From The Desk Of Council Member James Vacca: “After hearing the saddening news about Robin Williams, I encourage everyone, now more than ever, to tell someone you know who suffers with depression that you love them and that you care. As his passing shows, you may never know who is suffering with personal issues that they don’t share outwardly.
For anyone looking for help or someone to talk to, here are a few groups you can reach out to:
The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS), located at 55 Westchester Square, offers counseling services for people 18 and older who are struggling with mental illness or emotional or social problems. JBFCS offers a number of specialized services, including individual, couple, family and group therapy, evaluation, assessment and medication management, and a recovery assistance program for people with mental illness and substance abuse problems. There are payment options available for people without health insurance as well. For more information, call (718) 931-4045, Ext. 270.
The Samaritans Crisis Response Hotline is a completely confidential, crisis response hotline staffed by professionally trained volunteers who have responded to over 1 million calls. It offers free, immediate and anonymous emotional support to anyone who is in distress or suicidal. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and seven days per week. Call (212) 673-3000.
Lifenet, which is run by the New York City Department of Health, is another 24-hour hotline that is manned by trained mental health professionals. It connects people to substance abuse and mental health services and provides crisis counseling, as well as information and referral. You can reach Lifenet at (800) 543-3638.”
I am someone who suffers from depression. Thanks to Councilman Vacca for this message. It is appreciated.
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