by April Scheinoha
Reporter
After seeing his psychiatrist at Sanford Behavioral Health in Thief River Falls, a local man received a card. It listed the phone number for the Adult/Child Crisis Support Line. Days later, he planned to end his life with a loaded gun. However, before moving forward, he opened his wallet. He saw the card and made a decision that would change his life. He called the phone number. Law enforcement were soon at his door, and he received the help he needed to continue living.
Sarah Lefebvre shared that story at a joint meeting of the Thief River Falls City Council, Pennington County Board and Thief River Falls School District.
Lefebvre, who works at Sanford Behavioral Health, was there to destigmatize mental health issues and ensure everyone gets the help they need.
“I do think it takes all of us,” said Lefebvre, who spoke Monday, May 24 at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Thief River Falls.
The crisis line and mental health services, in general, are there for anyone struggling with their mental health. “There’s no limits here, and it’s not just people who have a certain situation going on,” said Lefebvre, who noted adults may suffer from a mental health issue no matter what their profession. Children may also suffer from mental health issues.
In a given year, one in four people are impacted by mental health issues – either personally or as someone who has a family member or friend suffering from them. Eleven years is the average amount of time from the onset of mental health symptoms to treatment, said Lefebvre, who noted that is too long.
Sanford Behavioral Health is there to help anyone who is seeking mental health services – no matter when the symptoms started. Within the past month, it has seen more patients. Lefebvre attributed the increase to people realizing, after things started reopening, that they weren’t doing as well mentally as they thought they were.
Patients may receive mental health services for a short or long period of time depending upon their specific needs.
“Services don’t have to be forever,” said Lefebvre, who noted that some individuals may need ongoing mental health services. She compared those services to someone receiving ongoing medical care for diabetes or heart disease.
Some mental health issues may need an immediate response. In that case, the mobile mental health crisis response team is available. Donita Stepan said she has already seen the team in action over the past year since she started working here as school superintendent.
Lefebvre is one of the team members. “We can go anywhere,” said Lefebvre, who referred to schools, homes or jails.
The team is among those who may respond when someone contacts the crisis line. The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-282-5005 or texting MN to 741741. It serves Pennington, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Polk, Red Lake and Roseau counties.