THE POWER OF THE STORY: "Mental health affects all of us in a profound, and sometimes insidious manner."
Jun 29, 2026
By Michael Cole, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
With a patient's permission, I am sharing a story that was moving and has been enlightening for me.
It was early in my career, and I was following another psychiatrist who was showing me the ropes and providing me with a difficult but fun education. A patient came in who was angry. Very angry. They explained that lite was not worth anything. That people did not have any form of real value unless they did something exceptional, "Like invent electricity or heal a disease that no one else could." It was apparent they were speaking from a place of pain and hurt — as many of us have.
As psychiatric professionals do, I asked the patient what their support system looks like? Who was in their life that cheered them on, and who was there for them? Who made them feel cared for?
The patient with a short tone stated, "My sister." I pressed the patient a little and asked, "How?"
They would again tell me curtly, "When I need anything she will be there for me, help me, and she will talk to me."
I continued to press the patient, and little by little, the patient wove a story of a beautiful person, their sister, and how she has shown empathy, caring, support, and genuine love for not only the patient but others.
After we had spent some time visiting about the patient's sister I asked, "Do you think your sister has great value?" Sitting quietly in their chair, tears began to swell in patient's eyes. Then they began to flow.
The patient and I explored:
1. Were they undervaluing their sister, and how their sister connected and affected not only the patient, but all those around her throughout time with their kindness, support, and empathy?
2. Was the patient also undervaluing themselves, and their impact on those around them?
3. That we all have inherent value.
In mental health many times it's about education. Each of us has hardship in our lives at times. Each of us needs each other at times. Please feel free to reach out and share your story and seek care.
Things to Consider
There is a real present concern with mental health in our communities. To help combat that, we provide culturally responsive care, by blending traditional healing with western medicine. It is utilized to treat high rates of trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse — especially among youth.
Approximately 55% of people who pass from suicide are between the ages of 15-34. Not only does it affect the youth, but poor mental health affects all of us in a profound, and sometimes, in an insidious manner. For instance, it can negatively affect our relationships, our image of the world, and our vision of success. There are greater numbers of mental/ emotional health problems associated with increased hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), comorbid health problems (heart issues, obesity, and others), and health-impaired physical activities (Aronson et al, 2014).
HHS Mental Health Appointments
Appointments are incredibly easy to make. There are no long waiting lists. Simply, give us a call and request an appointment. Or when you see your other providers, ask for a referral. We may provide therapy, someone to talk to confidentially about concerns, or medications to help manage several different symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or racing thoughts.
We look forward to working with you —wherever you are at — to help improve your health.
Michael Cole Bio:
Michael Cole is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 24 years of experience in healthcare. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a holistic perspective to support individualized, thoughtful care. His career has spanned a diverse range of settings from the high-intensity environment of crisis placement and hospitals to the collaborative pace of outpatient care. Throughout his experience, he has learned that true healing requires a balanced integration of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
Michael believes in using the tools available to best support his patients, a philosophy that also reflects how he approaches life outside of the clinic. Whether he is tinkering with small engines, building something new, or troubleshooting a mechanical issue, he enjoys understanding how complex systems work and finding ways to improve them.
When he is not in the office or in his workshop, Michael enjoys spending time outdoors or watching a good movie with his wife and their four children.
