February 29, 2024 – SummitStone Health Partners is the first behavioral health care organization in the United States to implement the latest technology in contactless patient monitoring. The non-profit organization launched England-based Oxehealth’s medtech solution – Oxevision – on January 24 at Larimer County’s Acute Care Facility on the Longview Campus. SummitStone, as the contracted provider of behavioral health services in the County’s new facility, launched behavioral health urgent care, crisis, and withdrawal management services at Longview on December 2.

The only patient monitoring system designed for behavioral health, Oxevision offers clinical staff greater assurance of patient safety by supporting FDA-cleared vital signs measurement during observation rounds. Staff can remotely confirm a resting or sleeping patient is safe without entering their room and disturbing them, measure cardiorespiratory vital signs contact-free, and document therapeutically valuable digital observations with improved compliance. The contactless tool also alerts clinicians of high-risk patient activity, ensuring that staff may remain attentive between scheduled in-person safety checks.

“SummitStone is committed to the equitable, safe and inclusive delivery of behavioral healthcare,” said Dr. Lesley Brooks, Chief Medical Officer for SummitStone. “We are so very pleased to partner with Oxehealth in technology that aligns with this commitment. Incorporating Oxevision in our acute care presents an incredible opportunity to enhance the quality and patient experience of care, making it both less intrusive and safer. This technology aligns with our person-first focus, ensuring that clients can get the rest and privacy they need to reach their best outcomes.”

Katrin Engelmann, President of Behavioral Health at Oxehealth, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “Oxehealth and SummitStone Health Partners share a commitment to bringing behavioral health care in the US into the 21st century. We are thrilled about the possibilities for innovation that this partnership brings and the positive impact our technology will have on the dedicated staff and the patients they serve. Safeguarding patients without disruption at night will be a breakthrough in behavioral health care, recognizing the critical role of uninterrupted sleep in the recovery process.”

Adopting this new technology into behavioral health care aligns well with Larimer County’s stated goal of investing in community-driven work to increase access to behavioral health services and improve outcomes for all Larimer County community members.

“SummitStone continues to be an invaluable partner to Larimer County in improving the behavioral health services available in our region,” said Laura Walker, Larimer County Health and Human Services Director. “Their efforts to use innovative technology like Oxevision is yet another advancement toward our shared goal of improving the client experience and enhancing safety for both staff and clients.”

About Oxehealth

Oxehealth is a global leader in intelligent patient monitoring for behavioral health. The company is dedicated to helping clinical staff deliver safer, higher-quality, and more efficient inpatient care. Oxehealth partners with half of NHS England’s mental health providers and is expanding to transform inpatient care in Europe and the US. For more information, visit www.oxehealth.com.

About Oxevision

Oxevision is the only patient monitoring system designed for behavioral health. The contactless technology, which incorporates an FDA-cleared medical device and a digital rounding tool, enables clinical staff to work proactively and with maximum productivity. Oxevision is supporting care at over 100 facilities and counting. Its use is associated with reductions in sentinel events (including self-harm, assaults, and falls), improved staffing efficiencies, and a better patient experience at night. For more information, visit www.oxehealth.com/oxevision.

About SummitStone Health Partners

SummitStone Health Partners is the not-for-profit behavioral health provider for Larimer County. Since 1957, SummitStone has served its communities by fostering trust, empowering recovery, and inspiring hope. SummitStone offers more than 50 programs focused on mental health and substance use prevention, intervention, and treatment, including Crisis Services, which are available 24/7/365. SummitStone serves more than 10,000 community members across Larimer County annually. For more information, visit www.summitstonehealth.org.

Dealing with a depressive episode can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. If you or someone you know is going through this difficult phase, it’s essential to remember that there is hope and help available. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore effective strategies for how to get out of a depressive episode and regain emotional balance. 

Please note that these suggestions are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and if you’re experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of depression, it’s crucial to seek assistance from a qualified healthcare professional.

Understanding Depressive Episodes

Before we dive into the steps of how to get out of a depressive episode, let’s briefly understand what it entails. A depressive episode is a period characterized by intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can affect anyone, and the triggers may vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness or low mood
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Seek Support and Professional Help

The first and most crucial step in how to get out of a depressive episode is reaching out for support. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Talk to your friends or family about what you’re going through, as opening up about your emotions can be cathartic. Additionally, consider seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide valuable insights and coping strategies.

Make Positive Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle adjustments can significantly impact your mental well-being. While they may not be a cure for depression, they can help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall mood. Consider incorporating the following practices into your daily routine:

Regular Exercise

Engaging in physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters. Immerse yourself in activities you enjoy, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or dancing. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Healthy Diet

Nourishing your body with nutrient-rich foods can influence your emotional state positively. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals, and limit sugary and processed foods.

Adequate Sleep

Make sleep a top priority and set up a regular sleep routine. Lack of sleep can exacerbate depressive symptoms, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep (without interruptions) each night.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation in your daily routine can help you stay present and reduce rumination on negative thoughts. Consider incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine.

Limit Alcohol and Substance Use

While it may be tempting to turn to alcohol or substances for temporary relief, they can worsen depressive symptoms in the long run. Limit your consumption or avoid them altogether.

Engage in Activities You Enjoy

Depression often leads to a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. Counteract this by making a list of activities you used to enjoy and gradually reintroduce them into your routine. Engaging in hobbies or investing time with your loved ones can offer a profound sense of purpose and pleasure.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Depression often involves negative thought patterns that can distort your perception of reality. Practice recognizing these negative thoughts and challenge them with evidence that contradicts them. Consider seeking help from a therapist to learn cognitive-behavioral techniques.

Create a Supportive Environment

Surround yourself with a network of supportive and empathetic individuals who can offer encouragement and empathy during your journey to recovery. Minimize contact with people who may contribute to feelings of negativity or stress.

Set Realistic Goals

During a depressive episode, even small tasks can feel overwhelming. Break your goals into smaller, achievable steps, and celebrate each accomplishment along the way. Remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself during this challenging time. Avoid self-criticism and practice self-compassion. Treat yourself with the same level of understanding and empathy that you would offer to a friend.

While overcoming a depressive episode may seem like an uphill battle, it’s crucial to remember that with the right support, self-care, and professional help, you can find your way back to emotional balance. Reach out for support, make positive lifestyle changes, engage in activities that bring you joy, challenge negative thoughts, and create a nurturing environment. 

Remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to seek help along the way. With determination and resilience, you can emerge stronger from this challenging experience and embrace a brighter future.

Looking for ways to support your loved ones through a depressive episode? Here are a few suggestions:

• Self-Screening Tool: Check out our website’s Self-Screening Tool, a free and anonymous “checkup for your neck up,” designed for yourself or your loved ones.
• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): Join our regular free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) classes to learn how to recognize signs of behavioral health issues and respond effectively.
• Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training: Participate in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training to gain the knowledge to help individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
• Crisis Services: Access our 24/7/365 Crisis Services by calling (970) 494-4200 ext. 4. Or visiting our walk-in center at 1217 Riverside Drive in Fort Collins between 8 am and midnight. Mobile services are also available anytime, day or night.

Ready to take control of your emotional well-being and overcome depression? Find the support you need at SummitStone Health Partners. Reach out to us today and take the first step towards a brighter and healthier future. Your journey to emotional balance starts here!