NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health (TDMH) announced a new statewide number for mental health and substance use crisis services in an effort to create a more user-friendly service. The new number, 1-855-CRISIS-1 (1-855-274-7471), is replacing the state’s existing toll-free number and will continue to route callers to their local crisis provider. 

 

 

NASHVILLE – For many people, the holiday season is a time for visiting friends, exchanging gifts and simply participating in the hustle and bustle of shopping malls and seasonal lights and festivities. But for others, the season is not so enjoyable especially during tough economic times. It is not uncommon for people to feel down, low, and without energy, suffering from a condition labeled the “holiday blues.”

 

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) has received a $9 million grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to implement a coordinated system of care for young children in Middle Tennessee over the next six years called the Early Connections Network (ECN). The grant, which began October 1, 2010, is one of only nine awarded nationwide and will serve children from birth to age five and their families in Cheatham, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, and Sumner counties, with a special focus on the children and families of military service members.

NASHVILLE – It is common to experience extra stress during tough and changing times. However, when these negative feelings persist and prevent you from accomplishing daily activities and interacting with others, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

 

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities would like Tennesseans to be aware of National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Screenings are free and open to the public. Screening participants can take an anonymous test to check for signs of depression or a related disorder, and, if such signs are present, resources will be available on how to seek affordable help.

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) received a grant of $3.6 million from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to address significant health disparities experienced by Tennesseans with mental illness, substance use, and co-occurring disorders. The grant, which begins October 1, 2010, will work to transform TDMHDD’s recovery service infrastructure by integrating a physical health focus into existing behavioral health recovery services.

NASHVILLE – September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. To celebrate the 21st anniversary of this important event, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities would like to recognize all Tennesseans who are currently in recovery and those who are working toward recovery from drug and alcohol misuse. With proper treatment, commitment, and supports, recovery is possible for each of the most serious issues of drug and alcohol abuse. 

 

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (TDMHDD) received a $2.1 million grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to continue providing mental health outreach, counseling, and educational services to individuals impacted by the severe storms, historic flooding, and tornados that began April 30, 2010. The grant will begin September 1, 2010.

As students across Tennessee head back to school, it is important for us to remember this is the first time many students will re-enter a classroom since the severe weather and flooding that occurred in May. 

 

The back to school process can become part of the healing process. Returning to the classroom provides two key recovery elements for children and youth who have experienced a traumatic event: routine and recreation. Maintaining a normal routine that includes time for recreational activities and expression of feelings through conversation, writing or art can help children return to pre-crisis stress levels at a much quicker pace. Parents and teachers should encourage and provide opportunities for children to express themselves about their feelings surrounding the events that occurred in May.