Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2016 - 7

including us. She did a good job of hiding her suffering ■ Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual behind a beautiful smile," says Larry Leikin. ■ Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems Larry and Sherry, Ellie's mother, are searching for meaning with friends and family behind their family tragedy and striving to take the stigma ■ Hearing voices or believing things that are not true out of mental illness by sharing their story with others. ■ Inability to perform daily routine tasks "We had bought Ellie her dream car, a 1978 Volkswagen bus, several months before her death. We were wondering ■ Thinking of harming oneself or others It is normal for healthy individuals to feel sad, depressed or what to do with the bus that meant so much to her," says lonely from time to time, as they react to life's struggles or Sherry Leikin. "During conversations with friends and family a recent loss. But when these feelings become overwhelming in our grieving process, an idea instantly came to me." for long periods and involve physical symptoms, too, The VW bus came with the words "The Mystery Machine" it's time to seek medical help. If left untreated, symptoms painted on it, and so the idea of Ellie's Bus was born. "We of depression or another mental illness may worsen and decided to use the bus as a way to connect with young continue for months or years. They can cause tremendous people and get the conversation about mental health going. suffering and possibly lead to suicide. We bring the bus to local community events, like concerts at Merriweather Post Pavilion, and we have counselors and HOW TO GET HELP crisis response workers on the bus available to speak with If you or someone you know seems to be experiencing people," says Larry Leikin. depression or a mental health issue, it's important to know "Ellie's Bus is our way of spreading awareness of mental that help is available. If you're concerned about a loved health issues and suicide prevention to teenagers across one, you can help by reaching out and letting them know Maryland and our region," says Sherry Leikin. "We're trying you're there for support and can help them access mental to encourage people to help their families and friends who health services. may be struggling, before it's too late. Losing a loved one to "If your loved one is showing symptoms of mental illness, suicide is such a horrible thing for a family to go through, and start a casual conversation in a relaxed environment, such we don't want any other family to have to experience this." as on a car ride or on the couch watching television, so they SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS In a given year in the United States, approximately one in five adults experiences mental illness, and approximately one in 25 adults experiences a serious mental illness that substantially interferes with one or more major life activities. There are many factors that contribute to mental illness, which can affect how we feel, think and act, and influence how we handle stress, relate to people and make decisions. These factors include brain chemistry, genes, family history "We decided to use the bus as a way to connect with young people and get the conversation about mental health going." of mental health problems, and life experiences such as abuse or trauma. don't feel threatened," says Sherry Leikin. "Don't judge their While mental health problems are common, it can be diffi- feelings, and be patient. Keep an open mind and educate cult to know if someone you care about is experiencing one. yourself so you can help them feel safe and hopeful. And if If a loved one shows one or more of the following feelings you're a parent, talk to your kids about mental health, just as or behaviors, it could be an early warning sign of a mental you would educate them about sex, drugs and alcohol." health problem: ■ Feeling unusually confused, anxious, upset, forgetful or worried If you are facing a mental illness, don't be afraid to share what you're experiencing. When you reach out to talk with friends or family members, they can help you through this ■ Feeling helpless or hopeless difficult time. Remember, there is a reason you are feeling ■ Having low or no energy this way, and a doctor can help diagnose your condition ■ Pulling away from people, hobbies and usual activities and recommend treatment options to restore your health ■ Eating or sleeping too much or too little and happiness. mybwmc.org | Fall 2016 7 http://www.mybwmc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Fall 2016