By Dana Corwin RN

May was Mental Health Awareness month. Even though it is now June, it would do well to bring everyone some information on services available in Chautauqua County New York. In Chautauqua County there was quite a bit going on to bring information and attention regarding this important health topic. The Chautauqua County Executive, Vince Horrigan proclaimed May as Drug Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. These areas of mental health can be a struggle for many people. Depression and anxiety are common types of mental health illness. It has been estimated that by the year 2020, depression will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world. Our County is seeing an increase in substance or drug abuse and this creates needs in many areas. People suffering in the situation including the person affected, the family and the communities that experience loss.

Mental health is an important part of our whole health. Just like physical health, mental health is important. There are three aspects to mental health:

Emotional well-being is how you see your life satisfaction, happiness, cheerfulness, peacefulness.

Psychological well-being is self-acceptance, personal growth, optimism, hopefulness, and purpose in life, control of one’s environment, spirituality, self-direction and positive relationships.

Social well-being is social acceptance, beliefs in the potential of people and society as a whole, personal self-worth and usefulness to society and sense of community.

Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Specific ways to promote mental health include: early childhood interventions and support for children in the school system, social supports for elderly populations, mental health supports at your workplace and promotion of the rights, opportunities and care of individuals with mental health disorders. There are several helplines to call on in times of need including: AA, Al-Anon, addiction help, New York Hope line for alcoholism, drug abuse and problem gambling. There are chemical dependency counseling services with the department of mental health and hygiene both Jamestown and Dunkirk. We have supportive housing opportunities as well as in-patient hospital based services for chemical dependency. NY Connects can assist you with these connections to these local services. There are many services provided by the local government, school systems and community based organizations that can help Chautauqua County residents with concerns around mental and emotional well-being needs.

You can contact NY Connects for information about local agencies and community providers for children and their families in need of mental health supports.

Contact the NY Connects Helpline at 753-4582, 363-4582 or 661-7582 or e-mail us at CCNYC@co.chautauqua.ny.us. NY Connects is the place to call to get connected to the help you need. NY Connects assists people of all ages. NY Connects offers information and assistance services and it is confidential and free and focused on the consumer’s needs and resources available to them. NY Connects is brought to you by the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging and the Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services.