Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems

02/03/2026

5 Ways To Support Someone with Depression
from the National Council for Mental Health Wellbeing blog post.

When you notice a friend, colleague or loved one struggling, it can be hard to know the best way to support them. Knowing how to recognize the signs that someone is experiencing a mental health challenge is the first step to helping.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes depression as a mood disorder that affects more than 20 million people in the United States. A person who is depressed may display an unusually sad mood or not show interest in hobbies or activities that usually interest them. People experiencing depression may also experience changes in appetite or sleep, trouble concentrating and fatigue.

Common signs and symptoms of depression include:
Irritability or sudden mood swings.
Appearing more unkempt than usual.
Flat voice that doesn’t change in tone or speaking more softly than usual.
Frequently skipping meals.
Being easily moved to tears or having frequent crying spells.
Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks.
Mentioning sleep changes, like frequently remarking about being “tired” or “not sleeping well.”
Making comments about self-injury or su***de.

If you start to notice these signs and symptoms in a friend, loved one or colleague, they may be experiencing depression. However, it is important to remember that as friends, loved ones and Mental Health First Aiders, we do not diagnose mental health disorders for ourselves or others — that’s a job for a health care professional.

How To Help
The best ways to help someone with depression aren’t always obvious. Here are 5 things you can do to help:

Check in. Simply reaching out is an important first step. Starting a conversation can let them know that you care. Consider using phrases like these from the Mental Health First Aid curriculum to get started: “Would you like to talk?” “I’ve noticed you’ve been more quiet than usual and wondered if you are OK.”

Listen nonjudgmentally. Each person’s situation and needs are unique.
Respect their independence and listen to what they’re saying before you respond.

Respect boundaries. Depression can make social situations, tasks or activities feel hard or overwhelming. Honor the person’s needs and boundaries, and don’t pressure them into something they aren’t ready for. Support them at their pace.

Encourage self-care. Suggest simple self-care activities like short walks outside at lunchtime, stretching and drinking water. Also encourage them to reach out to others when they need the extra support — part of self-care is knowing when we can use a little help.

Help them find support. No one has all the answers. You might suggest resources like your workplace’s employee assistance program or informational websites about mental health.
If their feelings of sadness and hopelessness are persistent or severe, encourage them to talk with a mental health professional or help them make an appointment.

When someone you know seems to be living with depression, it can be as scary — for you and for them. Reaching out lets them know they aren’t alone. It’s one of the most important things you can do to help.

01/30/2026

Joining in on the community fun - because community mental health is community!❤️

01/29/2026

HDC's CHILL Home Repair Program. For income-eligible homeowners, it can provide up to $40,000 in funding to help with home repairs such as roofs, furnaces, windows, plumbing, electrical, etc. This program is only available in Tuscola, Sanilac, and Lapeer counties.

01/28/2026

Free movie at The Strand Theater, Caro sponsored by Caro Arbor on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Doors open at 12:30 pm, movie starts at 1:00 pm

01/27/2026

Peer Support Specialist position opening, the position is flexible in terms of hours, 20 hours per week. View job description and to apply online visit www.tbhsonline.com

01/27/2026

Sharing.

Whether you are parenting with a spouse, partner, ex-spouse, or extended family, or any other adult, parenting cooperatively as a team can be a challenge! This workshop will cover 10 tips for co-parenting so parents and caregivers can work together for the best interests of their children. Tuesday, January 27 from 7:30-9pm ET on Zoom. Certificates and MIRegistry credit are available. Registration is required: https://bit.ly/winter2026extras
Please contact Courtney Aldrich, aldric82@msu.edu, with questions.

01/26/2026

Art Contest - Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems (TBHS) and the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

The Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) is sponsoring a two-year, statewide traveling art show featuring the work of artists who use community mental health services. The tour has two goals: 1) to help de-stigmatize mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities and addictive disorders by showcasing the talents of people who use CMH services; and 2) to highlight the recovery potential of the arts. We will kick off the tour at the CMHA summer conference in 2026. The full exhibition conditions and rules can be found at www.tbhsonline.com under

A few of the exhibition conditions and entry rules:
1. To participate in the CMHA art show, the artist must be a current recipient of community mental health services.
2. The CMHA will tour only 2-dimensional artworks, such as oil, acrylics, watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, drawings, photography, and fabric art. No sculpture, please.
3. The artwork must be original and produced by the named artist. It can be no larger than 36 inches wide or tall; no smaller than 11 inches wide or tall.
4. The artwork must be appropriate for family audiences and consistent with community standards of good taste.
5. If art is selected for the traveling art show, consents must be signed.

If you should have questions, please contact Susan at 989.673.6191 or at tbhspublicinformation@tbhs.net.

01/22/2026

News Release From Michigan State Police - Dangerously Cold Temperatures Expected Across Michigan January 22, 2026

LANSING, MICH. A powerful arctic cold front is forecasted to move across the state in the coming days, ushering in frigid temperatures and high winds leading to dangerous wind chills. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is urging residents and visitors to take precautions now to stay safe.

“As Michiganders, we know our winters can include extreme weather, and we are about to face the toughest conditions of the season so far,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “With potentially dangerous winter weather on the way, the State of Michigan is closely monitoring conditions as they develop and preparing for weather impacts. I encourage every Michigander to prepare, check on your neighbors and loved ones, and stay safe.”

According to The National Weather Service, from Thursday night to Sunday, air temperatures across the state will struggle to make it to zero degrees during the day, while temperatures at night are expected to plunge well below zero. Gusty winds could send wind chills across the Lower Peninsula down to a range of 15 to 25 degrees below zero early Friday morning through Saturday.

Across the Upper Peninsula, wind chills are expected to dip as low as 25 to 45 degrees below zero. Lake effect snow showers off Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are expected to reduce visibility and create hazardous travel conditions. These extreme conditions significantly increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia within minutes and can lead to hazardous driving conditions.
“We encourage everyone to take this forecast seriously,” said Col. James F. Grady II, state director of Emergency Management and director of the Michigan State Police. “Using the resources available on the MI Ready website, now is the time to prepare as extreme cold can become dangerous very quickly.”

Cold Weather Safety Tips
To stay safe during this extreme cold, MSP/EMHSD recommends the following:
• Limit time outdoors. If you must go outside, wear several layers of warm clothing and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia.
o Frostbite symptoms: Numbness, loss of feeling, pale or waxy skin, especially on the face, fingers, and toes.
o Hypothermia symptoms: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, or drowsiness.
• Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Use generators and grills only outdoors and away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Avoid overexertion. Shoveling snow can put extra strain on your heart, so take it easy and avoid sudden bursts of activity.
• Check on others. Older adults, young children, and pets are especially vulnerable to extreme cold and should be checked on regularly. Keep pets indoors.
• Prepare for travel emergencies. If you must drive, ensure your gas tank is full and your vehicle is stocked with an emergency kit, including warm clothing, blankets, gloves, hats, and a phone charger. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and wait for help rather than attempting to walk in the cold.

For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.

MIREADY

01/19/2026

TBHS will be closing today, Monday, January 19, 2026 at 4:00 pm due to the weather conditions. TBHS Emergency Services staff will still be available by calling 989.673.6191 or 1.800.462.6814.

Please be safe and stay warm!

01/17/2026

TBHS phones are operational. Emergency Services staff are available 24/7 by calling 989.673.6191.