NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities announces the opening of a crisis stabilization unit in Knoxville. The CSU will provide 24-hour, 7 days a week, short-term stabilization services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues and serve residents of 14 counties including Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Union, Roane, Sevier, and Scott. The Helen Ross McNabb Center will operate the first CSU in Knoxville.

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities has been awarded the opportunity to have Tennesseans participate in the first ever Policy Academy sponsored by the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. 

NASHVILLE—The winter season may bring about cold temperatures, dreary days and feelings of depression for many Tennesseans. These feelings may be caused by a condition known as seasonal affective disorder which tends to occur more often in the winter months, especially January and February. It is now estimated that 4-6 percent of the population suffers from SAD. It is four times more common in women than in men, but, when present, men may have more severe symptoms. Young adults are also more likely to suffer from SAD, but it is uncommon in people under 20.

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities announces the opening of a crisis stabilization unit in Jackson, Tenn. The CSU will provide 24-hour, seven days a week, short-term stabilization services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues and serve residents of 18 counties including Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, and Weakley. Pathways of Tennessee will operate the first CSU in West Tennessee.

NASHVILLE—For many individuals, the holiday season is a time for visiting friends, exchanging gifts and simply enjoying the hustle and bustle of shopping malls and seasonal festivities. For others, the season is not so blissful, especially during these tough economic times. It is not uncommon for people to feel down, even depressed this time of year, suffering from a condition labeled as the “holiday blues.”

NASHVILLE—The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Acting Administrator Dr. Eric Broderick presented a “big check” today to the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Virginia Trotter Betts for $1.5 million. The funds are to continue the work of the Tennessee Lives Count project and provide three additional years of youth suicide prevention initiatives in Tennessee.

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities received a grant of $9 million from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to implement a coordinated system of care for children and youth in Memphis and Shelby County over the next six years, called the JustCare Family Network. Effective September 30, 2008, the grant is a result of the partnership among TDMHDD, Tennessee Voices for Children, JustCare for Kids, Dr. Leon Caldwell with Rhodes College, and Comprehensive Counseling Network (Frayser Millington Mental Health Center).

NASHVILLE—With home foreclosures on the rise, the increasing price of fuel and energy, and the recent events on Wall Street, many Tennesseans find themselves feeling worried and depressed. It is common to feel extra stress during tough financial times, but when the negative feelings persist and prevent you from doing daily activities and interacting with others, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

NASHVILLE—In Tennessee, an estimated 850 men, women, and youth die by suicide each year—more than the number who die from homicide, AIDS, or drunk driving. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities wants to make Tennesseans aware of this issue and let them know that suicides can be prevented.

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee are joining together to recognize all Tennesseans who are currently in recovery from past drug and alcohol abuse and those who are working toward recovery. Alcohol and drug addictions are serious chronic illnesses that require focused attention and treatment regimens. With proper treatment and supports, recovery is certainly possible for all persons facing the illness of drug and alcohol abuse.