Community Health | MaineHealth

Adult Mental Health

Mindfulness is an awareness that arises by intentionally paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness has been studied for a range of medical and psychological conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, cancer, heart disease and stress. Recognizing the many physical and emotional health benefits, Mid Coast Hospital offers a variety of wellness programs to assist community members of all levels with initiating and maintaining a mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

It is normal to experience stress in your daily life. How you choose to respond to that stress determines its impact on your overall health and well-being. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an educational program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. The curriculum is designed to help participants cultivate mindfulness through direct practice in meditation, mindful movement, instruction, and conversation. MBSR is an eight-week course taught in 2.5-hour, weekly group classes and one six-hour weekend retreat. Participants are also encouraged to complete approximately 45 minutes of home practice per day.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Continuing Practice

These one-hour, monthly classes provide an opportunity for continued teacher-led practice and reflection for those who have already completed the 8-week MBSR program. Classes will focus on guided practice (mindful movement, sitting meditation, walking meditation, the body scan), discussion of the practice and its relevance to our lives, and support for continued home practice.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens

Seven-week training designed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, improve general mental health, and increase the coping skills of youth to manage daily stress.

Mindful Morning Mini Retreats

These 3-hour mini retreats will provide an introduction to mindfulness for the beginner and an opportunity for those with all levels of experience to deepen practice. Mindfulness-based exercises, meditation and movement (stretches and gentle yoga) will be combined with discussion of the principles of mindfulness and its relevance to stress in our lives.

Weekly Meditation Sessions

These half-hour drop-in classes provide an opportunity for mindfulness practice for all levels of experience. Practices will change from week to week and may include mindful movement (gentle stretches and yoga), sitting meditation, walking meditation and the body scan. There is no need to register and prior experience is not required. Just join us in the middle of the day for an opportunity to pause, notice and reflect.

Summer Meditation Sessions – Free
One-hour mindfulness practice sessions outside among the beautiful pines on the Mid Coast Hospital campus. Each session consists of mindful stretching, walking in nature, meditation and discussion. Beginners welcome! Seating will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite outdoor chair. Limited to 20 participants per session. Registration is required.

• When: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm; Saturdays at 9 am
• Where: Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness, 329 Maine Street, Brunswick
• Email: Meghan Perham
• Phone: 207-373-6585

Youth Mental Health

Through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mid Coast Hospital–in partnership with NAMI Maine–provides free youth mental health first aid education to our community, including all our middle and high schools. Specifically designed for people who interact with youth ages 12-18, this nationally certified program is packed with information designed to help you identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health concerns.

Youth Mental Health First Aid class helps people understand typical adolescent development and signs and symptoms of potential mental health concerns. Topics are well researched, the lessons are easy to follow, and the format addresses both stigma and how nonprofessionals can help. The eight-hour course results in a three-year national certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Sub-pay/stipends are available for middle and high school teachers.

Join a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Session

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach anyone who regularly interacts with youth how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youths, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders. After completing this course, you will be able to recognize the signs of a teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or who is in crisis, and know how best to respond and connect them with help.