Professor Samuel Wong Yeung-shan, director of Chinese University’s Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training, said there should be more subsidised services on mindfulness under the city’s primary healthcare to offer patients more options.

He said it was difficult for beginners to learn mindfulness even if they were aware of the benefits. Private sessions were available at around HK$4,000 to HK$5,000 (US$511 to US$638) for eight classes.

“There are currently no services for mindfulness … you would need to pay for classes in mindfulness but then this is a barrier,” said Wong, who heads the university’s school of public health and primary care.

‘Listen to your inner silent scream’: Hong Kong mental health recovery stories

Mindfulness is a type of meditation involving breathing methods to help individuals become intensely aware of sensations and feelings.

Previous studies have suggested that mindfulness could be an alternative to antidepressants for people with symptoms of recurrent depression.

Chinese University’s centre, which opened in 2018, provides mindfulness training and services, and conducts research. So far, more than 24,000 people have attended classes and training offered by the centre, including free online workshops.

Wong said some NGOs or psychologists in the public health system offered free mindfulness therapy, but this service was fragmented and unsystematic.

Mindfulness services could be offered at the 18 government-backed district health centres or express stations to give people one more option for a holistic approach to caring for their health, he said.

Professor Samuel Wong, director of Chinese University’s Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training, has called for authorities to make the meditation-type therapy more widely available. Photo: Jelly Tse

The district-based facilities aim to educate the public on managing their health, with plans to provide mental health assessments too.

There was heightened awareness of the need for such services following a tragic incident in June when a man allegedly stabbed two women to death in a shopping centre.

The Hospital Authority at the time said the suspect had received treatment at a public specialist outpatient clinic at Kwai Chung Hospital. He last visited the centre on March 7 and had been scheduled for a session days after the incident.

Wong also said that taking care of a patient’s mental health could help manage other chronic conditions. Past studies had shown that it could help those with depression, anxiety, insomnia and substance abuse, he added.

“A patient might have chronic diseases due to mental issues, or develop mental stress as they cannot control their chronic condition well,” he said.

Conditional discharge for more Hong Kong psychiatric patients proposed

The scholar said he hoped mindfulness could eventually be incorporated as one of the routine psychological interventions and used in counselling or rehabilitation programmes.

“Once a professional workforce and resource ecosystem related to mindfulness are established, it can be highly cost-effective, potentially helping the prevention of deterioration of common mental health problems and improve the overall mental well-being of the population,” he explained.

Stanley Chan Kam-chung, an instructor at the university’s mindfulness centre, said: “Mindfulness is training of the mind. When I focus on a certain point, I will not be led by random thoughts easily.”

He noticed a growing acceptance of the practice among Hongkongers in recent years, especially those coping with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, curbs on social life and separation from loved ones who emigrated.

“These stresses in life prompted them to look for ways to improve their mental health,” he said.

(From left) Jenny Fung, Professor Samuel Wong and instructor Stanley Chan practise mindfulness. Photo: Jelly Tse

Retired florist Jenny Fung, in her 60s, recalled that she was troubled by a bout of high blood pressure and became depressed when medication did not help.

She joined a mindfulness programme after her doctor recommended it. While still on medication, her blood pressure began improving after she practised mindfulness for 10 days.

“I managed to calm down and could feel my own body and my breathing,” she said.

It took her around a year, practising three times a week, to bring her blood pressure back to normal and put her depression behind her.

Perpetual fear: why discharged psychiatric patients in Hong Kong walk on eggshells

Psychiatrist Ivan Mak Wing-chit said mindfulness was a non-pharmaceutical approach to addressing mental health issues and he had recommended it to patients, including those with anxiety, insomnia and eating disorders.

He noted that some people found that their negative feelings or thoughts intensified while practising mindfulness, so it might not be for everyone.

“It is one of the tools we should keep in the ‘mental health toolbox’,” he said.

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Mental health disorders affect millions of people worldwide, making it crucial to understand the various conditions and treatment options available. From anxiety and depression to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, there is a wide range of mental health disorders that can significantly impact an individual’s well-being. This article aims to explore the top 20 mental health disorders and shed light on the treatment options available for each.

1. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders include conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, phobias, and social anxiety disorder. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like stress management techniques and exercise.

2. Depression: Depression is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.

3. Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, ranging from manic episodes to periods of deep depression. Treatment options usually involve a combination of mood-stabilizing medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

4. Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Treatment typically involves a combination of antipsychotic medications, therapy, and support from loved ones.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD involves intrusive thoughts or obsessions, leading to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. Treatment options often include therapy, medication, and exposure and response prevention therapy.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and techniques like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

7. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Treatment can involve medication, therapy, and behavior management strategies.

8. Eating Disorders: Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, require a comprehensive treatment approach that includes therapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups.

9. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): BPD is a complex mental health disorder characterized by unstable relationships, emotions, and self-image. Treatment often involves therapy, medication, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

10. Substance Use Disorders: Substance use disorders involve the misuse or dependence on drugs or alcohol. Treatment options can include therapy, medication, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

11. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication and behavior. Treatment may involve speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and educational support.

12. Major Neurocognitive Disorder (Dementia): Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive abilities, memory loss, and impaired thinking. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, providing support, and improving quality of life.

13. Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, can significantly impact mental health. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like improving sleep hygiene.

14. Personality Disorders: Personality disorders, like narcissistic personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder, often require long-term therapy and support to manage symptoms and improve functioning.

15. Phobias: Phobias involve an intense fear of specific objects, situations, or activities. Treatment options often include therapy, exposure therapy, and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

16. Panic Disorders: Panic disorders are characterized by sudden, intense episodes of fear or panic. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.

17. Dissociative Disorders: Dissociative disorders involve disruptions or gaps in memory, identity, or consciousness. Treatment may involve therapy, medication, and techniques like grounding exercises.

18. Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder combines symptoms of schizophrenia and a mood disorder like depression or bipolar disorder. Treatment often includes a combination of medication, therapy, and support.

19. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): ODD involves persistent patterns of anger, defiance, and disobedience towards authority figures. Treatment may involve therapy, behavior management strategies, and support for parents.

20. Gender Dysphoria: Gender dysphoria refers to the distress caused by a person’s gender identity not aligning with their assigned sex at birth. Treatment may include therapy, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries.

It is essential to remember that treatment options may vary for each individual, and a comprehensive approach often yields the best results. Seeking professional help from mental health practitioners, psychiatrists, and therapists is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans. With proper support and treatment, individuals with mental health disorders can lead fulfilling lives.

The post Exploring the Top 20 Mental Health Disorders and Their Treatment Options appeared first on Minds Valley.

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Sonia Ohlala’s YouTube videos usually begin with a friendly greeting in Vietnamese. From the grandpas and grandmas out there, ông and bà, to the uncles and aunties, cô and chú, to her peers, anh and em, she wishes them all kind regards and hopes that they are in good health. She talks with a warm respect in her voice—the kind that’s culturally expected of you, if you are a younger member of the family. Without missing a beat, she then launches into a Vietnamese broadcast of the latest news, starting with Donald Trump. 

“Let me show you a beautiful photo of Donald Trump as he is playing golf,” she said in one video published on May 26, 2023. “He bends down and picks up golf balls like it’s not a problem.[…] He’s a very healthy person at 76.” Even though he has not been president in the past two years, most of Ohlala’s YouTube broadcasts revolve around the former president, translating content from far-right outlets like Newsmax, The Gateway Pundit, or Breitbart, according to her public YouTube community page.  

For some Vietnamese immigrants to the U.S., like Oakland resident Duyen Hoang, 56, Ohlala’s videos are one of the few U.S. news sources she can access, because they’re in Vietnamese. Hoang watches Ohlala regularly on YouTube and believes Donald Trump is a good and accomplished man, even if she knows that Ohala’s videos may not always be based on reliable information—or be giving her the local news she sorely needs. 

“I really just need more information about my hometown Oakland,” Hoang said. 

As part of an Information Futures Lab fellowship at Brown University, I spoke to Hoang and about two dozen fellow community members to better understand what role Ohlala and other YouTubers play in their community. Hoang also gave me access to her entire YouTube archive so I could understand the context of how these videos show up in her feed.

Resources on addressing misinformation in Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the U.S.

From Viet Fact Check:

A few organizations working on misinformation in other Asian communities:

When I asked community members where they get their news, only a handful of people said they tuned into the local TV station or read any local English-language articles. They used to have to wait for a weekly newspaper, Tuần báo Mõ, produced in nearby Sacramento to get news in Vietnamese, they said. But now everyone used YouTube to receive information, and almost everyone seemed to know Ohlala. 

“We no longer have to wait for news,” said Long Van Nguyen, 76, who also watches Ohlala’s videos. “Now we can get news as soon as we open our eyes in the morning.” 

YouTube broadcasters like Ohlala cater to immigrant communities in the U.S. who speak little to no English, who are often starved for information about their immediate environment and have limited options for where they can get their news. After examining dozens of Ohlala’s videos and speaking with experts, The Markup found that news aggregators and commentators like Ohlala often omit information that would give the news cultural or historical context, and, in Ohlala’s case, her content is repackaged from right-wing organizations.

The Markup reached out multiple times to Ohlala to request an interview but did not receive any response before publication. In the description of a second YouTube channel, she wrote: “… due to Youtube censorship, Sonia has added a second backup Youtube channel. Sonia does not cooperate with other stations or Youtube sites.”

This community has a problem that many immigrant communities have: It needs reliable information about the community in its language. While some national and international news organizations deliver news in Vietnamese, such as the Vietnamese services of the BBC or French radio broadcaster RFI, only a few outlets deliver online information in Vietnamese about the U.S., let alone regional news relevant to the Bay Area. 

This need for quality news became even more pertinent in the past few years. Hoang and many other members of the community found themselves lost in a sea of information and misinformation about COVID-19. Her need for quality news was heightened further when she started feeling more and more unsafe in her neighborhood as an Asian immigrant. Around the country, there was a surge of hatred against Asians, with anti-Asian hate crimes increasing by 339 percent in 2022 according to data compiled by the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism. Headlines about brutal attacks against Asian men and women across the country made national news. Anti-Asian hate became prominent at a time when President Donald Trump dubbed COVID-19 the “China virus.”  

This community felt this in their neighborhood. The pandemic brought about the most unequal recession recorded in U.S. history, and it took a particularly devastating toll on Black and Latino communities, which was felt in the Bay Area as well. In tandem, the city of Oakland saw a rise in homicides (though this trend has reversed most recently). Vietnamese community members experienced this by word of mouth, too: They heard about a friend who was beaten and whose necklace was stolen. They heard of a Vietnamese-owned coffee shop being robbed. At the same time, the entire nation and Oakland were embroiled in a “racial reckoning” that brought about protests, clashes with police, and, in some rarer cases, looting across the country and in Oakland. 

Imagine experiencing all this without a news organization delivering you information in the language you understand. Where do you turn? Who can help you clarify all these complex and concurring issues? This particular community largely turned to YouTube. 

A DIY community will get DIY news

Hoang is part of a small group, started by my uncle, of about 100 Vietnamese immigrants in Oakland who regularly meet on Saturday mornings. Most came to the U.S. in the 1990s as part of an asylum program specifically targeting former political prisoners. 

My uncle, a political prisoner himself, started bringing people together 30 years ago to help other former political prisoners. Over time, he expanded to help the Vietnamese community at large. Some people are in their 50s and several are in their 70s. All were born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. well into their adulthood. A handful of them speak enough English to have basic conversations, but the majority of them conduct their daily lives, including getting the news, entirely in Vietnamese. 

Every Saturday morning they rent out a basement and get together to sing and help one another. When I joined them one Saturday in March, one of the members had his laptop wired to a television set. He was searching YouTube for karaoke versions of Vietnamese songs that they sing together every week. A couple of women were making lunch together, using ingredients they bought during the week at Vietnamese supermarkets.

Duyen Hoang preparing food for the Saturday-morning group. Lam Thuy Vo/The Markup

Amid these joyful gatherings, they also do vital things that are important to the well-being of this community: administering yearly flu shots, participating in neighborhood activities like street cleanups, and assisting each other with voter registration.  

This is not unique to the Vietnamese community. There are countless DIY care networks within Asian and other immigrant communities that swoop in where government entities have failed. They’ve organized microgrants, self-defense, and food distribution to help ailing Chinatown businesses. The Asian community has also taken security into its own hands as community members have felt sidelined by both local politicians and police forces that help only when it’s too late. 

This feeling of neglect is also reflected in how this community perceives most news outlets. Despite their neighborhood being roughly 20 percent Asian, members of the group told me they often feel overlooked by the mainstream media.

In response, many members of this group have adopted a way of building DIY self-help methods to inform themselves. They exchange information about their neighborhood and the latest news or what they read about in Tuần báo Mõ, which they can pick up during their community gatherings. If a crime happens in a Vietnamese business nearby, the group messages each other in group texts or on Facebook to keep an eye out. They said that once, when they called police, officers only showed up hours after the incident and were not of help. They also said that English-language media only rarely cared about what was going on in their community. 

Tuyet Nguyen, 70, for example, says that in the morning he puts on the local TV station, turns on the closed captioning, and “then I can understand a little.” But for most news about current events and politics he turns to YouTube. There, he receives news about ongoing events in his home country through YouTube channels based in Vietnam. And that’s also where he looks for more information about American news, often relying on algorithmically produced recommendations to discover content.

“There’s a lot of news about Trump or Biden” on YouTube, he said. “We can’t watch only one video. We have to watch different ones—watch this channel and another channel—and we combine them to see what’s right.” He said he watches a lot of Ohlala’s videos.

Hoang’s watch and search history on YouTube reflects this DIY approach, too. Her viewing history dates back to 2020. From it I can tell that Hoang uses YouTube to help her make better decisions about her life: from spiritual guidance from Buddhist monks to instructional cooking videos to getting medical advice. 

To get a better understanding of the breadth and depth of what Hoang watches on YouTube, with her permission I categorized a random sample of 1,000 videos from her archive. “News” represents videos with information about current events and politics from various sources, such as vloggers who discuss the news and official news organizations based in Vietnam. “Entertainment” represents films and talk-show-like content that discuss lifestyle issues and music (many were karaoke versions of songs). “Health” includes information about symptoms of a sickness or the health benefits of certain foods. “Instructional videos” teach, for example, by showing viewers how to cook a dish or care for plants.

It’s only natural that Hoang and her peers would also find news on the platform. And unlike other news organizations, Ohlala and other YouTubers meet her where she already is. 

News out of context

When Black Lives Matter protests filled the streets in Oakland, this community said they became afraid of looting. Viral imagery of Black men shoving and beating older Asian adults also increased their fear. Amid national headlines around protests and anti-Asian hate, they did not have much information they could act on or use to understand underlying issues. (Looting narratives around protests have a long history of distracting from mostly peaceful protests in the U.S., according to Time.) 

A search of Ohlala’s videos for any mention of the BLM movement only returned one video, which was broadcast after police in Brooklyn Center, Minn., and Chicago, Ill., killed a Black man, Daunte Wright, and a Latino boy, Adam Toledo, in 2021. Ohlala explains that there have been many Black Lives Matter protests in Washington, D.C., but she does not mention the deaths of Wright or Toledo or any information about what sparked the protests. Instead, she talks about a Telegram text message exchange, which focuses on one woman’s bad experience with Black women. Ohlala then gives recommendations to Vietnamese folks to not speak to Black people and avoid conflict. She says that some Black people, under Biden, “have received a waiver to be more aggressive.”  

There are sweet and kind Black people, too, she said. But she also said to avoid conflict with Black people, even on the streets. 

Sonia Ohlala discussing BLM protests on YouTube. Credit: YouTube

In recent years, a network of news aggregators (some of which are anonymous) has cropped up on social media and focuses heavily on amplifying violent incidents where attackers were Black and victims were Asian, according to an August 2020 report about disinformation from the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans and the Disinfo Defense League. The stories and social posts are often rewritten news articles with eye-grabbing headlines or reports of old incidents that aggregators use as proof that official channels are underreporting anti-Asian crimes perpetrated by Black people, weaponizing the victimhood of Asians, the report stated. One headline on an Instagram account identified by the report: “Black-on-Asian violence claims another life in New York City.” “Nearly every other day, it seems an Asian-American is attacked or murdered by criminal elements within the African-American community,” the caption of the post said.

“The documented lack of coverage about Asians and Asian Americans in mainstream media and news have left voids filled by sources and online hubs … with a singular emphasis on ‘pro-Asian’ identity,” the report said. “These spaces foster problematic narratives that pivot on existing structures of misogyny, anti-Black racism, and xenophobia.”

Much of the discourse around combating this kind of hyperpartisan misinformation centers on either debunking false claims or translating news from mainstream information. But this approach doesn’t take context into consideration.   

Getting contextual information about their immediate environment is really about “livelihood issues,” said Nick Nguyen, a volunteer with the nonprofit Viet Fact Check. The organization publishes summaries of trustworthy reports from mainstream media organizations or academic papers in Vietnamese and contextualizes the information so it culturally makes more sense for the Vietnamese community. 

Instead of framing the issues around the BLM movement just through the lens of injustice, Nguyen suggested showing that, according to polls, most Black folks just want the same policing that White people enjoy. He said this is something that is much more relatable and would also help the Vietnamese community make better decisions around policies and voting. 

Otherwise, when getting news about BLM through YouTubers like Ohlala, Vietnamese community members only see “a very angry set of people who are justifiably angry. [But] you don’t have that context to base the anger on. So you’re really afraid of it because, if you’re a refugee, any kind of civil unrest is scary,” said Nguyen. 

Through his work at Viet Fact Check, Nguyen has also seen how dominant YouTube is in how Vietnamese speakers in the U.S. get their news. “A disproportionate amount of their news and media consumption comes from YouTube. And so the harms when you don’t have [quality] information coming from other sources, the harms can actually be quite severe,” said Nguyen. 

Nguyen said that he and other volunteers at Viet Fact Check spoke to developers and spokespeople at YouTube to raise issues around misinformation on the platform. When this did not result in meaningful change, he pitched the stories about misinformation in immigrant communities to mainstream news media to put pressure on the company. They have also written many articles that bring context to issues and that look into highly politicized issues that pit Asians against Black populations, such as anti-Asian hate or affirmative action. 

In an email to The Markup, YouTube spokesperson Elena Hernandez wrote, “YouTube’s misinformation policies are global, and we apply them consistently across languages and regions, including for Vietnamese-language videos. Additionally, we prominently surface authoritative content through recommendations in every market we operate.” 

She also wrote that YouTube had reviewed Ohlala’s channel and “determined that it does not violate our policies.”

“At the end of the day, people are […] just trying to live their lives,” said Nguyen. “The problem I’m trying to solve is not to make people believe what I believe, of my morality, but to give them useful protective information. So they can make decisions that are aligned with their self-interest.” 

This story was produced as part of a fellowship with the Information Futures Lab.

Want to dig into your own YouTube Archive? Soon, The Markup will be releasing a step-by-step guide on how to analyze a user’s YouTube archive. (Sign up for their newsletter here to be among the first to know.)

The Markup is also working on a way to tell this story in Vietnamese that goes beyond basic translation. Sign up for our newsletter here to get the story in your inbox when it publishes.

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The post In Oakland and beyond, Vietnamese speakers need better news options appeared first on Minds Valley.

Causes of Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders can be caused by a range of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and life experiences. Some disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, may have a genetic component. Other disorders, such as anxiety and depression, may be triggered by environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, or substance abuse. Life experiences, such as childhood trauma or abuse, can also contribute to the development of mental health disorders.

Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders

The symptoms of mental health disorders can vary widely depending on the type of disorder and the individual affected. Some common symptoms of mental health disorders include:

– Mood changes, such as feeling sad, anxious, or irritable
– Changes in behavior, such as becoming withdrawn or avoiding social situations
– Changes in sleep or appetite
– Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
– Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with everyday tasks
– Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

It’s important to note that not everyone with a mental health disorder will experience all of these symptoms. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help and support from a mental health professional.

Treatment Options for Mental Health Disorders

There are several treatment options available for mental health disorders, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. The most effective treatment plan will depend on the individual and the type of disorder they are experiencing.

Therapy: Therapy can help individuals learn coping skills, manage symptoms, and improve their overall mental health. Different types of therapy may be recommended depending on the individual’s needs and the type of disorder they are experiencing. Some common types of therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and interpersonal therapy.

Medication: Medication can help manage symptoms of mental health disorders and improve overall mental health. Different types of medication may be recommended depending on the individual’s needs and the type of disorder they are experiencing. Some common types of medication include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.

Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes can help improve overall mental health and reduce symptoms of mental health disorders. These changes may include regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress.

In conclusion, mental health disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s life, but there are effective treatment options available. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for mental health disorders is essential for those affected and those who care for them. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, it’s important to seek help and support from a mental health professional.

The post Mental Health Disorders: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options appeared first on Minds Valley.

Nearly seven months after the first debit cards were issued for the Middle Class Tax Refund, KCRA 3 is continuing to be contacted by Californians having problems getting access to their money and connecting with a real person on Money Network call lines to resolve their disputes. The MCTR program, which Gov. Gavin Newsom first announced as “inflation relief” payments, has distributed $9.2 billion to nearly 32 million California taxpayers either via direct deposit or by mailing debit cards. Of 9.6 million debit cards that have been issued, about 15% have yet to be activated as of May 6. Just 36% of cards have a zero balance. | VIDEO BELOW | Middle Class Tax Refund: What is Money Network and why did California hire them for debit cards?At issue for those who have contacted us have been problems with the debit cards from those who said they either didn’t receive the cards or, in some cases, reported their money was spent by fraudsters. Consider the case of Susan Otten in Santa Barbara County. She said that she was entitled to $350 on a debit card and shared screenshots of her account showing that just $78 remain. That’s because someone else spent the rest of the money before she could, she said. Otten first noticed this when she went to activate her card, and her online account showed a charge from Panda Express and a Tilly’s, as well as three purchases at a Ross store – all over a two-day span in January at Southern California locations where she doesn’t live or shop. She said she called the Money Network support line, was sent a second card and was told that her money would be returned, though some of the charges were pending. After receiving her second card in March, she said she waited a month before checking her account again, hoping that the charges would have been resolved. This time her account showed someone else took out nearly $200 at an ATM in another city. So far, just two of the fake charges have been reversed, she said. Otten said she managed through the Money Network helpline to be issued a third card, which she expects to arrive soon. But she has failed at being able to dispute the remaining charges and says she hasn’t been able to speak to a real person about her case recently. “I have no other recourse and have no idea where to go from here,” she said, adding that she is “furious.” Asked about the issue, a Franchise Tax Board spokesperson confirmed to KCRA 3 that one of two helplines, the “customer support” line (800-542-9332), has been converted to be fully automated as of April 21. “This line offers information about qualifications, how you may receive your payment, and other MCTR information. It includes an option for customers to be redirected to the Money Network debit card activation line if that is the reason the customer is calling,” spokesperson Andrew LePage said. He said that the viewer should continue to work with Money Network to resolve her dispute. That leaves the debit activation line, listed on the FTB’s website as the “Debit card questions” line (800-240-0223). This line is still staffed with live agents during business hours for customers who need help that isn’t handled by the self-service option, he said. But when KCRA 3 called the activation line and followed prompts to report fraud, at least one path in the maze of voice prompts led to the call being disconnected. “We encourage debit card customers to listen to the prompts and choose the option that will meet their needs,” LePage said. “Many items that debit card customers need assistance with are automated and don’t require a customer service agent. Where necessary, customers will be connected with agents to assist with their questions.” He said that 95% of calls are able to be handled by self-service options. Otten said she is worried that when her new card arrives, it will still have bogus charges associated with her account. She’s not the only viewer to reach out to us with fraud concerns, though the Franchise Tax Board has said there is no evidence of widespread fraud. The FTB’s contract with Money Network requires a fraud prevention rate of at least 99%.| VIDEO BELOW | Middle Class Tax Refund: What to know about fraud issuesThe agency won’t say what the rate of fraud has been so far with the program, saying only, “Money Network continues to meet the terms of the contract.”Meanwhile, another viewer who reached out to us, Ken, in Santa Cruz County, said he’s been trying to reach a live person because he never received his debit card. He said he’s even tried to get help from two legislative assistants, with one offering an unlisted phone number but warning that he could still be on hold for more than an hour. He said he hung up after 50 minutes when no one answered. “It really is little wonder people hate government,” he said.More MCTR resources FTB Middle Class Tax Refund help page Money Network’s Middle Class Tax Refund pagePhone number to call if your card is lost or stolen: 800-240-0223

Nearly seven months after the first debit cards were issued for the Middle Class Tax Refund, KCRA 3 is continuing to be contacted by Californians having problems getting access to their money and connecting with a real person on Money Network call lines to resolve their disputes.

The MCTR program, which Gov. Gavin Newsom first announced as “inflation relief” payments, has distributed $9.2 billion to nearly 32 million California taxpayers either via direct deposit or by mailing debit cards.

Of 9.6 million debit cards that have been issued, about 15% have yet to be activated as of May 6. Just 36% of cards have a zero balance.

| VIDEO BELOW | Middle Class Tax Refund: What is Money Network and why did California hire them for debit cards?

At issue for those who have contacted us have been problems with the debit cards from those who said they either didn’t receive the cards or, in some cases, reported their money was spent by fraudsters.

Consider the case of Susan Otten in Santa Barbara County. She said that she was entitled to $350 on a debit card and shared screenshots of her account showing that just $78 remain.

That’s because someone else spent the rest of the money before she could, she said. Otten first noticed this when she went to activate her card, and her online account showed a charge from Panda Express and a Tilly’s, as well as three purchases at a Ross store – all over a two-day span in January at Southern California locations where she doesn’t live or shop.

She said she called the Money Network support line, was sent a second card and was told that her money would be returned, though some of the charges were pending.

After receiving her second card in March, she said she waited a month before checking her account again, hoping that the charges would have been resolved. This time her account showed someone else took out nearly $200 at an ATM in another city.

So far, just two of the fake charges have been reversed, she said.

Otten said she managed through the Money Network helpline to be issued a third card, which she expects to arrive soon. But she has failed at being able to dispute the remaining charges and says she hasn’t been able to speak to a real person about her case recently.

“I have no other recourse and have no idea where to go from here,” she said, adding that she is “furious.”

Asked about the issue, a Franchise Tax Board spokesperson confirmed to KCRA 3 that one of two helplines, the “customer support” line (800-542-9332), has been converted to be fully automated as of April 21.

“This line offers information about qualifications, how you may receive your payment, and other MCTR information. It includes an option for customers to be redirected to the Money Network debit card activation line if that is the reason the customer is calling,” spokesperson Andrew LePage said.

He said that the viewer should continue to work with Money Network to resolve her dispute.

That leaves the debit activation line, listed on the FTB’s website as the “Debit card questions” line (800-240-0223). This line is still staffed with live agents during business hours for customers who need help that isn’t handled by the self-service option, he said.

But when KCRA 3 called the activation line and followed prompts to report fraud, at least one path in the maze of voice prompts led to the call being disconnected.

“We encourage debit card customers to listen to the prompts and choose the option that will meet their needs,” LePage said. “Many items that debit card customers need assistance with are automated and don’t require a customer service agent. Where necessary, customers will be connected with agents to assist with their questions.”

He said that 95% of calls are able to be handled by self-service options.

Otten said she is worried that when her new card arrives, it will still have bogus charges associated with her account.

She’s not the only viewer to reach out to us with fraud concerns, though the Franchise Tax Board has said there is no evidence of widespread fraud.

The FTB’s contract with Money Network requires a fraud prevention rate of at least 99%.

| VIDEO BELOW | Middle Class Tax Refund: What to know about fraud issues

The agency won’t say what the rate of fraud has been so far with the program, saying only, “Money Network continues to meet the terms of the contract.”

Meanwhile, another viewer who reached out to us, Ken, in Santa Cruz County, said he’s been trying to reach a live person because he never received his debit card. He said he’s even tried to get help from two legislative assistants, with one offering an unlisted phone number but warning that he could still be on hold for more than an hour.

He said he hung up after 50 minutes when no one answered.

“It really is little wonder people hate government,” he said.

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Mentally ill detainees on Rikers Island and in other city jails have become more likely to deliberately hurt themselves in recent years, data obtained by the Daily News shows.

Incidents of self-harm in better-staffed Rikers Island units for mentally ill detainees made up 65% of all such incidents in the jails in December, the figures show.

In all there were 154 incidents of self-harm in the jails in December, with 100 of them taking place in mental health units on Rikers. The overall number of self harm incidents in December exceeded the 110 incidents reported in January 2022 by 40%.

In all there were 154 incidents of self-harm in the jails in December, with 100 of them taking place in mental health units on Rikers Island, the figures show. (Todd Maisel/New York Daily News)

In June, some 79 of 176 reported self-harm incidents occurred in mental health units — an amount equal to 45% of such incidents.

Meanwhile, data produced by Correction Health Services and the Department of Correction from injury reports shows overall incidents of self-harm in the jails rising since 2019.

In 2022 through August, the average monthly rate of self-harm incidents among all jail detainees was 30.4 per 1,000.

That was up 34% from the monthly self-harm rate in 2020 of 22.7 per 1,000 detainees, and up 6% from the monthly self-harm rate of 28.7 detainees per 1,000 recorded in 2021.

The upward trend occurred even though the city Board of Correction issued an unusual public statement expressing concern in September 2021.

The statement noted there were five suicides between December 2020 and that September had an “alarming” increase in self-harm incidents. There was one additional suicide in October 2020.

And there were six more suicides in 2022.

The number of incidents of self-harm in better staffed specialized mental health units in the city jails in December reached 63% of all such incidents in the system, figures obtained by the Daily News show. (ShutterStock)

Topping a list of four jails assessed by the city Board of Correction to have the highest rates of self-harm was Rikers’ West Facility, where detainees are held in “extreme isolation for medical and security reasons.”

West was one of the jails implicated in the Walker v. City of New York class action lawsuit involving detainees held in excessive isolation that was settled for $53 million last week.

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Two other Rikers Island jails — the George R. Vierno Center and Robert N. Davoren Center — have had the highest rates of emergency lock-ins, where detainees are locked in their cells for extended periods. And the Anna M. Kross Center has the most mental health beds.

DOC officials did not reply to requests for comment on the increasing trend.

The number of incidents of self-harm in better staffed specialized mental health units in the city jails in December reached 63% of all such incidents in the system, figures obtained by the Daily News show. (Todd Maisel/New York Daily News)

Close to 45% of the city’s jail population has some kind of diagnosed mental health condition. Extrapolated to the jails’ estimated population of 5,951 detainees on April 1, that means about 2,678 detainees have mental health problems.

But altogether, the jails’ mental health units contain just a few hundred beds.

Julia Solomons, a senior policy social worker with Bronx Defenders, said the mental health units offered by the jail system are “woefully short” of the need.

“Because of that scarcity, only the most actively unwell people are able to be in those units,” she said. “We are working with a population that probably shouldn’t be in a carceral setting at all. But no matter where they are being housed, their needs just aren’t being met.”

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1. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting 40 million adults in the United States. Symptoms may include excessive worrying, restlessness, and panic attacks. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and stress management techniques.

2. Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, affect an individual’s emotional state. Symptoms may include feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating habits.

3. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that affects an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and support from family and friends.

4. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, affect an individual’s relationship with food and their body image. Symptoms may include extreme weight loss, binge eating, and purging behaviors. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and nutrition counseling.

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by repetitive thoughts and behaviors. Symptoms may include excessive hand washing, checking behaviors, and intrusive thoughts. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and exposure and response prevention therapy.

6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and support from family and friends.

7. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to focus and control impulses. Symptoms may include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and healthy eating habits.

8. Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are a group of mental health disorders characterized by inflexible and maladaptive personality traits. Symptoms may include difficulty forming relationships, impulsivity, and emotional instability. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and support from family and friends.

9. Substance Abuse Disorders

Substance abuse disorders are mental health disorders that involve the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms may include withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and social, occupational, and legal problems. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and support from family and friends.

10. Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are mental health disorders that affect an individual’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested. Symptoms may include insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and sleep hygiene.

In conclusion, understanding the symptoms and treatment options for the top 10 mental health disorders is essential to help individuals receive the necessary care and support. Seeking help from a mental health professional is the first step towards a healthier and happier life.

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1. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear and worry about everyday situations. Symptoms include excessive worry, restlessness, irritability, and panic attacks. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms include difficulty focusing, restlessness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a developmental disorder that affects social communication and interaction. Symptoms include difficulty in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. Treatment options include early intervention, behavioral therapy, and medication.

4. Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms include elevated moods, irritability, impulsivity, depression, and insomnia. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

5. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

BPD is a personality disorder characterized by intense and unstable emotions and relationships. Symptoms include fear of abandonment, self-harm, impulsivity, and mood swings. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

6. Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders are mood disorders that cause persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

7. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and distorted body image. Symptoms include binge eating, purging, and excessive exercise. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling.

8. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is a disorder that causes obsessive and intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Symptoms include repetitive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and depression. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.

9. Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes sudden and recurrent panic attacks. Symptoms include sudden fear, racing heart, sweating, and shortness of breath. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

10. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a disorder that occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

11. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Symptoms include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and behavior. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

12. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Symptoms include sadness, fatigue, and weight gain. Treatment options include light therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

13. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of anxiety disorder that causes fear and avoidance of social situations. Symptoms include fear of embarrassment, sweating, trembling, and nausea. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

14. Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are irrational fears of specific objects or situations. Symptoms include fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Treatment options include exposure therapy, medication, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

15. Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are a group of disorders that involve the excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms include compulsive drug use, withdrawal symptoms, and tolerance. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and support groups.

16. Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a disorder that causes repetitive and involuntary movements and vocalizations. Symptoms include tics, excessive blinking, and vocalizations. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

17. Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a disorder that causes a person to pull out their hair compulsively. Symptoms include hair loss, skin damage, and social isolation. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and habit reversal training (HRT).

18. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is a type of anxiety disorder that causes excessive and persistent worry. Symptoms include restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

19. Insomnia

Insomnia is a disorder that causes difficulty falling or staying asleep. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.

20. Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders are a group of disorders that involve a disruption in consciousness, memory, and identity. Symptoms include memory loss, identity confusion, and a sense of detachment from reality. Treatment options include therapy and medication.

In conclusion, mental health disorders are prevalent health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s emotional and psychological well-being. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for these disorders is essential in helping individuals manage their conditions effectively. Treatment options include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, and early intervention is critical in preventing the development of more severe mental health disorders. Seeking professional help is crucial in managing mental health disorders, and individuals should never hesitate to reach out for help.

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