look different for everyone, which is why community and social support is so important.
Providing our youth with resources in general through physical reading materials, access to support groups, and skills training, is important to improving their mental health. Whether they’re worried about the pandemic or a recent mass shooting, providing them with the right material to learn about these topics is critical to making them feel heard, and allows them to process their emotions. Increasing our engagement within our own communities will build our youth’s resiliency in their mental health. Seeing that so many people are involved or care about a certain issue, will make them feel less alone and justify that what they are worried about really does matter.
It’s daunting to see how often these issues are occurring and the impact it’s having on our younger generations. The curtain’s pulled back, unveiling a lot of work that needs to be done to provide the hope our youth needs. Truly, it’s up to us to teach the skills necessary for resilience. If hope is the intention, resilience is the action that will make it a reality. So, let’s get to it.
Please join us for a live, free, online event: Fostering Youth Mental Health: Building Hope and Resilience in Uncertain Times with David Feldman, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Santa Clara University
Thursday, October 5, 2023
5:30pm – 6:30 pm PT
Register now!
In this special presentation, clinical health psychologist David B. Feldman, PhD, will discuss coping strategies and healthy habits in support of children and teens.
As a community, we want our youth to become more hopeful, more resilient, and better able to handle life's uncertainties. Considered one of the nation’s foremost experts on hope, Dr. Feldman's research has addressed such topics as hope, meaning, and growth in the face of highly stressful circumstances. He will be joined by Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH, Chief Executive Officer at Caminar.
Parents/caregivers, students, educators, mental health professionals, and community members are welcome and admission is free.
This event is sponsored by Caminar, in partnership with The Parent Venture.
Questions? Contact Charlene Margot, MA, Co-Founder and CEO, The Parent Venture (The Parent Education Series)
San José Spotlight recently ran an op-ed by our CEO, Mark Cloutier, explaining that the current youth mental health crisis needs more attention.
Mark writes, "Can you imagine what future generations will look like if we cannot get youth treated today? The mental distress young people are currently experiencing will undoubtedly lead to more serious, complex and lifelong mental health disorders, in addition to a greater financial strain on our health care system. From a prevention perspective, we don’t completely understand what is driving this spike in mental distress. It’s time to look at some of the deeper causes we know are giving rise to this wave of emotional distress. There are two actions we need to prioritize now: 1) screening and early intervention, and 2) research into root causes."
We invite you to read the full op-ed.
San Jose Spotlight recently published an Op-Ed by our CEO, Mark Cloutier: The Bay Area should be leading change for the youth mental health crisis.
Our society is experiencing an epidemic wave of behavioral health disorders that’s impacting our most vulnerable populations.
The pandemic exacerbated a pre-existing emotional environment for young people that led to increased suicide rates, severe depressive episodes and likely early drug addiction among our youth. Too many of those young people are being left out of care, get too little care or have complex issues that our current system cannot address.
We invite you to read the Op-Ed in its entirety here.
Hello Caminar Community,
Tuesday was another grim day in our nation’s history. The horrific, senseless massacre of 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, is incomprehensible, wholly unacceptable, and yes, largely preventable or at least reduceable.
The mental health of our country – and our youth and adolescents in particular – has never been so fragile. Yesterday’s school shooting, plus the 26 other school shootings just this year and the countless other acts of gun violence, compound the trauma our youth are exposed to on a regular basis.
No child should have to go to school - what is supposed to be a safe place - and fear for their life. No family member should worry about gun violence when they send their child off to school each day. No parent or guardian should have to bury their child because of senseless acts of violence against innocent children or individuals.
And, it is not enough for public officials to bemoan the tragedy and offer prayers and support for the survivors, parents and communities. They legislate policies that make mass shootings of innocent people possible. We live in a very violent country and as a nation, we must address the policies, beliefs and behaviors that allow that violence to occur.
As I said just last week, in the wake of the Buffalo shooting, please be gentle with yourselves and seek out support if you need it. Thank you for supporting your colleagues, the clients we serve, and our community in this extraordinarily difficult time.
With care and concern,
Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH
CEO, Caminar
Happy New Year! We hope your holidays were restful and healthy. To kick off 2022, we wanted to offer some suggestions for some positive mental health resolutions:
Make time for consistent self-care
Create realistic goals for yourself
Limit screentime
Get a healthy amount of sleep
Explore different hobbies
Try out journaling
Practice gratitude
Seek mental health care if you need it
We hope that you have a healthy and positive 2022!
The holidays can be a very joyous, yet difficult time of the year. NAMI indicates that “64% of people with mental illness report holidays make their conditions worse.” The temporary feelings are often called the “holiday blues.” It’s an important time to practice extra self-care and get the support you need.
Here are some tips and resources to help maintain mental wellness during the holidays.
Tips
Manage expectations
Set aside time for self-care
Write a gratitude list
Spend quality time with friends and family
Practice meditation
Take a walk outside
Continue with your healthy routines
Get support
Resources
Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping
December 10th is Human Rights Day, adopted by the UN in 1948. It promotes that everyone is entitled to human rights, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political, national or social origin, property, birth, or another identifying factor. This year’s theme relates to equality, and that “all humans are born free and equal in dignity and rights." The focus is on addressing discrimination against women, LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC people, migrants, and people with disabilities.
The UN has acknowledged that mental health is an important human right. An OHCHR Report found that globally:
Mental health conditions will affect one in four people throughout their lifetime.
Globally, mental health does not enjoy parity with physical health in budgeting, medical education, or practice.
Stigma is a significant determinant of quality of care and access to the full range of services required by persons with mental health conditions.
Almost two-thirds of persons with mental health conditions will not seek treatment for their condition.
Poor mental health is a predisposing factor for physical health problems.
Persons with mental health conditions have a much-reduced life expectancy compared with the general population, with an estimated drop in life expectancy of 20 years for men and 15 years for women.
At Caminar, we are committed to responding to the urgent behavioral health needs of underserved populations in our communities. We believe that inequity will not go away without access to behavioral health care for all.
Image via CDC
Here at Caminar, we believe that positive behavioral health outcomes occur when a person is supported in all their basic needs and when social determinants of health are addressed.
A recent opinion piece in Newsweek, “Mental Health Doesn't Evolve in a Vacuum. Can Mental Illness be Prevented?” - written by the President of the American Psychiatric Association, Dr. Vivian Pender - shares and expands upon this view:
The American Psychiatric Association is studying the constellation of factors that impact mental health. These are known as the social determinants of mental health that are focused on root causes with an eye to prevention. This framework strongly suggests a downstream link between a person’s lived experience—determined by social, economic, environmental and structural factors—that contribute to mental health outcomes for communities. Authorities across the academic spectrum agree.
We invite you to read this opinion piece, which may help explain the importance of Caminar’s work and Caminar’s Behavioral Health Equity Fund.
This year’s World Mental Health Day theme is 'Mental Health in an Unequal World,' which highlights the critical need to focus on all aspects of health, not just physical health, especially now while we are still experiencing COVID-19 and its negative impact.
According to the World Health Organization,
On World Mental Health Day, 10 October, it will have been more than 18 months since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In some countries, life is returning to some semblance of normality; in others, rates of transmission and hospital admissions remain high, disrupting the lives of families and communities.
In all countries, the pandemic has had a major impact on people’s mental health. Some groups, including health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. At the same time, a WHO survey conducted in mid-2020 clearly showed that services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders had been significantly disrupted during the pandemic.
Yet there is some cause for optimism. During the World Health Assembly in May 2021, governments from around the world recognized the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels and endorsed WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, including the Plan’s updated implementation options and indicators for measuring progress.
We are pleased to announce Caminar’s Behavioral Health Equity Fund, which was created to continue our response to the urgent behavioral health needs of the Bay Area’s underserved populations. Poverty, race, living environment, job status, education, and other factors have compounded the effects of COVID. But, behavioral health care plays a crucial role in reducing homelessness, incarcerations, and hospitalizations. It also bolsters people’s ability to engage with family, school, work, and primary care – and creates lasting economic and health benefits for individuals, families, and the community. Inequity will not go away without access to behavioral health for all.
Caminar provides behavioral health – mental health and substance use – services for thousands of our low and very low-income neighbors. The demand for behavioral health care increased during the pandemic and that demand will continue well into the future, especially for adolescents and younger adults. In fact, 63% of young adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorders during the pandemic, according to a CDC study. For some, mental illness and substance use disorders will be a new life-long struggle.
At Caminar, we are more committed than ever to serving our neighbors with quality, science-based, compassionate care to address complex behavioral health needs.
You can help reduce significant human suffering by ensuring behavioral health care is available to all who need it. Donate today to help reduce suffering right here, in your Bay Area community.
Our CEO, Mark Cloutier, was recently discussed on KPIX-TV channel 5 the challenges facing the mental health system due to the pandemic, and what’s being done to address those challenges.
Please see the interview with Michelle Griego here.
As we honor Black history during February, we also take this opportunity to raise awareness of mental health in the Black community. Communities of color have historically faced unique difficulties in accessing mental and behavioral health care, which is further compounded by stigma.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health details how African Americans are impacted by mental and behavioral health challenges:
Poverty level affects mental health status. African Americans living below the poverty level, as compared to those over twice the poverty level, are twice as likely to report psychological distress.
In 2017, suicide was the second leading cause of death for African Americans, ages 15 to 24.
The death rate from suicide for African American men was more than four times greater than for African American women in 2017.
However, the overall suicide rate for African Americans is 60 percent lower than that of the non-Hispanic white population.
African American females, grades 9-12, were 70 percent more likely to attempt suicide in 2017, as compared to non-Hispanic white females of the same age.
A report from the U.S. Surgeon General found that from 1980 - 1995, the suicide rate among African Americans ages 10 to 14 increased 233 percent, as compared to 120 percent of non-Hispanic whites.
To further the discussion about African American mental and behavioral health, here are a few useful resources
NAMI’s African American Mental Health page shares stories, statistics, and resources
Each Mind Matters provides this page focused on the African American community
Mental Health America highlights this guide to Black & African American Communities and Mental Health
Mental Health America also showcases African American pioneers in mental health
We hope the discussion of mental health in the African American community, and across all communities, continues. Together, we can increase awareness of mental health wellness, and support and empower vulnerable members of our communities.
On September 8, 2020, Mark Cloutier, our CEO, participated in the Daily Journal’s virtual health fair.
Mark kicked the event off with a discussion of six ways to improve emotional health and bolster immunity during the pandemic.
View his remarks here.
Caminar is pleased to partner with the San Mateo Daily Journal for a virtual health fair on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, from 10 am until 12 pm.
The health fair will include COVID-19 updates, community resources, and mental health education.
Mark Cloutier, our CEO, will discuss ways to stay mentally healthy during this stressful time.
Please use the button below to register. Registration is free.
July 22, 2020
Dear Friends,
Right now, there’s a dramatic increase in need for mental health and substance use services as a result of the pandemic. An emergency distress hotline recently reported a greater than 1,000 percent increase in demand over last year, which is just one indicator pointing to a looming crisis. But there’s hope and you can make a difference.
I’m writing to personally ask you to support the Caminar Mental Health Regional Response Fund for crucial mental health services for Bay Area families and adults who are in crisis. The next six months are critical—we must raise an additional $500,000 to continue to serve our suffering neighbors in a safe environment.
As the pandemic spread, Caminar’s essential services never stopped. In March, we immediately pivoted to tele-health. For clients who needed in-person services, staff were equipped with PPE and protocols were implemented to keep the organization and our community safe. You were there for your neighbors with your past support and they need you now more than ever before.
This fund will help Jasmine,* whose family wanted you to receive this message about her recent progress:
“ Thanks for staying with Jasmine through the tough times and working so well as a team to meet her needs. The person we previously knew is recognizable again. You were a great part of this change. Thank you!”
You help Jasmine and more than 20,000 people just like her when you support Caminar. Your gift today will help protect our Bay Area community from additional suffering.
Now, more than ever, access to mental health care saves lives. Thank you for taking action today to ensure our most vulnerable neighbors receive the care they deserve.
Sincerely,
Mark Cloutier, MPP, MPH
Chief Executive Officer, Caminar
*name changed to protect client privacy
PS: Will you be there for your struggling neighbors? Please give your most generous gift possible and provide crucial mental health services for Bay Area families and adults in crisis right now.
Special thanks to Caminar Case Manager Jason Kaefer for this article.
Do you value your own mental health? We are all committed to the daily grind - work, family, cost of living - and these all seem to come before our own thoughts and feelings. But mental health matters, and in our current climate of shelter in place, there are ways to improve your well-being without doctors or medication - practices that can be done in your home!
Why Mental Health is Important
Anyone can experience a headache and determine they need an Advil. But what happens when you feel stressed, worried, run-down, sad, lonely, and more? For many, these feelings are temporary and seemingly not worth addressing, so they push on without taking time to care for themselves.
These actions can have consequences. Lack of attention to mental health can result in fatigue, low immune system and illness, and serious changes in behavior. Addressing your feelings is no different than staying off your feet after a painful injury, or taking an ice bath for an injured muscle. Have no shame and consider finding a person you can trust.
Here are four ways to improve your mental health.
1. Open To Someone
Having someone to open to will allow you to crack the release valve. It also may allow you to come to a solution. As a mental health caseworker, I often work with individuals who have a lot to get off their chest. Allowing someone the time to speak at length can lead to them discovering their own solution, thus building independence and confidence in that person
Try identifying individuals around you - family, friends, etc. - and engage with them! We are social creatures by nature, so act on your instinct. Don't hesitate to search for alternatives if they don't work for you - remember, not everyone is a great listener!
If you're unsure about family and friends, there are mental health hotlines provided though San Mateo County NAMI with trained professionals available to speak to you.
2. Exercise
A great mental health question to ask is, “Am I getting enough movement?” There is both common sense and advanced science behind this one: When you get moving, you feel better. Exercise has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression, boost mood, circulate blood flow, and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein found in parts of the brain that aids in thinking, memory, and learning, all of which may help provide relief from mental illness.
This doesn't mean you have to partake in a Spartan Race! Try walking for 60 minutes a day to achieve the above effects.
3. Do Things that Make You Happy
Being able to take time for yourself is crucial. Consider an old hobby or one you'd like to take up - maybe it’s guitar, drawing, or singing. You can even try something new to keep things energized and interesting. For example, I've begun home cardio workouts and reading since the San Mateo County shelter-in-place orders, which has helped me to build my stress tolerance, gain some knowledge, improve sleep, and force me to improve my diet.
4. Develop Positivity
Becoming more positive can be broken into the following categories:
Find humor: Try finding humor in any situation, even if the situation is negative.
Gratitude: Practice being grateful every day. Acknowledge the people around you, the things you have, the life you live.
Find the upside to everything: People who have a negative mindset, tend to do one thing very well: They find the downside to any situation. Try eliminating this mentality by asking yourself, “Could the situation have been worse?” By identifying the positive in any situation, you'll recondition your brain to think this way every day.
Developing positivity in your life can be an awesome way to deter feelings of depression and uncertainty.
All of these techniques can be practiced together. I recommend starting slow with one at a time and gradually build to all four.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are pleased to share stories of wellness, resilience, and independence. We thank our clients who are willing to share their stories. Through stories, we aim to give others hope and to help reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Before Caminar, Susan describes feeling like “a really strong storm was brewing inside me.” That storm led to countless hospitalizations, seclusions, and restraints. Scared, confused, and helpless to help herself, Susan didn’t know where to turn.
The pivotal moment in Susan’s journey came when she enrolled in Caminar’s Supported Education dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) class, where she learned new and constructive coping strategies for her mental health. Soon, she recognized her thinking changing for the better. As Susan describes it, “my self-esteem and self-worth were improving tremendously. The world was no longer a threat to me and I realized everyone deals with something in their life. We all have challenges.”
With Caminar’s help, Susan regained control of her life and quelled the storm that once brewed inside of her. And, through our Jobs Plus program, she found gainful employment and recently celebrated seven years with the same employer. Particularly remarkable to Susan is how she began to approach others once she improved her outlook. Previously, Susan would avoid eye contact with others,
hoping to avert any connection. Now, Susan looks everyone directly in the eye and smiles, often receiving a warm smile in return. This seemingly simple act speaks volumes to the growth and healing Susan has achieved.
Her case manager shares, “I know how hard things have been for Susan, and the obstacles she has faced. Through it all, and while balancing her mental health with employment and parenting a child with disabilities, she has shown inspiring tenacity and motivation to strive for continuous improvement. The Caminar family is privileged to be together with Susan on this journey.”
