ADAMHS Board Presents..."Depression Across the Lifespan"

Personal and Family Counseling Services. Speaking at Aultman in Carrollton are Jennifer Hanna, Community Mental Healthcare, Seana Fortune, Chrysalis Counseling Center, Sandy Lankford, Community Mental Healthcare and Diane Moreno, Ten Lakes Center. The Village Network and the local chapters of National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) will also be present.

According to ADAMHS Board data, almost a fourth of the individuals who seek treatment in Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties are struggling with depression. National data reports that typically only half of the individuals with symptoms of depression seek treatment. According to Dr. Lee Reynolds, a child psychiatrist at Community Mental Healthcare, “Mental health problems in children and teens are more common than all physical health problems combined.” “Adults often struggle to identify mental health issues, especially depression, in this age group” says Bollon. “We may not consider that aggressive behavior, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are signs of depression in children and teens.”

Stress and depression experienced by adults has also increased as a result of the economy but individuals may not identify the symptoms of depression and hesitate to seek help. Not identifying and treating these symptoms often leads to additional issues, such as drug or alcohol use, to manage the emptiness that goes with depression. “Considering the frequency of depression in both counties,” reports Bollon, “it is not surprising that the rate of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence is also one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions.” To learn more about “Depression Across the Lifespan” and identifying depression or to discuss local treatment options, contact Natalie Bollon at the ADAMHS Board at 330-364-6488 or 330-627-7912.

The Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties, in conjunction with area mental health agencies, will feature a panel of speakers on the topic “Depression Across the Lifespan.” This engagement will take place during Mental Illness Awareness Week and is designed to increase discussions about mental illness, reduce stigma, and support individuals in seeking services. “Depression Across the Lifespan” will take place on October 8, 2009 from 5-7 p.m. at two locations, Union Hospital in Dover and the Aultman Community Room in Carrollton. According to Natalie Bollon of the ADAMHS Board, “Local experts will discuss how to identify depression at different points of the lifespan and review potential treatment options.” Slated to speak at Union Hospital are Dr. Anita Exley from Chrysalis Counseling Center, Dr. Lee Reynolds, Community Mental Healthcare, Kim Eick, Southeast, Inc., and Jodi Salvo,