GOV. MALLOY REMINDS RESIDENTS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CRISIS HELP IS AVAILABLE
DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
During this holiday season, marked by many as a time of joy and excitement,
Governor Dannel P. Malloy is reminding residents that 2-1-1 is available
to help during the holidays to assist with referrals for services for
symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“We want to remind Connecticut residents that there are resources and help available if they are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety during this holiday season,” Governor Malloy said. “Residents can dial 2-1-1 at any time and speak to trained staff for assistance and referrals. Help and the comfort of knowing you are not alone are available to any Connecticut resident who needs it.”
“We want to remind Connecticut residents that there are resources and help available if they are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety during this holiday season,” Governor Malloy said. “Residents can dial 2-1-1 at any time and speak to trained staff for assistance and referrals. Help and the comfort of knowing you are not alone are available to any Connecticut resident who needs it.”
“It is critical that people know where to turn if they need help
during the holidays – and year round,” Lt. Governor Nancy
Wyman said. “When mental health care becomes part of the overall
health care landscape, seeking treatment becomes easier. It’s why
we must continue our efforts to strengthen the mental health supports
that are out there, and better connect them to our overall health care
system.”
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Commissioner Pat Rehmer
said, “For those that have suffered a loss, the holidays may be
very difficult. Perhaps they serve as a reminder of how holiday traditions
can be forever changed. Help may be needed to manage persistent feelings
of hopelessness, sadness or anxiety combined with symptoms such as the
inability to sleep, face routine chores and irritability.“
2-1-1 can be dialed from anywhere in Connecticut. Each call is answered
by a highly-trained call specialist who can assess needs and provide referrals
to community resources. Every day, call specialists help find assistance
for complex issues such as financial problems, substance abuse and suicide
prevention and for simpler issues such as finding volunteer opportunities
and donation options. 2-1-1 is available 24-hours a day, every day of
the year. Multilingual assistance and TDD access is also available.
Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can
be a normal reaction to loss and life’s struggles. Feelings of intense
sadness, including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless, that last
longer than a few weeks and interfere with functioning normally may be
depression, something more than sadness. There are various treatments
that are effective at relieving symptoms of depression.
In Connecticut, a wide range of services for treating behavioral health
disorders, such as depression, is available. Effective care can include
inpatient and outpatient services, peer support, medication management,
and crisis intervention programs, all available within local communities.