Message from the Superintendent (May 09, 2008)

“The ones who count are those persons who— though they may be of little renown— respond to and are responsible for the continuation of the living spirit” - Martin Buber

2008 May is Mental Health Month this year's theme, "Get Connected." It is focused on the important role social connectedness plays in maintaining and protecting mental health and wellness. Research shows that social connectedness can reduce stress and promote overall health by providing a sense of belonging, self-worth and security. A new survey by Mental Health America shows that while many are routinely overwhelmed by stress, most view their relationships with others as important sources of emotional support and stress-relief, which has positive effects on mental and overall health. "Individuals who feel valued and cared for are better equipped to deal with stress and adversity and even experience less severe illnesses than those with little social support," said David Shern, Ph.D., president & CEO of Mental Health America. "

Therapeutic relationship is an important, maybe even essential, aspect of psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery. I ask you to consider the vital role relationship plays in helping those we serve maintain a positive, hopeful outlook that defends against despair, anguish, and hopelessness.

Riverview’s staff do a great job focusing on caring, respectful, and helpful relationships with clients. The skills of our staff have enabled Riverview to dramatically reduce the amount of restrictive treatment utilized. Upper Saco and Upper Kennebec had no restraints in April and each only one in March. No mechanical restraints on the civil side for most of the last year! Big outcomes that take skill, discipline, caring, and courage.

In case you don’t know it, Riverview is better then most other state hospitals in avoiding BOTH hands on hold restraints and mechanical restraints. The graph below compares our total times of restraint to about 200 other state hospitals. Pretty impressive. The average amount of restraint use for other state hospitals is about 160+% higher then yours. Very Impressive!

These accomplishments are, in part, due to the focus on developing therapeutic alliances to support clients in maintaining control of their lives. Assisting those in crisis in maintaining hope is an important outcome. The value of these relationships in the healing process include; helping persons cope with stress, feeling a strong emotional tie with at least one other person, having someone to talk to about decisions in their life, having a person they can talk to when they feel lonely, knowing a person will help them if they need it, and have a person appreciate them for who they are. These sound simple but to establish a relationship with a person in crisis that provides these characteristics takes a mindful effort from a caring healer…. Like you!

As always, thank you for your service.

David S. Proffitt

“The way you see people is the way you treat them, and the way you treat them is what they become.” - Johann von Goethe

Agency information

Message from the Superintendent (May 09, 2008)