HOUSTON, Aug. 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Meehl Foundation cites the recent suicide of actor Robin Williams as a tragic example of a possible outcome for those battling severe, untreated, long-term mood disorders. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, as many as 50% of people with diagnosed bipolar disorder will attempt suicide at least once. Debra Meehl, co-founder of the Meehl Foundation, believes that a wholistic approach incorporating mind, body and spirit is the most proactive and effective way to give bipolar individuals more control of their lives and a more positive outlook on the future.
"Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness requiring continuous maintenance; sadly, suicide is far too common among this population, as bouts of self-destructive mania often follow deep depressive episodes," explained Meehl. "Our residential treatment program is designed to show these individuals that health and wellbeing are realistic goals and that suicide doesn't need to be an option. We combine hypnosis, bio-feedback, aggressive medication management and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to give residents the tools and techniques to live successfully with mental illness rather than succumb to its influence."
"People with bipolar disorder who are not in a residential program should be seeing their doctor at least every two weeks, until they are stable. Likewise, family and friends must be involved and invested in the health of the individual," added Meehl.
The Meehl Foundation operates the Meehl House, a residential treatment facility for people with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, depression and other serious mood disorders. The team of therapists and life coaches at the Meehl House work together with residents to achieve balance in all aspects of their lives. The program provides 24-hour access to the crisis intervention team. Interpersonal, emotional and career fulfillment are the objectives for everyone who graduates from a 90-day residency at the Meehl House.
The Meehl House is one of the only residential treatment programs to offer DBT. With a success rate of 87%, this innovative therapy was originally developed 20 years ago specifically to help people at high risk of suicide or self-harm and incorporates aspects of mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance and emotional regulation.
Group therapy is just the beginning of Meehl House's wholistic treatment approach. Residents also receive personalized life coaching and skills training to enhance their long-term mental wellness. These skills include everything from how to cook nutritious meals to basic fitness education.
More than 90% of people who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness; the Meehl Foundation wants to be a source of hope and compassion in the lives of people who feel they've run out of options.
About The Meehl Foundation
Mark and Debra Meehl created the Meehl Foundation and the Meehl House to give those struggling with mood disorders a wholistic plan to achieve balance in their lives. A residential treatment facility located on the Gulf Coast in Texas, the Meehl House serves United States and abroad.
Contact:
Debra Meehl, DD, MSW
www.meehlfoundation.org
979-798-7972
Email
