May 13, 2025 • 24 mins
On today’s episode of Keeping Ashland Healthy, Dr. Ashley chooses death metal over her professional podcasting responsibilities. Luckily, Super Sandy Hoffman joins the Boss as they walk through the Board’s May Newsletter. Practical and easy-to-access strategies for wellness are highlighted. Super Sandy and the Boss discuss a video in the newsletter with a twist that challenges us all to “check in on those around you.” Finally, the duo spotlights a new 24/7 Crisis line resource and previews upcoming local events in May and June. Sign up for the Board’s newsletter today at www.ashlandmhrb.org or by calling Sandy at 419.281.3139.
(Record Date: May 8, 2025)
(Record Date: May 8, 2025)
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome. You're listening to the Keeping Ashland Healthy Podcast, a
podcast production of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of
Ashland County, Ohio. Thanks for joining us, and welcome to
another edition of the Keeping Ashland Healthy Podcast. I am
David Rossi, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board,
lovingly referred to as the Boss sometimes, but in studio
(00:25):
with me today is not doctor Ashley. She is at
some crazy death metal Sonic Temple event in Columbus. But
I have with me Sandra Hoffman. Welcome Sandy. Thanks David,
and Sandy is so excited to be here. No, she's
been teasing me. I forced our audience to come on
(00:45):
with me. But we wanted to talk about something that
Sandy works on every month and she does a great
job with it. And I thought, since doctor Ashley is
listening to death metal, this would be the time for
you to come in, Sandy and talk about the board's newsletter.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Perfect opportunity, right right.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
And we're talking about the May newsletter in today's podcast episode.
And like all your podcasts, and you you have so
much information you put in there before we maybe talk
through some of the elements for the month of may
maybe tell the audience, what's the easiest way if folks
aren't receiving hopefully they are, but if they're not receiving
(01:24):
our newsletter, what's the easiest way for them to sign
up to receive it?
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Sure, David, they go on to our website.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Uh huh, And that's Ashland www DOTRB dot org.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
Ashlan MHRB dot org. That's us.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
And you can go to the first panel there you
see and usually the newsletter is always on there. You
can also go down to the bottom of the page
and it says ask a question. You can always say
I'd like to get your newsletter at the.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Very bottom, ask a question, can I get your newsletter?
And then all they do is put in their email correct, correct,
all right, and then you get that on a monthly basis.
We don't sell your information to anybody, so and there's
an easy process. If you want to unsubscribe, you can
do that. But I don't know why anyone would, Sandy,
why would they unsubscribe? Since right, it's full of so
(02:12):
much information. So the reason, the other reason, besides an
opportunity to talk about you and all the work you
put into this, and you do put in quite a
bit is May is mental Health Awareness Month, and the
Ashton County Board this shouldn't surprise our listeners. The Ashton
County Board does mental health months mental Health Month a
little different than maybe other counties do other organizations in
(02:36):
that all throughout the month of May. When we talk
about Awareness month, we're looking at that through our three legs, right,
So we're looking through the lens of recovery, medication optimization,
and trauma inform care. So that means, I think some
very unique things to our county that might be different
to others. So if you're expecting to read or see
(02:58):
the same old, same old, I think folks will be
pleasantly surprised that they'll see some things on our newsletter
and our website that are a little bit different. And
you started things off with a big panel about ways
you can improve your mental health. And I think what
folks are going to notice, Sandy, is that these are
things that anybody can do. They don't need to be
(03:20):
a client anywhere to do these things. And that's the point.
Anybody can do these things. And and there's there's five
things listed on here. So I'll tell the audience and
then I'll ask Sandy maybe to talk through some of
these eating healthy, exercise, sleeping well, thinking positively, and keeping
(03:42):
things simple. So when you were thinking through this post,
this particular panel, what struck you about this one that
you thought, huh, we need to include this one because
there's plenty of material to include.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Correct, David.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
I just think that changing our lifestyle that can be
the biggest part of our mental health. Eating well, keeping well. Yeah,
you know that if I don't get my sleep, yes.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Yes, audience, you know she's not the same Sandy. You
know it, and yeah, she doesn't get her sleep. When
I when I saw that you put exercise in their Sandy,
I immediately go back to the county and cities park system.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
We've talked about that at other venues and maybe some
other podcasts. I don't know if our audience knows. Hopefully
they do know, But if they don't know our county
park and city park, that's kind of crazy for the
size of a county we have, I mean in a
good way. Crazy. Uh, it's it's it's not what you
would anticipate. There are so many wonderful trails and structures.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
You know.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
One of the things I know people make almost like
a competition or a challenge or a goal to visit
them all or put them in a rotation there. And
they're beautiful in the reason and that's so important and
we're so fortunate in this county. Is just what you
say here, and are healthy just getting out sunlight, maybe
doing it with somebody, that's social engagement, that's reducing isolation,
(05:12):
that's building connection. I mean that those sun rays, that's important.
The sun on our skin, getting the healthy amount of
the sun can help us, as you say here, sleep well,
think positively. It helps our mood. We know these things.
So as simple as walking in any of our city
or county parks can do a world of good. One
(05:35):
of the other things you said here was eating healthily,
and we're trying to all do that here at the
board offices. And sometimes you bring in very healthy meals
when it's lunchtime, so makes us all jealous because you're
cooking using healthy ingredients, right.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Wants us to feel better in our moods too, I
think absolutely.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
One of the other panels here then moved on to
ways to support loved ones who are struggling. So I
wondered about that one. I thought that was really important.
I'm glad you did that. What was your thinking around
including something about supporting others who might be struggling, because
it's not always the person, right, it might be somebody
you know.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Right, correct, Maybe you're not struggling, but you know somebody
who is. Yeah, so you know there's ways that you
can help them.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Maybe you don't know about mental health maybe.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Right, right? Not everybody?
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Right?
Speaker 2 (06:25):
So you stay connected?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Yeah, you offer us like some very I think practical
ways to support from just listening, checking in, staying connected
to the person. You know. Isolation we know as a
killer folks. We talked about that with our seniors, but
it really goes for any age group learn about mental
health and audience. It's really easy to do that here
(06:49):
at the board because we post so much information on
our website. You can always call us. But these are
very easy, practical things. And again, so you know that
we don't post information on our website that's not again
filtered through our three legs philosophy. And you had this
quote here, Sandy, I like this one simple gestures can
(07:09):
make a significant impact on someone's well being. And what
that I think what you're getting at there is kindness compassion, compassion, kindness.
Please audience, don't under sell the value of some of
these basic, simple caring gestures. They really can make all
the difference to an individual that might be struggling this.
(07:34):
This next piece is actually a link to a video.
And I really love this, Sandy. I don't know, you know,
I don't think you're a big soccer fan. Yes, And
I don't want to ruin it for the audience who
hasn't seen it, so let me talk about it, hopefully
in a way that doesn't spoil it. It's only a
couple minutes long. It's from the folks that you are
(07:56):
not alone. They posted this video of two gentlemen that
you kind of see them sitting next to each other
at a very full stadium in a series of soccer
or it's it's I think they did it in Britain,
so it's football matches and you see these two gentlemen
match after match after match, and the way they react
(08:17):
to the game, and you know the highs and the
lows of the game. But there's a twist, Sandy, and
I can't I can't. I don't want to spoil it
for it. But the tagline for the videos check in
on those around you. And I'll just add for for
for folks it sometimes people give clues that they're struggling,
(08:42):
but sometimes those clues are harder to spot. So don't
assume you know that because you're not hearing certain things
or phrases, that the person may not be struggling. So
that's all I'll say. But boy, it is worth your
two minutes to watch that video. It will make you think,
so thank you for including that video.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Maybe you always think about how your compassion can always
help No man, you know, always be compassionate kind So
you don't.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Know, right, you don't know. So the idea is, since
sometimes people are somewhat hard to read, you know, the
idea of just assuming a compassionate posture, if you will,
on an ongoing basis was probably the best policy. Now,
your next panel is a new resource for the Mental
(09:30):
Health and Recovery Board around crisis. We we and I
guess doctor Ashley was involved. I have to give her
some credit.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I give doctor Ashley some credit here.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Yeah, I give her hard time when she's not on
the on the pod, but she helped work in with
you to design kind of an updated crisis resource document
and we have this in posters and we're putting them
around town. Or any organization or business that would want
one of these, just let Sandy know here at the
offices for on nine two eight, one, three three, and
(10:00):
we'll get you one of these. But they are It
basically talks about our local twenty four seven crisis line. UH.
I think it helps other people that might be struggling
with a crisis. UH, whether it's the person themselves or again,
like you said in the in the previous piece, somebody
you know that might be a support person or friend
or family member. It helps give them direction. But again,
(10:22):
the top tagline is you are not alone, and we
want people to know that. They may feel like they're
all alone, but the reality is you're not alone. There's
always Again, that's what twenty four to seven means saying,
if folks call twenty four to seven are local line,
we can assure them that they're going to get a
local person. We think that's important here at the board,
(10:44):
just because local people know our local resources, I think
better than somebody that's in a regional call bank or
a statewide call bank. So we do tend to promote
our four one nine two eight nine sixty one one
one number because it is local and the board does
fund it. So but you know, folks ask me, you
know what what happens if I call that number? Right,
(11:07):
So they they're gonna they're gonna listen to you in
your situation, and they're gonna help walk you through it
step by step. You're not bothering them. I say this
all the time, Sandy. I mean, the board pays for
we want people to call that number, you know, and
thousands of people do. Apple Seed runs that for us
and they track all the statistics on that and thousands
(11:27):
of people each year call that number, and that is
fine with me. We can have even more as far
as I'm concerned, anybody who needs it. And maybe maybe
the crisis doesn't always mean that somebody has to go
to a hospital. It just might mean tell me about
the options. Right, So I don't know where to take
my loved one or I don't know where to go,
So the the person who answers the line, they can
(11:49):
just talk you through resources. So that's the other thing
were trying to tell folks. You can call it for
information education resources if you just need to get connected somewhere.
But I thought don't you think that turned out nice
the way you guys really nice.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
I like that it's got all the steps so that
you know what to expect.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Yes, from call answer to immediate support safety. I mean, yeah,
you walk throughs. So again, that's a great document that
we recently updated. So if folks want that, all they
have to do is call us and and you can
get that to them, either in electronic format or if
they want a larger version that I think we printed
(12:26):
some of those out we can have them post. So
next up, when you were talking about May's Mental Health Month,
you had posted a few additional things people that might
want to consider. You talked here about five things you
can do to promote wellness and mental health, and these
(12:49):
are in addition to those others we talked about. Earlier,
you talked about enhance well being through creative arts, and.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
We did that at an RSVP cut.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Yes, I wondered if that's why we wanted to draw
attention to that, And what Sandy's talking to is, Yeah,
last year, it's the twenty twenty four RSVP conference, we
really focused on creative arts and how that could be
just critical in somebody's mental health or substance use recovery
in art therapy. We just talked about the standing when
we met with apple Seed recently they are seeing quite
(13:22):
a bit of a jump and those interested in art
therapy since the conference. I thought that was a really
good outcome of that. So it's not for everybody, but
for the folks that really enjoy art as a medium
in using that as a way to express themselves and
to heal, just know that there's a program for that,
(13:42):
an art therapy program at apple Seed, So encourage you.
But even if you don't go through a formal art
therapy program, I think business is like tim Can Chandelier
here in town where you can go and make right.
Have you been there before?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
I haven't, but my grandchildren of maybe things and it's wonderful.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
So the grandkids have gone there and made you some
things and did they have a good time? Oh yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Loved it and I love giving it to you too,
the gifts.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Yes. So even so you can like a place like
tin Can, you can do something either for yourself. But
I agree I think doing something for somebody else and
then presenting that what a value. That's a win win
right the person receiving and the person doing and giving
giving well. You also talk in here these are additional
(14:30):
things for Mental Health Month that folks might want to
consider for wellness. I know you did this for me
saying absorb the positive vibes from music, because I've mentioned
this on the podcast before. Eighties hairbands are my favorite.
That's my go to if I'm having a rough day,
you know, if the board members have just been brutal
to me, which never happens, but I'm just you know,
(14:52):
I'm just saying that if they were ever brutal to me,
I retreat to my eighties hairbands me too, and it
just cheers me right up.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
And then Doctor Ashley, she's enjoying music.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
I don't know how she can enjoy her death metal,
but yes, technically, Sandy, that's what she says. She's doing
it her for a day conferences, music event, music event.
That's that's the way. You also talk about embracing challenges
as opportunity for growth, and I want to read this
(15:23):
because this is interesting. Growth is a mindset that can
transform our lives. By cultivating a growth mindset, setting realistic goals,
seeking feedback and learning from setbacks, we can develop resilience, determination,
and a thurist for personal growth. And boy, oh boy,
(15:44):
do we need resilience more now than ever. And the
reason I like this so much is because you don't
get resilience without going through challenging times, right, So there's
no shortcut to be were resilient, that's right. So we're
not just talking about exercise. Sometimes you've got to put
(16:05):
yourself out there. You have to take some risks. That
could be in a relationship, that could be with your career,
that could be with you know, family and friends, it
could be in your routines, you name it. This is
what life is. And one of the things we like
to do with here at the board and using our
three legs perspective is we try to normalize when you
(16:26):
try something, maybe new, it doesn't work out. We don't
want to label that as some kind of catastrophic event
that requires medication or therapy. We try to normalize to say, no,
that's good that you've learned some things through that and
process that as a normal part of living. And even
if the feelings you might be having are really strong
(16:49):
feelings and negative because maybe a relationship didn't work out,
still there's a that's a that's normal that's a that's
a you can learn from that. Hopefully. I think the
real tragedies when we don't learn from some of these
setbacks that we have. So yeah, embracing these challenges and
see them as growth opportunities. I can honestly say, I'm
(17:10):
not even making this up for the podcast. And you
know me long enough, saydy to know this is the truth.
I've learned most from my failures. I can honestly say
when I look back over my career, whether personal or
in professional, I have definitely learned the most from my failures,
of which I've had many. So you also talked about it. Yes,
that's right, you've been aware of some of them. Practice
(17:32):
gratitude with a gratitude journal. Now, I do not journal.
Are you a journaler? Do you write things down? I? Do? Oh?
Do you like it? Do you journal to day? Like?
Speaker 2 (17:40):
What the whole day?
Speaker 1 (17:43):
No?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Just certain events?
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Okay?
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Journal?
Speaker 1 (17:47):
Yeah? Well, our own Patty here at the office, she's
a journaler. Oh yeah, yeah, she's writing. It makes me paranoid.
I told her to not journal in my presence. It
makes me I constantly feel she's writing things down that
I've said. That makes me really nervous as boss.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
I've also tried to write down things about my mom,
you know, as things happen, you know, maybe what she did.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Yeah, that she had a good day. Yeah, So looking
for some maybe some patterns or some things that maybe
help increase the number of good days and maybe things
that are triggered in a negative thing. Yeah. Now that's
important for anybody who might be a caregiver. It seems
like all of us here at the office and caregiver situation.
But yeah, trying to help our loved ones. Yeah, pay
(18:29):
attention to what seems to make things go better and
maybe things that just makes things go worse, and so
we can maybe stay away from those now. Yeah. And
then last but not leaves And people might find this silly,
but breathe.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
I love that one.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Yeah, I mean taking deep breasts rather than these rapid
shallow breasts. It actually makes a difference. There's some science
behind that. It's science y, as the kids saying, properly,
taking some deep breast can calm both mind and body.
So five additional things you can do to promote wellness
(19:10):
and mental health are on there. And then to wrap
things up, you did a few things you promote the
wonderful podcast Keeping Ashhealthy.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
That was a little it seems a.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Little self serving, but I don't care. You also put
little upcoming events. You always do this with your newsletter,
which I think our audience appreciates. So in May, these
are not the only things going on in May, but
there are two big events that you promoted in the newsletter.
The Senior healthare on May fourteenth, and that's our friends
(19:42):
at the Council on Aging put that on at the
Eshen University's Upper Convocation Center and it is packed. It's
a big one. We're going to be there, but there
will be tons of vendors there for the first part
of the morning, and then they do a nice lunch
for the seniors for those that want to stay. But
the vendors are there to you provide information, giveaways, all
(20:02):
kinds of things for the seniors that show up. And
I'll tell you if you're a senior, that's the place
to be on May fourteenth, Au Upper Convo. And then
you also pointed out on the seventeenth, you and I
actually will be over and Richland County at the rich
Carousel Park District, right next to that music that you
(20:22):
love so much. You know, I love audience. If you
listen to that Carousel music, you know, the first couple
of times it's cute, and then by the end of it,
you're just looking to muffle a horse or something. It's
just it. Yeah. I'm gonna have to bring air plugs
this year because after three hours of hearing that music,
(20:43):
I don't know, Sandy, I'm just not the same person anyway.
So we'll be over there for the thirty three Forever
Birthday Walk. Jeff and Donna Heck are friends of the show,
friends of the board. We like to partner with them
on some of the events, and they're honoring their daughter, Danny,
who died by suicide some years ago, and they've kind
(21:04):
of rebranded this as a birthday walk because they do
want to celebrate and this is important if you, audience,
have lost somebody in the suicide. We don't want to
just focus, I think on the loss, but also the
life and the legacy. And that's what Jeff and Donna
are trying to encourage others to do as well as themselves.
You know, they've taken that loss and really turned that
(21:26):
into a way to help others. Danny's Place is a
residential facility that is now I believe, open up in
the northern part of the state, and the walk is
just another way for them to honor her. We'll have
resources there available in It should be a great event.
It was the last Every year that we've gone, it's
(21:46):
been a great event.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
So turnout supposed to be nice weather, so.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
Well they say that, well that's what they say. And
then just one thing in June you mentioned was balloon Fest,
and again that's important because we will have some of
our information advertised. I don't think we're setting up for
that one, but we will have some information in the
catalog that they hand out, and you included that on
the last page of the of the newsletter. But then
(22:13):
you also made mention that it's Elder Empowerment month. June
is the elder Empowerment month. Doctor Ashley had finalized a
calendar full of opportunities and that's going to be available
shortly and it actually might be avail. You might have
posted it just recently on our website. Actually I'm not sure, wait.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Closer till June.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
June.
Speaker 3 (22:32):
It actually used on the website though under the calendar
and they go to June.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Okay, yep. So a lot of people don't know any
In addition to the newsletter, you know, you definitely are
my my key administrative assistant helping me with the board.
You take minutes which is always a lot of fun
and answering the phone. So I say that to the audience.
As you can tell, Sandy's very very pleasant. You know,
(22:56):
nobody has complained about Sandy being unkind, so uh. I
always talk about calling in to our four one nine
two eight one three one three nine number, and more
often than not, not always, but more often than not,
you're probably going to get Sandy. So hopefully Sandy, by
being on the podcast, people will see, oh, she seems
very nice. Give me a call, Give me a call,
(23:19):
call Sandy. And if you have any questions about anything
on today's episode, or you just have general questions about
the work of the board. Uh. And if you have
any trouble at all going to the website Ashlin MHRB
dot org and signing up for the newsletter, you can
call Sandy and she'll make sure that you get said
(23:39):
signed up. And all we need is an email and
you'll start receiving this on a monthly basis. Well, thank
you Sandy for doing this and I appreciate you filling
in for the wayward doctor Ashley. All Right, we'll see
you next time. Thank you for listening to another episode
of the Keeping Ashlin Healthy podcast. The podcast is a
(24:00):
production of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County, Ohio.
You can reach the Board by calling four one nine
two eight one three one three nine. Please remember that
the Board funds a local twenty four to seven crisis
line through Applese Community Mental Health Center. It can be
reached by calling four one nine two eight nine sixty
one one one. That's four one nine two eight nine
(24:21):
sixty one one one. Until next time, Please join us
in keeping Ashland Healthy.
Welcome. You're listening to the Keeping Ashland Healthy Podcast, a
podcast production of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of
Ashland County, Ohio. Thanks for joining us, and welcome to
another edition of the Keeping Ashland Healthy Podcast. I am
David Rossi, executive director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board,
lovingly referred to as the Boss sometimes, but in studio
(00:25):
with me today is not doctor Ashley. She is at
some crazy death metal Sonic Temple event in Columbus. But
I have with me Sandra Hoffman. Welcome Sandy. Thanks David,
and Sandy is so excited to be here. No, she's
been teasing me. I forced our audience to come on
(00:45):
with me. But we wanted to talk about something that
Sandy works on every month and she does a great
job with it. And I thought, since doctor Ashley is
listening to death metal, this would be the time for
you to come in, Sandy and talk about the board's newsletter.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
Perfect opportunity, right right.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
And we're talking about the May newsletter in today's podcast episode.
And like all your podcasts, and you you have so
much information you put in there before we maybe talk
through some of the elements for the month of may
maybe tell the audience, what's the easiest way if folks
aren't receiving hopefully they are, but if they're not receiving
(01:24):
our newsletter, what's the easiest way for them to sign
up to receive it?
Speaker 2 (01:28):
Sure, David, they go on to our website.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Uh huh, And that's Ashland www DOTRB dot org.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
Ashlan MHRB dot org. That's us.
Speaker 3 (01:40):
And you can go to the first panel there you
see and usually the newsletter is always on there. You
can also go down to the bottom of the page
and it says ask a question. You can always say
I'd like to get your newsletter at the.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Very bottom, ask a question, can I get your newsletter?
And then all they do is put in their email correct, correct,
all right, and then you get that on a monthly basis.
We don't sell your information to anybody, so and there's
an easy process. If you want to unsubscribe, you can
do that. But I don't know why anyone would, Sandy,
why would they unsubscribe? Since right, it's full of so
(02:12):
much information. So the reason, the other reason, besides an
opportunity to talk about you and all the work you
put into this, and you do put in quite a
bit is May is mental Health Awareness Month, and the
Ashton County Board this shouldn't surprise our listeners. The Ashton
County Board does mental health months mental Health Month a
little different than maybe other counties do other organizations in
(02:36):
that all throughout the month of May. When we talk
about Awareness month, we're looking at that through our three legs, right,
So we're looking through the lens of recovery, medication optimization,
and trauma inform care. So that means, I think some
very unique things to our county that might be different
to others. So if you're expecting to read or see
(02:58):
the same old, same old, I think folks will be
pleasantly surprised that they'll see some things on our newsletter
and our website that are a little bit different. And
you started things off with a big panel about ways
you can improve your mental health. And I think what
folks are going to notice, Sandy, is that these are
things that anybody can do. They don't need to be
(03:20):
a client anywhere to do these things. And that's the point.
Anybody can do these things. And and there's there's five
things listed on here. So I'll tell the audience and
then I'll ask Sandy maybe to talk through some of
these eating healthy, exercise, sleeping well, thinking positively, and keeping
(03:42):
things simple. So when you were thinking through this post,
this particular panel, what struck you about this one that
you thought, huh, we need to include this one because
there's plenty of material to include.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
Correct, David.
Speaker 3 (03:57):
I just think that changing our lifestyle that can be
the biggest part of our mental health. Eating well, keeping well. Yeah,
you know that if I don't get my sleep, yes.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
Yes, audience, you know she's not the same Sandy. You
know it, and yeah, she doesn't get her sleep. When
I when I saw that you put exercise in their Sandy,
I immediately go back to the county and cities park system.
Speaker 3 (04:24):
Right.
Speaker 1 (04:24):
We've talked about that at other venues and maybe some
other podcasts. I don't know if our audience knows. Hopefully
they do know, But if they don't know our county
park and city park, that's kind of crazy for the
size of a county we have, I mean in a
good way. Crazy. Uh, it's it's it's not what you
would anticipate. There are so many wonderful trails and structures.
Speaker 3 (04:48):
You know.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
One of the things I know people make almost like
a competition or a challenge or a goal to visit
them all or put them in a rotation there. And
they're beautiful in the reason and that's so important and
we're so fortunate in this county. Is just what you
say here, and are healthy just getting out sunlight, maybe
doing it with somebody, that's social engagement, that's reducing isolation,
(05:12):
that's building connection. I mean that those sun rays, that's important.
The sun on our skin, getting the healthy amount of
the sun can help us, as you say here, sleep well,
think positively. It helps our mood. We know these things.
So as simple as walking in any of our city
or county parks can do a world of good. One
(05:35):
of the other things you said here was eating healthily,
and we're trying to all do that here at the
board offices. And sometimes you bring in very healthy meals
when it's lunchtime, so makes us all jealous because you're
cooking using healthy ingredients, right.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Wants us to feel better in our moods too, I
think absolutely.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
One of the other panels here then moved on to
ways to support loved ones who are struggling. So I
wondered about that one. I thought that was really important.
I'm glad you did that. What was your thinking around
including something about supporting others who might be struggling, because
it's not always the person, right, it might be somebody
you know.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Right, correct, Maybe you're not struggling, but you know somebody
who is. Yeah, so you know there's ways that you
can help them.
Speaker 1 (06:20):
Yep.
Speaker 2 (06:21):
Maybe you don't know about mental health maybe.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
Right, right? Not everybody?
Speaker 3 (06:24):
Right?
Speaker 2 (06:25):
So you stay connected?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
Yeah, you offer us like some very I think practical
ways to support from just listening, checking in, staying connected
to the person. You know. Isolation we know as a
killer folks. We talked about that with our seniors, but
it really goes for any age group learn about mental
health and audience. It's really easy to do that here
(06:49):
at the board because we post so much information on
our website. You can always call us. But these are
very easy, practical things. And again, so you know that
we don't post information on our website that's not again
filtered through our three legs philosophy. And you had this
quote here, Sandy, I like this one simple gestures can
(07:09):
make a significant impact on someone's well being. And what
that I think what you're getting at there is kindness compassion, compassion, kindness.
Please audience, don't under sell the value of some of
these basic, simple caring gestures. They really can make all
the difference to an individual that might be struggling this.
(07:34):
This next piece is actually a link to a video.
And I really love this, Sandy. I don't know, you know,
I don't think you're a big soccer fan. Yes, And
I don't want to ruin it for the audience who
hasn't seen it, so let me talk about it, hopefully
in a way that doesn't spoil it. It's only a
couple minutes long. It's from the folks that you are
(07:56):
not alone. They posted this video of two gentlemen that
you kind of see them sitting next to each other
at a very full stadium in a series of soccer
or it's it's I think they did it in Britain,
so it's football matches and you see these two gentlemen
match after match after match, and the way they react
(08:17):
to the game, and you know the highs and the
lows of the game. But there's a twist, Sandy, and
I can't I can't. I don't want to spoil it
for it. But the tagline for the videos check in
on those around you. And I'll just add for for
for folks it sometimes people give clues that they're struggling,
(08:42):
but sometimes those clues are harder to spot. So don't
assume you know that because you're not hearing certain things
or phrases, that the person may not be struggling. So
that's all I'll say. But boy, it is worth your
two minutes to watch that video. It will make you think,
so thank you for including that video.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
Maybe you always think about how your compassion can always
help No man, you know, always be compassionate kind So
you don't.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Know, right, you don't know. So the idea is, since
sometimes people are somewhat hard to read, you know, the
idea of just assuming a compassionate posture, if you will,
on an ongoing basis was probably the best policy. Now,
your next panel is a new resource for the Mental
(09:30):
Health and Recovery Board around crisis. We we and I
guess doctor Ashley was involved. I have to give her
some credit.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
I give doctor Ashley some credit here.
Speaker 1 (09:39):
Yeah, I give her hard time when she's not on
the on the pod, but she helped work in with
you to design kind of an updated crisis resource document
and we have this in posters and we're putting them
around town. Or any organization or business that would want
one of these, just let Sandy know here at the
offices for on nine two eight, one, three three, and
(10:00):
we'll get you one of these. But they are It
basically talks about our local twenty four seven crisis line. UH.
I think it helps other people that might be struggling
with a crisis. UH, whether it's the person themselves or again,
like you said in the in the previous piece, somebody
you know that might be a support person or friend
or family member. It helps give them direction. But again,
(10:22):
the top tagline is you are not alone, and we
want people to know that. They may feel like they're
all alone, but the reality is you're not alone. There's
always Again, that's what twenty four to seven means saying,
if folks call twenty four to seven are local line,
we can assure them that they're going to get a
local person. We think that's important here at the board,
(10:44):
just because local people know our local resources, I think
better than somebody that's in a regional call bank or
a statewide call bank. So we do tend to promote
our four one nine two eight nine sixty one one
one number because it is local and the board does
fund it. So but you know, folks ask me, you
know what what happens if I call that number? Right,
(11:07):
So they they're gonna they're gonna listen to you in
your situation, and they're gonna help walk you through it
step by step. You're not bothering them. I say this
all the time, Sandy. I mean, the board pays for
we want people to call that number, you know, and
thousands of people do. Apple Seed runs that for us
and they track all the statistics on that and thousands
(11:27):
of people each year call that number, and that is
fine with me. We can have even more as far
as I'm concerned, anybody who needs it. And maybe maybe
the crisis doesn't always mean that somebody has to go
to a hospital. It just might mean tell me about
the options. Right, So I don't know where to take
my loved one or I don't know where to go,
So the the person who answers the line, they can
(11:49):
just talk you through resources. So that's the other thing
were trying to tell folks. You can call it for
information education resources if you just need to get connected somewhere.
But I thought don't you think that turned out nice
the way you guys really nice.
Speaker 2 (12:02):
I like that it's got all the steps so that
you know what to expect.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
Yes, from call answer to immediate support safety. I mean, yeah,
you walk throughs. So again, that's a great document that
we recently updated. So if folks want that, all they
have to do is call us and and you can
get that to them, either in electronic format or if
they want a larger version that I think we printed
(12:26):
some of those out we can have them post. So
next up, when you were talking about May's Mental Health Month,
you had posted a few additional things people that might
want to consider. You talked here about five things you
can do to promote wellness and mental health, and these
(12:49):
are in addition to those others we talked about. Earlier,
you talked about enhance well being through creative arts, and.
Speaker 2 (12:58):
We did that at an RSVP cut.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Yes, I wondered if that's why we wanted to draw
attention to that, And what Sandy's talking to is, Yeah,
last year, it's the twenty twenty four RSVP conference, we
really focused on creative arts and how that could be
just critical in somebody's mental health or substance use recovery
in art therapy. We just talked about the standing when
we met with apple Seed recently they are seeing quite
(13:22):
a bit of a jump and those interested in art
therapy since the conference. I thought that was a really
good outcome of that. So it's not for everybody, but
for the folks that really enjoy art as a medium
in using that as a way to express themselves and
to heal, just know that there's a program for that,
(13:42):
an art therapy program at apple Seed, So encourage you.
But even if you don't go through a formal art
therapy program, I think business is like tim Can Chandelier
here in town where you can go and make right.
Have you been there before?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
I haven't, but my grandchildren of maybe things and it's wonderful.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
So the grandkids have gone there and made you some
things and did they have a good time? Oh yeah, I.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
Loved it and I love giving it to you too,
the gifts.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Yes. So even so you can like a place like
tin Can, you can do something either for yourself. But
I agree I think doing something for somebody else and
then presenting that what a value. That's a win win
right the person receiving and the person doing and giving
giving well. You also talk in here these are additional
(14:30):
things for Mental Health Month that folks might want to
consider for wellness. I know you did this for me
saying absorb the positive vibes from music, because I've mentioned
this on the podcast before. Eighties hairbands are my favorite.
That's my go to if I'm having a rough day,
you know, if the board members have just been brutal
to me, which never happens, but I'm just you know,
(14:52):
I'm just saying that if they were ever brutal to me,
I retreat to my eighties hairbands me too, and it
just cheers me right up.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
And then Doctor Ashley, she's enjoying music.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
I don't know how she can enjoy her death metal,
but yes, technically, Sandy, that's what she says. She's doing
it her for a day conferences, music event, music event.
That's that's the way. You also talk about embracing challenges
as opportunity for growth, and I want to read this
(15:23):
because this is interesting. Growth is a mindset that can
transform our lives. By cultivating a growth mindset, setting realistic goals,
seeking feedback and learning from setbacks, we can develop resilience, determination,
and a thurist for personal growth. And boy, oh boy,
(15:44):
do we need resilience more now than ever. And the
reason I like this so much is because you don't
get resilience without going through challenging times, right, So there's
no shortcut to be were resilient, that's right. So we're
not just talking about exercise. Sometimes you've got to put
(16:05):
yourself out there. You have to take some risks. That
could be in a relationship, that could be with your career,
that could be with you know, family and friends, it
could be in your routines, you name it. This is
what life is. And one of the things we like
to do with here at the board and using our
three legs perspective is we try to normalize when you
(16:26):
try something, maybe new, it doesn't work out. We don't
want to label that as some kind of catastrophic event
that requires medication or therapy. We try to normalize to say, no,
that's good that you've learned some things through that and
process that as a normal part of living. And even
if the feelings you might be having are really strong
(16:49):
feelings and negative because maybe a relationship didn't work out,
still there's a that's a that's normal that's a that's
a you can learn from that. Hopefully. I think the
real tragedies when we don't learn from some of these
setbacks that we have. So yeah, embracing these challenges and
see them as growth opportunities. I can honestly say, I'm
(17:10):
not even making this up for the podcast. And you
know me long enough, saydy to know this is the truth.
I've learned most from my failures. I can honestly say
when I look back over my career, whether personal or
in professional, I have definitely learned the most from my failures,
of which I've had many. So you also talked about it. Yes,
that's right, you've been aware of some of them. Practice
(17:32):
gratitude with a gratitude journal. Now, I do not journal.
Are you a journaler? Do you write things down? I? Do? Oh?
Do you like it? Do you journal to day? Like?
Speaker 2 (17:40):
What the whole day?
Speaker 1 (17:43):
No?
Speaker 2 (17:44):
Just certain events?
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Okay?
Speaker 2 (17:47):
Journal?
Speaker 1 (17:47):
Yeah? Well, our own Patty here at the office, she's
a journaler. Oh yeah, yeah, she's writing. It makes me paranoid.
I told her to not journal in my presence. It
makes me I constantly feel she's writing things down that
I've said. That makes me really nervous as boss.
Speaker 3 (18:02):
I've also tried to write down things about my mom,
you know, as things happen, you know, maybe what she did.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
Yeah, that she had a good day. Yeah, So looking
for some maybe some patterns or some things that maybe
help increase the number of good days and maybe things
that are triggered in a negative thing. Yeah. Now that's
important for anybody who might be a caregiver. It seems
like all of us here at the office and caregiver situation.
But yeah, trying to help our loved ones. Yeah, pay
(18:29):
attention to what seems to make things go better and
maybe things that just makes things go worse, and so
we can maybe stay away from those now. Yeah. And
then last but not leaves And people might find this silly,
but breathe.
Speaker 2 (18:48):
I love that one.
Speaker 1 (18:49):
Yeah, I mean taking deep breasts rather than these rapid
shallow breasts. It actually makes a difference. There's some science
behind that. It's science y, as the kids saying, properly,
taking some deep breast can calm both mind and body.
So five additional things you can do to promote wellness
(19:10):
and mental health are on there. And then to wrap
things up, you did a few things you promote the
wonderful podcast Keeping Ashhealthy.
Speaker 2 (19:19):
That was a little it seems a.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Little self serving, but I don't care. You also put
little upcoming events. You always do this with your newsletter,
which I think our audience appreciates. So in May, these
are not the only things going on in May, but
there are two big events that you promoted in the newsletter.
The Senior healthare on May fourteenth, and that's our friends
(19:42):
at the Council on Aging put that on at the
Eshen University's Upper Convocation Center and it is packed. It's
a big one. We're going to be there, but there
will be tons of vendors there for the first part
of the morning, and then they do a nice lunch
for the seniors for those that want to stay. But
the vendors are there to you provide information, giveaways, all
(20:02):
kinds of things for the seniors that show up. And
I'll tell you if you're a senior, that's the place
to be on May fourteenth, Au Upper Convo. And then
you also pointed out on the seventeenth, you and I
actually will be over and Richland County at the rich
Carousel Park District, right next to that music that you
(20:22):
love so much. You know, I love audience. If you
listen to that Carousel music, you know, the first couple
of times it's cute, and then by the end of it,
you're just looking to muffle a horse or something. It's
just it. Yeah. I'm gonna have to bring air plugs
this year because after three hours of hearing that music,
(20:43):
I don't know, Sandy, I'm just not the same person anyway.
So we'll be over there for the thirty three Forever
Birthday Walk. Jeff and Donna Heck are friends of the show,
friends of the board. We like to partner with them
on some of the events, and they're honoring their daughter, Danny,
who died by suicide some years ago, and they've kind
(21:04):
of rebranded this as a birthday walk because they do
want to celebrate and this is important if you, audience,
have lost somebody in the suicide. We don't want to
just focus, I think on the loss, but also the
life and the legacy. And that's what Jeff and Donna
are trying to encourage others to do as well as themselves.
You know, they've taken that loss and really turned that
(21:26):
into a way to help others. Danny's Place is a
residential facility that is now I believe, open up in
the northern part of the state, and the walk is
just another way for them to honor her. We'll have
resources there available in It should be a great event.
It was the last Every year that we've gone, it's
(21:46):
been a great event.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
So turnout supposed to be nice weather, so.
Speaker 1 (21:50):
Well they say that, well that's what they say. And
then just one thing in June you mentioned was balloon Fest,
and again that's important because we will have some of
our information advertised. I don't think we're setting up for
that one, but we will have some information in the
catalog that they hand out, and you included that on
the last page of the of the newsletter. But then
(22:13):
you also made mention that it's Elder Empowerment month. June
is the elder Empowerment month. Doctor Ashley had finalized a
calendar full of opportunities and that's going to be available
shortly and it actually might be avail. You might have
posted it just recently on our website. Actually I'm not sure, wait.
Speaker 2 (22:30):
Closer till June.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
June.
Speaker 3 (22:32):
It actually used on the website though under the calendar
and they go to June.
Speaker 1 (22:36):
Okay, yep. So a lot of people don't know any
In addition to the newsletter, you know, you definitely are
my my key administrative assistant helping me with the board.
You take minutes which is always a lot of fun
and answering the phone. So I say that to the audience.
As you can tell, Sandy's very very pleasant. You know,
(22:56):
nobody has complained about Sandy being unkind, so uh. I
always talk about calling in to our four one nine
two eight one three one three nine number, and more
often than not, not always, but more often than not,
you're probably going to get Sandy. So hopefully Sandy, by
being on the podcast, people will see, oh, she seems
very nice. Give me a call, Give me a call,
(23:19):
call Sandy. And if you have any questions about anything
on today's episode, or you just have general questions about
the work of the board. Uh. And if you have
any trouble at all going to the website Ashlin MHRB
dot org and signing up for the newsletter, you can
call Sandy and she'll make sure that you get said
(23:39):
signed up. And all we need is an email and
you'll start receiving this on a monthly basis. Well, thank
you Sandy for doing this and I appreciate you filling
in for the wayward doctor Ashley. All Right, we'll see
you next time. Thank you for listening to another episode
of the Keeping Ashlin Healthy podcast. The podcast is a
(24:00):
production of the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Ashland County, Ohio.
You can reach the Board by calling four one nine
two eight one three one three nine. Please remember that
the Board funds a local twenty four to seven crisis
line through Applese Community Mental Health Center. It can be
reached by calling four one nine two eight nine sixty
one one one. That's four one nine two eight nine
(24:21):
sixty one one one. Until next time, Please join us
in keeping Ashland Healthy.
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