Many people find it hard to seek help for a mood disorder. In spite of a growing
awareness of depression and bipolar disorder, misunderstandings persist - and
these can deter people from seeking help as readily as they would for other
more obviously 'physical' illnesses.
At HBH we aim to lead you through the logical steps involved in seeking help,
and to provide you with information and explanations of the different steps
along the way. We also recognize that for most people, 'help' involves a
combination of approaches. So you'll find information on both professional
help and other forms of help. Please note that the information in this section
(or anywhere on this site) is not intended as a substitute for professional
medical advice, so please see a qualified health provider if you have any
health concerns.
Hartford Behavioral Health
Helping Someone
Our clinical staff can help
members of the community
provide initial help to someone
who they think might be
developing or experiencing a
mental illness or a mental health
crisis. Guidelines are now available
and include information on early
intervention in the disorders of
depression, psychosis, eating
disorders, problem drinking and
problem drug use. In addition, four
mental health crisis situations are
also covered: suicidal thoughts and
behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury,
panic attacks and assisting (adult or
child) after a traumatic event.
Getting Help
CRISIS HOTLINE: Children under 18, please call 211.
Adults, please call our mobile crisis unit at 860-297-0999
Hartford Behavioral Health
Affirmation Center
One Main Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Phone (860) 727-8703
Fax (860) 548-2045
Hartford Behavioral Health
Cole Treatment Center
2550 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06120
Phone (860) 548-0101
Fax (860) 524-7781
Resource Links:
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When to seek help for depression
Everybody feels down or sad at times. But it's important to be able to recognise when depression has become more than
a temporary thing, and when to seek help.
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The following is a list of the features that may be experienced by someone with depression.
•
Lowered self-esteem
•
Change in sleep patterns
•
Change in mood control
•
Varying emotions throughout the day
•
Change in appetite and weight
•
Reduced ability to enjoy things
•
Reduced ability to tolerate pain
•
Reduced sex drive
•
Suicidal thoughts
•
Impaired concentration and memory
•
Loss of motivation and drive
•
Increase in fatigue
•
Change in movement
•
Being out of touch with reality.
As a general rule of thumb, if your feelings of depression persist for most of every day for two weeks or longer, and
interfere with your ability to manage at home or outside the home, then you would benefit from assessment by a skilled
professional.
It's also important to recognize that many of the above features could be caused by or related to other things, such as a
physical illness, the effects of medications, or stress. A trained professional will help in assessing such things.
Allow yourself to seek help. Struggling on alone can prolong the depression.
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