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CHCC addresses mental health issues
The Community Guidance Center of the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. is encouraging the community to avail of its services, which include help in coping with depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
Among the suite of services available at the center is the Garret Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Program, where teenagers and adults may avail of counseling, speak with a therapist, or obtain what is called wraparound care (defined as a childcare facility intended to help working parents, in which young children are looked after before and after school).
The public can avail of the center’s services on a voluntary basis and participant have the ability to end services at any time.
The center pointed out that that it is not true that talking about suicide or asking someone if they feel suicidal will encourage suicide attempts.
Talking about suicide provides the opportunity for communication. Through communication, fears that are shared are more likely to diminish. The first step in dissuading a suicidal person from pursuing suicidal thoughts comes from talking about those feelings.
CGC would also like to encourage the community to get rid of the idea that depression is all in an individual’s head. Depression is a medical condition in which the brain chemistry, function, and structure are negatively affected by environmental or biological factors.
The CGC has made it its mission to reduce the incidents of suicidal behaviors in the community and increase access to appropriate prevention and intervention services.
CGC aims to build upon creating a community where suicide prevention is embraced and incorporated within the community, to nurture and support the mental and behavioral needs of the Commonwealth, especially those at risk of suicide.
For individuals who suspect depression in themselves or a loved one, make an appointment with CGC by calling 664-4607 or 236-8750.
For individuals who are in need of someone to talk to right away, at any hour of the day, feel free to call 1-800-273-TALK (8255), a toll-free hotline available to those in the CNMI.
For more information about CGC’s services, the office can be reached at 664-4607 or 236-8750.
