Connecting people to resources is central to The Kim Foundation’s mission of improving lives through mental health and suicide prevention. Through its work, The Kim Foundation serves to bridge the gaps in mental health services and further encourages innovation that will enhance programs, expand services, strengthen organizational systems, and most importantly, transform lives.
Focused on increasing awareness and promoting continued education related to mental illness and suicide, The Kim Foundation strives to break down the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care.
Listen in as Julia Hebenstreit, JD, the executive director with the Kim Foundation, explains how the Kim Foundation works to assure individuals and families touched by mental illness and/or suicide that they are not alone on their journey to recovery.
The Kim Foundation: Who We Are & What We Do
Featured Speaker:
Julia Hebenstreit, JD, The Kim Foundation
Julia Hebenstreit is the executive director with The Kim Foundation. Transcription:
The Kim Foundation: Who We Are & What We Do
Melanie Cole (Host): Bryan Health hosts a community run every October to further their commitment to wellness and mental health. For more information about this event, you can go to bryanhealth.org/run. This special podcast series is brought to you by Bryan Health and The Kim Foundation. Mental illness affects one in five individuals nationally each year, yet nearly two-thirds of these individuals never seek treatment because of the stigma. Untreated mental illness can have negative effects on your physical health and your daily life. With proper treatment, however, you can go on living a happy and fulfilling life. My guest today is Julia Hebenstreit. She is the executive director with the Kim Foundation. Welcome to the show, Julia. Tell us a little bit about the Kim Foundation, and what do you do for mental health awareness?
Julia Hebenstreit (Guest): Thanks for having me today. The Kim Foundation is a family foundation. We are based in the Omaha metro area but we have outreach into Lincoln as well and some greater Nebraska. We focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. We were founded fifteen years ago, actually. The family that founded it, their daughter Kim had a mental illness and she, unfortunately, took her life when she was twenty four, and so at that time Larry vowed when he was able to give back in an impactful way, this would be his focus, and so we have worked for fifteen years to break down some of that stigma that Bryan also work to do so well, and just to really make it a conversation that people can have in the community about mental illness and open that door for them because it does impact so many different people in our lives.
Melanie: Julia, what does it mean to have mental illness?
Julia: It can mean a lot of different things and look differently for everyone. There's some that become very serious, certainly, and then some that are more or less serious. The thing that we always like to emphasize for people is that it's very treatable and people can lead successful, happy lives with a mental illness, it's just a matter of finding that proper treatment that works in your life and for your family. So, really, just encouraging people to reach out and get that help and once you've identified that there is an issue that next step is where do we turn to. We do a lot of that work to connect people with resources in their communities and just make it a little easier for them.
Melanie: What are some of the warning signs of mental illness? Are there some red flags you'd like to point out for loved ones to identify?
Julia: Yes, absolutely. Again, it's going to depend on which mental illness they have. They're all certainly different, but anxiety and depression are the two most common, certainly, for the general population. Depression—we’ll just kind of get into that piece because it impacts the majority of people. One thing that we like to say is that just because you have one of these warning signs does not mean that you have depression. Certainly, it’s usually a combination of things. One thing to watch for people is that if it has lasted two weeks or longer, then that’s the time that you really need to reach out for help because some of this stuff is just normal everyday experiences that people do experience when they're having a bad day. It may look like withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities, change in sleeping pattern, and change in eating patterns. Even when it gets very extreme depression, they're talking about suicide, you may notice them talking or writing or expressing about dying, and then the important thing is to take that very seriously for people. And, again, it's two weeks or longer that we really want for people to watch for. One thing that is often overlooked with both anxiety and depression, we actually just had an e-mail yesterday to the foundation that a teenager was having all these unexplained aches and pains and that's one symptom and warning sign that people often overlook, even in the medical profession, because they're unexplained typically and they don't think to look for depression or anxiety.
Melanie: What should you do if someone you know appears to have some of these symptoms you've described?
Julia: You can take courses online. On Bryan's website, there's an online depression training and it's not meant to diagnose you but if you think that either you or a loved one are experiencing these things, you can take that in the comfort of your own home and privacy of your own home, and see is this something that you need to take seriously? If these warning signs are there, or you just think that something's not quite right, we always encourage you to reach out for help. If you aren't sure where to turn to, you can always call the foundation. Our number is 402-891-6911, and we work to connect you. We can't make a medical referral but we’ll work to connect you with resources in your community that might fit your needs. You can also go to our website and there's a map of all the regions throughout the state, broken out with the different resources listed, and it really connects you with help there. There's online resources and then, obviously, physical offices that you can walk into. The most important thing is that the first step is recognizing that there is an issue, and then what to do about that and who to reach out to for help. That is kind of where usually people get hung up on because they don't know where to go or what to do. We just really encourage them to make sure to reach out and, even if they don't have the answers, find someone, either the foundation or our medical provider, that can help them make that way a little easier.
Melanie: That website is thekimfoundation.org. Julia, do you think that people are hesitant to get help for themselves or their loved ones because there's still a stigma? Are we seeing that still goes on today surrounding mental illness?
Julia: Yes, I think in some ways there's that stigma certainly still exists. It's one of those things that we spend a lot of time going out in the community doing presentations and sometimes we ask, “Have any of you in here been impacted by mental illness?” Typically, sometimes it's crickets and no one responds and then it might be a slow response but as soon as one person opens up about their experiences with it, the room floods with stories about their mom, or themselves, or their sister, or brother, whoever it may be. People feel more comfortable sharing their story once they know they're not alone in that. I think it's important as a society and as a community to just make it a more welcoming environment to have a conversation about mental illness because so many people don't talk about it because they are struggling alone and they think no will understand. If we can make it a more positive, open environment for people to talk about, then we certainly want to do that. I think it helps anyone that can help start the conversation and be an advocate for someone in your life that is impacted by these things. I think all of us can play a part in that. The stigma certainly is still there but I'd like to say we're getting better as a community, but there's always work to be done in this area, certainly.
Melanie: Why do you believe in Bryan Health and the Bryan Health Capital City Classic run event that helps raise awareness for mental health education?
Julia: Bryan has been an outstanding partner with us, and they always are one of the first ones that come to the table and want to find answers, and find solutions to break down the stigma or fill a gap in mental health services. We really believe in the work that they do and the way that they serve their community. They do it in a unique and welcoming environment, and they have top notch facilities. Many health systems are kind of late to the game in terms of putting a priority on behavioral health and I think Bryan has done that from the start. It has always been important to them and been incorporated in all that they do in their work in the medical field. And so, we feel as a foundation that we really need to get behind them and support that. This is a great way to bring community members together, maybe they haven't yet been impacted by mental illness but just a platform for them to see how many people it truly does impact and in a way for them to get involved and help out.
Melanie: Speak about mental health recovery a little bit, as a journey of healing and transformation that can enable a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life. What does the Kim Foundation say about recovery and living that life?
Julia: We fully believe in recovery and that mental illness is treatable, and some people think it's not curable, but treatable is different and you can lead a very successful life. Again, I touched on this at the beginning, but just finding that realm of treatment that works best for you and your family. For some people, that is going to be medication; for some people that's going to be outpatient therapy. Some people find a more holistic way about treatment to be more successful for them. So, it could be a combination of any of those things, but we truly believe that mental illness is treatable, and that they can lead a very successful, full life and be an active member of our community. We just want to keep reemphasizing that message to people and not let them get down, and I think too often people see like in the movies and media, these very serious mental illnesses and think that's what it has to look like and that's certainly not the case at all. We just want to keep promoting the message of hope and resiliency, and letting them know that treatment is available and help is out there.
Melanie: Thank you so much, Julia, for being with us today. It's really great and such important information. You're listening to Bryan Health Radio and if you'd like more information about The Kim Foundation, you can go to thekimfoundation.org. That's thekimfoundation.org. This is Melanie Cole. Thanks so much for listening.
The Kim Foundation: Who We Are & What We Do
Melanie Cole (Host): Bryan Health hosts a community run every October to further their commitment to wellness and mental health. For more information about this event, you can go to bryanhealth.org/run. This special podcast series is brought to you by Bryan Health and The Kim Foundation. Mental illness affects one in five individuals nationally each year, yet nearly two-thirds of these individuals never seek treatment because of the stigma. Untreated mental illness can have negative effects on your physical health and your daily life. With proper treatment, however, you can go on living a happy and fulfilling life. My guest today is Julia Hebenstreit. She is the executive director with the Kim Foundation. Welcome to the show, Julia. Tell us a little bit about the Kim Foundation, and what do you do for mental health awareness?
Julia Hebenstreit (Guest): Thanks for having me today. The Kim Foundation is a family foundation. We are based in the Omaha metro area but we have outreach into Lincoln as well and some greater Nebraska. We focus on mental health awareness and suicide prevention. We were founded fifteen years ago, actually. The family that founded it, their daughter Kim had a mental illness and she, unfortunately, took her life when she was twenty four, and so at that time Larry vowed when he was able to give back in an impactful way, this would be his focus, and so we have worked for fifteen years to break down some of that stigma that Bryan also work to do so well, and just to really make it a conversation that people can have in the community about mental illness and open that door for them because it does impact so many different people in our lives.
Melanie: Julia, what does it mean to have mental illness?
Julia: It can mean a lot of different things and look differently for everyone. There's some that become very serious, certainly, and then some that are more or less serious. The thing that we always like to emphasize for people is that it's very treatable and people can lead successful, happy lives with a mental illness, it's just a matter of finding that proper treatment that works in your life and for your family. So, really, just encouraging people to reach out and get that help and once you've identified that there is an issue that next step is where do we turn to. We do a lot of that work to connect people with resources in their communities and just make it a little easier for them.
Melanie: What are some of the warning signs of mental illness? Are there some red flags you'd like to point out for loved ones to identify?
Julia: Yes, absolutely. Again, it's going to depend on which mental illness they have. They're all certainly different, but anxiety and depression are the two most common, certainly, for the general population. Depression—we’ll just kind of get into that piece because it impacts the majority of people. One thing that we like to say is that just because you have one of these warning signs does not mean that you have depression. Certainly, it’s usually a combination of things. One thing to watch for people is that if it has lasted two weeks or longer, then that’s the time that you really need to reach out for help because some of this stuff is just normal everyday experiences that people do experience when they're having a bad day. It may look like withdrawing from previously enjoyed activities, change in sleeping pattern, and change in eating patterns. Even when it gets very extreme depression, they're talking about suicide, you may notice them talking or writing or expressing about dying, and then the important thing is to take that very seriously for people. And, again, it's two weeks or longer that we really want for people to watch for. One thing that is often overlooked with both anxiety and depression, we actually just had an e-mail yesterday to the foundation that a teenager was having all these unexplained aches and pains and that's one symptom and warning sign that people often overlook, even in the medical profession, because they're unexplained typically and they don't think to look for depression or anxiety.
Melanie: What should you do if someone you know appears to have some of these symptoms you've described?
Julia: You can take courses online. On Bryan's website, there's an online depression training and it's not meant to diagnose you but if you think that either you or a loved one are experiencing these things, you can take that in the comfort of your own home and privacy of your own home, and see is this something that you need to take seriously? If these warning signs are there, or you just think that something's not quite right, we always encourage you to reach out for help. If you aren't sure where to turn to, you can always call the foundation. Our number is 402-891-6911, and we work to connect you. We can't make a medical referral but we’ll work to connect you with resources in your community that might fit your needs. You can also go to our website and there's a map of all the regions throughout the state, broken out with the different resources listed, and it really connects you with help there. There's online resources and then, obviously, physical offices that you can walk into. The most important thing is that the first step is recognizing that there is an issue, and then what to do about that and who to reach out to for help. That is kind of where usually people get hung up on because they don't know where to go or what to do. We just really encourage them to make sure to reach out and, even if they don't have the answers, find someone, either the foundation or our medical provider, that can help them make that way a little easier.
Melanie: That website is thekimfoundation.org. Julia, do you think that people are hesitant to get help for themselves or their loved ones because there's still a stigma? Are we seeing that still goes on today surrounding mental illness?
Julia: Yes, I think in some ways there's that stigma certainly still exists. It's one of those things that we spend a lot of time going out in the community doing presentations and sometimes we ask, “Have any of you in here been impacted by mental illness?” Typically, sometimes it's crickets and no one responds and then it might be a slow response but as soon as one person opens up about their experiences with it, the room floods with stories about their mom, or themselves, or their sister, or brother, whoever it may be. People feel more comfortable sharing their story once they know they're not alone in that. I think it's important as a society and as a community to just make it a more welcoming environment to have a conversation about mental illness because so many people don't talk about it because they are struggling alone and they think no will understand. If we can make it a more positive, open environment for people to talk about, then we certainly want to do that. I think it helps anyone that can help start the conversation and be an advocate for someone in your life that is impacted by these things. I think all of us can play a part in that. The stigma certainly is still there but I'd like to say we're getting better as a community, but there's always work to be done in this area, certainly.
Melanie: Why do you believe in Bryan Health and the Bryan Health Capital City Classic run event that helps raise awareness for mental health education?
Julia: Bryan has been an outstanding partner with us, and they always are one of the first ones that come to the table and want to find answers, and find solutions to break down the stigma or fill a gap in mental health services. We really believe in the work that they do and the way that they serve their community. They do it in a unique and welcoming environment, and they have top notch facilities. Many health systems are kind of late to the game in terms of putting a priority on behavioral health and I think Bryan has done that from the start. It has always been important to them and been incorporated in all that they do in their work in the medical field. And so, we feel as a foundation that we really need to get behind them and support that. This is a great way to bring community members together, maybe they haven't yet been impacted by mental illness but just a platform for them to see how many people it truly does impact and in a way for them to get involved and help out.
Melanie: Speak about mental health recovery a little bit, as a journey of healing and transformation that can enable a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life. What does the Kim Foundation say about recovery and living that life?
Julia: We fully believe in recovery and that mental illness is treatable, and some people think it's not curable, but treatable is different and you can lead a very successful life. Again, I touched on this at the beginning, but just finding that realm of treatment that works best for you and your family. For some people, that is going to be medication; for some people that's going to be outpatient therapy. Some people find a more holistic way about treatment to be more successful for them. So, it could be a combination of any of those things, but we truly believe that mental illness is treatable, and that they can lead a very successful, full life and be an active member of our community. We just want to keep reemphasizing that message to people and not let them get down, and I think too often people see like in the movies and media, these very serious mental illnesses and think that's what it has to look like and that's certainly not the case at all. We just want to keep promoting the message of hope and resiliency, and letting them know that treatment is available and help is out there.
Melanie: Thank you so much, Julia, for being with us today. It's really great and such important information. You're listening to Bryan Health Radio and if you'd like more information about The Kim Foundation, you can go to thekimfoundation.org. That's thekimfoundation.org. This is Melanie Cole. Thanks so much for listening.