Self-Help Tips

• Tips for Anxiety and PTSD

  Even though anxiety and PTSD are different mental illnesses, many of the coping strategies are the same.

  Deep Breathing

  Deep breathing techniques come in many forms. Below are some videos you can use to help.

  • Triangle Breathing
  • Box Breathing
  • Calm Breathing Bubble
  • Diaphragmatic Breathing

  The 5 Senses

  When you are having problems with anxiety or PTSD, one thing you can do is observe your surroundings with all five of your main senses. The key is to be very intentional as you make your observations. Some people prefer to count the number of things they can see, taste, smell, etc. Others look for a specific number of items they can observe with each sense. These techniques are not suggested if you are suffering from sensory overload or feel overstuimulated.

  • 5-4-3-2-1
• Tips for Depression
  When you are experiencing a depressive episode, there are a few of things you can do that can help.

  Create a Gratitude List

  If you only have your head to make your list in, that is fine. But putting it down in writing or in electronic form can help so you can look at it every time you start to feel that way. Some days, especially when there is a lot of uncertainty in your life, finding reasons to feel grateful can be difficult. But start simple with waking up and having another day to continue your recovery.

  Opposite-To-Emotion Thinking

  When you use opposite-to-emotion thinking, you will do the opposite of what you feel like you should do. For example, if you want to isolate, go out and be around people in a safe space. Though this can be difficult to do, once you get used to it, you will have a powerful tool in your toolbox.

Tips for Helping Others with Mental Illness

• What to Say
  • Talk to them in a space that is comfortable, where you won’t likely be interrupted and where there are likely minimal distractions.
  • Ease into the conversation, gradually. It may be that the person is not in a place to talk, and that is OK. Greeting them and extending a gentle kindness can go a long way. Sometimes less is more.
  • Be sure to speak in a relaxed and calm manner.
  • Communicate in a straightforward manner and stick to one topic at a time.
  • Be respectful, compassionate and empathetic to their feelings by engaging in reflective listening, such as “I hear that you are having a bad day today. Yes, some days are certainly more challenging than others. I understand.”
  • Instead of directing the conversation at them with ‘you’ statements, use ‘I’ statements instead.
  • Be a good listener, be responsive and make eye contact with a caring approach.
  • Ask them appropriate questions and avoid prying.
  • Give them the opportunity to talk and open up but don’t press.
  • Share some easy insights as a way of encouraging easy conversation, such as comments about the weather, the community or other.
  • Reduce any defensiveness by sharing your feelings and looking for common ground.
  • Speak at a level appropriate to their age and development level. Keep in mind that mental illness has nothing to do with a person’s intelligence.
  • Be aware of a person becoming upset or confused by your conversation with them.
  • Show respect and understanding for how they describe and interpret their symptoms.
  • Genuinely express your concern.
  • Offer your support and connect them to help if you feel that they need it. Ask, “How can I help?” if appropriate, or even, “Can I pray with you now?” if appropriate.
  • Give the person hope for recovery, offer encouragement and prayers.
• Things to Avoid Saying
  • “Just pray about it.”
  • “You just need to change you’re attitude.”
  • “Stop harping on the negative, you should just start living.”
  • “Everyone feels that way sometimes.”
  • “You have the same illness as my (whoever).”
  • “Yes, we all feel a little crazy now and then.”
• Things to Avoid Doing
  • Criticizing blaming or raising your voice at them.
  • Talking too much, too rapidly, too loudly. Silence and pauses are ok.
  • Showing any form of hostility towards them.
  • Assuming things about them or their situation.
  • Being sarcastic or making jokes about their condition.
  • Patronizing them or saying anything condescending.

Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders

• Behavioral
  • Dieting behaviors
  • Evidence of binge eating
  • Evidence of deliberate vomiting or laxative use
  • Excessive, obsessive, or ritualistic exercise patterns
  • Changes in food preference
  • Development of rigid patterns around food selection, preparation and eating
  • Avoidance of eating meals, especially in a social setting
  • Lying about the amount or type of food consumed or evading questions about eating and weight
  • Behaviors focused on food
  • Behaviors focused on body shape and weight
  • Development of repetitive or obsessive behaviors relating to body shape and weight
  • Social withdrawal or avoidance of previously enjoyed activities
• Physical
  • Weight loss or other weight fluctuations
  • Fainting
  • Changes in or loss of periods
  • Sensitivity to the cold
  • Swelling around the cheeks or jaws, calluses on knuckles or dental discoloration from vomiting
• Psychological
  • Preoccupation with food, body shape and weight
  • Extreme body dissatisfaction
  • Distorted Body image
  • Sensitive to comments or criticism about exercise, food, body shape or weight
  • Heightened anxiety around meal times
  • Depression, anxiety or irritability
  • Low self-esteem
  • Rigid thinking

Visit the Driver Intervention Program Website

The mission of Family Resource Center is to provide specialized behavioral health services to children, youth, adults, and families in our multicultural communities in order to strengthen family life and promote personal growth.

North Campus

2515 N. Main St.
Findlay, Ohio 45840
419-422-3711

South Campus

1908 N. Main St.
Findlay, Ohio 45840
419-425-5050

Hancock County Community Guide Series

419-422-8616

1941 Carlin St
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the Family Resource Center Website

FOCUS has a wide variety of programs and welcomes all pathways of recovery. FOCUS is home to The Recovery Center (adult center), the "i am somebody" podcast, The LOFT (youth center), and multiple recovery houses; a Men's house, Women's House, and Mom's House.

Join us every Tuesday at noon for Cook & Carry, a free community meal

419-423-5071

509 W. Trenton Ave.
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the FOCUS: Recovery and Wellness Community Website

The Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) is a public body comprised of members who share a deep commitment for how our local community works together to meet the mental health and substance use needs of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones.

The Board's function is to assess the needs, plan, monitor, fund, and evaluate services. With input from its professional staff and the community, the Board determines the direction of mental health and substance use disorder services, and contracts for these services through local providers. The Board provides full or partial funding for services, based on a sliding fee scale, utilizing federal, state, and property tax dollars for Hancock County residents.

419-424-1985

438 Carnahan Ave
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board Website

LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay is a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization. After many years as an informal group working within the impulse of Open Door Community Church, Spectrum was founded in 2010 by those who shared the same common goals to build an inclusive network for the LGBTQ+ community in Findlay, Ohio. Since receiving our non-profit status, we have been building on the momentum that has propelled us into new avenues of service to our community. This has included the forming of support groups, monthly social events, developing an Ally Directory, and expanding Pride month celebrations.

419-455-1896

2447 Tiffin Ave
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the LGBTQ+ Spectrum of Findlay Website

In response to God's love for all persons, Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio provides human services that will strengthen the mental, moral, physical, social and spiritual well-being of those who seek this agency's services.

419-243-9178

1701 Tiffin Ave
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the Lutheran Social Services Website

MakeTheConnection.net is an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.

Visit the Make the Connection Website

Caughman Health Center provides both family practice and pediatric care to area residents, regardless of ability to pay. For patient convenience there is an on site laboratory, pharmacy assistance program, social workers and a care navigator. All fees are based on a sliding scale, and most insurances are accepted including Ohio Medicaid and self-pay.

419-427-0809

1800 N Blanchard St
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the MOMS (Caughman Health Center phone) Website

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hancock County is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) which was established in 1979. Initially a self help organization for anyone affected by serious and persistent biologically-based brain disorders, NAMI is a formidable mental health advocacy organization for individuals with mental illness and their families. NAMI Hancock County is a grassroots organization founded in 1996 by a group of Findlay/Hancock County residents. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hancock County is a 501c3 charitable organization.

567-301-2101

305 W. Hardin Ave.
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Hancock County Website

Ohio Guidestone provides quality behavioral healthcare when and where you need it. Serving children, adolescents, adults, and families. Ohio Guidestone provides mental health, addiction recovery substance abuse and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder services.

419-422-7801

1624 Tiffin Ave.
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the Ohio Guidestone Website

Our mission is to provide mentorship and resources for adults who are involved in the Hancock County criminal justice system, helping them to live crime-free, drug-free, productive lives.

419-455-6082

2447 Tiffin Ave.
Findlay, Ohio 45840

Visit the Welcome to a New Life Website