September 5, 2011

Hopeless & Suicide


Ever feel like you are the only one who is sad in a world of happy people? Everyone experiences stress, sadness and anxiety from time to time – it's part of life. Even Charlie Brown would hold his head and say "good grief" and pay a nickel a week for therapy sessions from a little girl in a booth on her front lawn. Charlie Brown’s situation may have been a source of our entertainment for over 50 years, but depression is one of the most common and serious issues in our society.
These feelings often happen when you lose a job, children move away from home, during divorce, with a death in the family, or during retirement. But when changes in mood and behavior interfere with one’s ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy pleasurable activities, it could be a sign of depression. National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) October 6th, gives people the opportunity to take a free, anonymous questionnaire assessing their risk for mood and anxiety disorders and provides referral information for treatment. Call the Community Christian Counseling Center (561)622-5423 to set up a free confidential assessment and referral. Or you could even visit www.HelpYourSelfHelpOthers.org to take a screening online today or go to their Facebook page located at: http://www.facebook.com/HelpYourselfHelpOthers?sk=wall .
The common misconception about depression is that it's not a serious issue. The word "depression" is sometimes used too loosely; it's used to describe a sad feeling in response to disappointment, loss, stress, etc. These are common situations, and a feeling of sadness is natural but depression can be more serious than that. It's a physical condition that can control your everyday life if you ignore the signs and don't seek help. 
 
You may be depressed if you feel hopeless or worthless or are losing interest in activities you used to enjoy. Maybe you've lost your appetite or you're having difficulty sleeping. You may have problems concentrating, may not have very much energy or perhaps find yourself constantly irritated by things that never used to upset you. You may have had thoughts that life isn't worth living and you might even have thought about how you would end it. If this is the case, you should seek help immediately. 
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about SUICIDE, there is help! The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK is available 24 hours a day, every day and is available to anyone. Family, friends and co-workers can be supportive and many companies have employee assistance programs for their employees free of charge. Talk to a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, to share your struggles and feelings. If you think someone is suicidal, do not leave them alone. Take them to the closest hospital emergency room or call 911 to keep them safe.

7th Annual Samaritan Golf Classic


The Community Christian Counseling Center, a non-profit organization, is hosting our 7th Annual Samaritan Golf Classic on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Ironhorse Country Club. There are 3 parts to this event:

**Golf Tournament – November 5, 2011 – 11:30am
**Dinner and Auction Event – November 5, 2011 – 5:30pm
**Online Charity Auction – October 21 – November 4, 2011
Great items available at Deep Discounts!

The Samaritan Golf Classic was established to assist people in need of professional counseling that otherwise could not afford itOur services are available on a sliding fee scale that drops below the cost of providing the services. We even work with those who cannot afford the minimum fee on that scale.  Historically those who have utilized these scholarship funds have been women in distress and children in crisis.  But recently we have utilized those funds to assist the unemployed and the uninsured that are living on unsustainable income as well.

We are the only agency in Palm Beach County that provides scholarship funds for those in need below the level of a sliding fee scale. We do believe clients should participate in payment for their services, so each client pays something. Your support of this very important fundraiser will help make it possible for us to continue to provide these desperately needed services!

Addiction: National Recovery Month - September

"Prevention Works, Treatment is Effective, People Recover"
Addiction
No one is destined for addiction, but many are predisposed by a genetic component which is also influenced by their environment. Life experiences combined with a particular genetic make-up, and perhaps a certain level of trauma, like physical abuse, emotional neglect, etc. can put people at risk. The younger a person is when they start a compulsive behavior (drinking, drugging, pill popping, gambling, etc.) the more likely it will result in an addiction.
Even sexual addiction can be included in this, because chemicals are released in the brain which provide a “high,” thus the addiction is repeated to get that high again and eventually an addiction is formed. Prescription medication addiction is perhaps the leading substance abuse issue in south Florida today. Pills are simple, easily accessible, and all you have to do is swallow them. And an addiction is formed rather quickly. But addiction doesn’t have to be the final word.
Recovery
Recovery works! But it is a life-long process. People in recovery can expect improved relationships, better physical and mental well being and new found abilities to cope with stress in a healthier manner. Treatment and recovery require hard work, dedication and a willingness to change. But the rewards are worth it.
If you are struggling with a substance or behavior that you are beginning to wonder if it is an addiction (or you already know it is) please call the Community Christian Counseling Center for a free confidential assessment and referral (561) 622-5423.