Column From Kevin’s—

KCC Can Help Uninsured Adults

Battling With Depression, Substance Issues

By Micheline Williams, MD

Depression and anxiety, alcoholism and substance abuse are all too common in our stressful society. They have become even more prevalent with the recent economic crisis. Recognizing the telltale signs of these conditions is the first step in getting help.

Once one of these illnesses is recognized, a treatment plan can be initiated with the help of many local, state, and online resources.

Depressive symptoms can include sadness, irritability or anger, and feelings of hopelessness. These can lead to a lack of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed and withdrawal from family and friends.

Oftentimes people exhibit physical symptoms and complaints that are really signs of an underlying depression, such as digestive problems, weight gain or weight loss, changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep), lack of energy, and/or musculoskeletal complaints. More serious signs of depression may be thoughts of suicide, harming oneself, or harming others. These require immediate professional help and treatment.

Anxiety disorders are manifested by excessive fear and worry about everyday occurrences. They can be associated with panic attacks, which are manifested by a sudden feeling of impending doom, unusual chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Panic attacks often lead to many doctor and emergency room visits. Depression and anxiety may occur together.

When occasional use of alcohol or drugs escalates to the point of repeated use despite significant adverse and serious consequences in one’s life, alcoholism or substance abuse might be a problem. Alcoholism and other substance abuse may lead to serious relationship problems, financial problems, and the loss of employment. Family and friends are frequently aware of the problem but the person involved does not admit it to him or herself.

This denial is probably the most difficult hurdle to overcome. Recovery from drug and alcohol problems can seem overwhelming for both the substance abuser and his or her family, but there are many places to turn for help.

There should be no shame in having a mental illness or addiction, but it is crucial that those afflicted with these illnesses seek help. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help people overcome these problems.

A medical evaluation is important to rule out other possible causes of depression and anxiety (such as hypo or hyperthyroidism and side effects of medications).

Kevin’s Community Center, a medical clinic located at 153 South Main Street, 203-270-4377, provides free health care for Newtown residents who are over the age of 16, uninsured or underinsured, and have limited financial resources. All care is offered in a nonthreatening and supportive environment. All services are free of charge.

Patients are offered free prescriptions, free laboratory and radiology services, as well as referrals to specialists such as a psychiatrist/psychologist or therapist. Kevin’s Community Center has also forged strong alliances with the Newtown Youth & Family Center, the Parent Connection, Danbury Hospital, and other organizations, which are primary referral agencies for patients diagnosed with, or suspected of having, clinical depression, anxiety, or substance related issues.

Dr Micheline Williams is a retired physician who volunteers at the Kevin Community Center Clinic.

BREAKOUT BOX

Where To Turn For Support

Whether a resident qualifies for Kevin’s Community Center treatment or not, there are many places to turn for help addressing depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues, including the following organizations:

Newtown Youth & Family Services provides outpatient individual, couple, and family counseling. It also provides weekend programs and support groups to promote individual and community wellness. For more information, www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org or 203-426-8103.

The Newtown Parent Connection offers support for parents of substance-abusing youth, children, and adolescents. Grandparent’s support group meets each Wednesday from 12 to 2 pm. The Bereavement group meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 9 pm, and the Sibling Group meets the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 10 am.

For further information, www.newtownparentconnection.org or 203-270-1600 or 203-994-5394.

The Newtown Prevention Council, a coalition of community members and organizations working toward a safe and substance-free town, publishes an excellent brochure called the Community Resource Guide. It is available online at www.newtownprevention.org.

Hard copies of this booklet can be found at the Newtown Health District, the Newtown Schools central office and at Newtown Youth & Family Services’ office.

The phone number 211 is the Connecticut Infoline. Here you can find information and comprehensive listings of social services available in the state of Connecticut, including mental health and substance abuse.

Danbury Hospital offers a Crisis Service Hotline at 203-739-7007 or 888-447-3339.

The Newtown Bee publishes an extensive list of all local support groups, including mental health conditions and addiction, usually on page 2 weekly.

There are several excellent websites available to find help for both mental health and addiction, including the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (www.ct.gov/DMHAS) and the Connecticut Clearing House (www.ctclearinghouse.org). Both offer a variety of services and places to turn for help.

Connecticut Turning to Youth and Families is a statewide organization whose mission is to help youth and families facing drugs and alcohol problems connect with prevention, treatment, and recovery services. Its website is www.ctyouthandfamilies.org.