Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for some people they are anything but.
Depression may occur at any time of the year, but the stress and anxiety this time of year may cause even those who are usually content to experience loneliness and a lack of fulfillment. For some, it may even lead to thoughts of suicide.
If you need help there is a “Haven of Hope” of DeKalb County
“We’re hoping everybody has a merry Christmas but we do understand that for some people the holidays bring up some sadness, maybe they’re missing family members or due to some other life changing situation which creates some depression, anxiety and for some, suicidal thoughts,” said Samantha Curtis, one of four counselors at Haven of Hope.
“Haven of Hope is a mental health service provider for the state. We are state licensed and we help people with all kinds of different emotional and mental issues. We help children and adults with depression, anxiety, past trauma, adjustments to life problems/issues and many other areas. All 4 of our Masters level counselors are trained in EMDR & other methods. Our mission is to enhance our client’s lives, their families, and the community by providing professional counseling, support groups, classes and programs to residents of DeKalb County and the surrounding communities,” she said.
In Tennessee, an estimated 950 men, women, and children die by suicide each year. In 2014, the latest year for which county-specific figures are available, DeKalb County’s age-adjusted suicide rate was 15.6 per 100,000 people, translating into three reported suicide deaths. This number of suicides in DeKalb County for 2014 is the same as the previous year but the local rate is higher than the state average of 14.4 per 100,000 population for 2014 as reported by the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network.
“We are offering a free depression screening for anybody who feels like they need that. If you will just come in we will get that done for you and get some help for you if you need it. We accept most kinds of insurance but if your deductible is too high we are willing to work with anybody who is unable to afford it. We can serve you through private counseling in the office and if its a matter that requires a higher level of care we have resources we can refer you to. For example, there is an Adult Crisis Stabilization Unit, a walk in service located in Cookeville. And the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a service at 1-800-273-TALK or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. That’s a service where you can call in and talk to them about whatever is going on in your life or just to have somebody to talk to sometimes. It doesn’t necessarily have to be related to suicide but they will get you help if needed,” said Curtis.
“We want to get the word out that Haven of Hope of DeKalb County is here and we are local. We are located at 301 West Main Street in the old Magnolia House at the four way stop. You may contact us at 615-597-4673. Our office hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday but we have an emergency phone number there you can call and it will contact one of our counselors. We have four counselors. A couple of us work with children and we have counselors who work with teens and adults”.
“We’ve had people even this holiday season in DeKalb County that have been lost to suicide so if we can prevent even one that would be wonderful,” said Curtis.
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