JMHS Hosts Mental Health Lunch & Learn to Educate and Empower Community

Johnson Memorial Health Services (JMHS) hosted an educational Lunch and Learn session titled “Let’s Talk Mental Health” on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Presented by Anna Lewis, PMHNP, and Lisa Kuechenmeister, MS, LPCC, the event offered community members insight into mental health topics that impact individuals and families across all ages.

The JMHS mental health providers discussed the difference between mental health and mental illness, addressed several myths that often surround mental health conditions, and explained how social media has contributed to increased mental health concerns, especially among youth and young adults.

Lewis and Kuechenmeister also addressed the rising rates of youth suicide, emphasizing the need to recognize warning signs such as withdrawal from activities, changes in sleep patterns, sudden mood swings, or talking about feeling hopeless. “Early intervention can save lives,” Lewis noted, encouraging parents and caregivers to talk openly with children and seek professional help when concerns arise.

Over 20 individuals attended the interactive session, where questions were welcomed. Lewis and Kuechenmeister emphasized that caring for your mental health is just as important as your physical health and shared practical tools for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being. Techniques included:

• Practice Gratitude – Write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
• Make Time for Self-Care – Prioritize rest, hobbies, or quiet time.
• Use the 54321 Grounding Tool – Calm anxiety by naming:
  5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
• Try Deep Breathing – A few slow breaths can ease tension and stress.
• Move Your Body – Even a short walk can lift your mood and focus.
• Get 8 Hours of Sleep – Good rest improves emotional and mental well-being.
• Unplug Before Bed – Turn off screens at least 30 minutes before sleeping.

JMHS has three mental health providers available to see individuals in person and via telemedicine. Anna Lewis, PMHNP, and Megan Derenge, PMHNP, provide behavioral health medication management and therapy. Lewis treats patients 16 and older, while Derenge sees patients five and up. Lisa Kuechenmeister, MS, LPCC, provides therapy services to individuals nine and older. To schedule, call 320-769-4393.

Upcoming Lunch and Learn Sessions

JMHS will continue its monthly Lunch and Learn series through September. The next session, “Understanding Dementia & Memory Care,” will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, from 12:00–1:00 PM. The speaker is Gretchen Reeves, MA, CCC-SLP, a Speech-Language Pathologist and dementia care expert.

RSVP by June 6 at jmhsmn.org/RSVP or call 320-769-4393 ext. 2111.