May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to spotlight the importance of taking care of your mental health and reducing the stigma of mental health conditions.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting Sarah Jerstad, PhD, LP, medical director of mental health services at Children’s Minnesota, to share more what Mental Health Awareness Month means to her, what she loves most about her job, and her favorite ways to take care of her mental health.
Get to know Sarah!
Why is Mental Health Awareness Month important to you?
It is so important to continue working on reducing stigma around mental health. Although it has become much more acceptable to talk about it, it is still important to educate everyone on the importance of identifying and treating mental health concerns. The less stigma there is, the easier it will be for people to seek help.
Also, Mental Health Awareness Month is a great opportunity to call out the work our mental health team does with kids across the entire continuum of care (inpatient, partial [hospitalization], outpatient therapy and assessment, neurodevelopmental services, integrated behavioral health, and consultations for kids on med/surg).
What do you love most about your job?
Two things. First, I love seeing the difference our entire team makes for kids and families. When kids start to get better and families feel supported, that is the greatest reward. Second, I love the people I work with. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by an amazing and fun team.
What do you want patients, families and staff to know about the work you do?
I want people to know that we collaborate regularly to care for our patients. We consistently communicate with each other as kids move through our continuum of mental health care, and as they get treated in other parts of the hospital. We work with teachers, parents, social workers, psychiatry providers, and others to make sure the care kids get is comprehensive.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I was told by a mentor in my graduate training to make sure I take care of my own mental and emotional health so I can best take care of my patients. It is easy to drive yourself too hard, but I have recognized that if I am not taking care of myself, I really can’t give my best to help kids. So, I prioritize exercising (which not only helps my body but calms my mind), making time to connect with close friends on a regular basis, and participating in my own therapy.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and just about anything else that will get me active outside. I love to cook, bake and am newly enjoying gardening. Hopefully my thumb turns out to be green!
My husband and I enjoy traveling but also love to sit in our backyard and just chill out with our yard pets (bunnies, chipmunks, squirrels). I am a Minnesota sports fan and especially enjoy watching the Vikings and the Lynx. Outside of the Minnesota sports world, I am a Formula 1 enthusiast. The greatest joy in my life is spending time with my friends and family.
