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Our hearts thoughts and minds are with those affected by the tragedies in Broken Arrow and Las Vegas. Our staff is available to help adults, children, families and organizations who need support.

Here are available resources in our community and beyond:

  • CALM Center for youth ages 10-17 in crisis,. 918.394.2256,
  • COPES (Mobile Psychiatric Crisis Services), 918.744.4800,
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1.800.273.8255,
  • Tristesse Grief Center, 918.587.1200.

Remember: Depression or any other mental health disorder is not your fault!

Depression can occur due to big transitions in life, heredity, or changes in the body’s chemicals that affect your thoughts and moods. Remember depression is an illness that can be treated and it is not your fault. You are not alone.

  • Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14,  and 75% by age 24.
  • 1 in 5 teens (13-18) have a mental health disorder, yet most do not seek treatment.

How does someone know he or she is depressed? While each person experiences depression differently, some common signs include feeling sad, empty, hopeless, frustrated or even angry at minor things, apathetic about things you used to enjoy and changes in appetite, sleeping and/or behavior.

Not everyone experiences depression the same way. And depression can occur at the same time as other disorders, such as anxiety, an eating disorder, or substance abuse.

  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 15-25, surpassed only by accidents, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control. A leading cause of suicide is depression and mental illness.

We can prevent suicides by asking friends, family and acquaintances how they are feeling, istening to their answers and asking how we can help. If the answer concerns us, ask if it’s OK to call a confidential resource to help. Then, call one of the contact numbers above.

  • 1 in 4 young adults ages 18-24 have a mental illness.

As the statistics above indicate, college students also are at great risk for undiagnosed and untreated mental health and substance abuse issues. In a national study, more than 80 percent of college students reported being overwhelmed by all they had to do, and 45 percent reported feeling hopeless.

Some signs that a college student may be struggling include missing classes, losing contact with friends and family, sitting alone at meals, and staying in a room alone for long periods of time with the door closed. People who are depressed often give up on self-care and stop participating in activities and groups.

Although mental illness is a global problem that affects all ages, many people are unaware that friends and family may be struggling with it. People often suffer in silence because they fear sharing personal struggles with friends and family.

This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week. We hope everyone will take time to learn more about depression and other mental illnesses. To learn more, follow this link.

Every week is mental illness awareness week at Counseling & Recovery Services. The mission is helping build better lives for adults, children and families through mental health and substance abuse services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Services include the CALM Center, a 24/7 crisis facility for children ages 10-17 with no referral necessary. Adults and children also receive mental health assessments, diagnosis, medication management, therapy, case management, peer support, and wellness services.

To learn more, call 918.492.2554.

This article was submitted by Victoria Daniels, an ORU Senior and Counseling & Recovery Services of Oklahoma’s Community Relations Intern for fall 2017.