Kokoruda Holds ‘Beat the Blues’ Forum

From Connecticut General Assembly: State Representative Noreen Kokoruda hosted a ‘Beat the Blues’ forum to help seniors learn how to avoid winter blues and maintain optimal mental health throughout the year. This free event was held at the Madison Senior Center on Friday, January 19, 2018.

Nearly twenty seniors attended and listened to presentations by Erin Leavitt-Smith, LPC Director, Older Adult Services Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services who spoke about“Understanding Depression in Older Adults” and Judith Stonger, Vice President of Prevention, Wellness and Recovery at Wheeler Clinic discussed “Beating the Blues” Wellness for Older Adults.

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in older adults. It negatively affects functioning, health, quality of life, health care costs, and mortality.

According to information provided by Wheeler Clinic, an estimated 1 in 5 older adults may be adversely affected by a combination of alcohol and medication misuse. Approximately 25 percent of older adults use prescription psychoactive medications that have a potential to be misused or abused.

“I’m glad I could help to bring seniors in our community and experts together to discuss helpful ways to manage mood, stress and anxiety all in an open, friendly atmosphere. Mental health, alcohol and medication misuse is a topic that we cannot afford to ignore. Knowledge is power and awareness is necessary,” said Rep. Kokoruda.

Local Crisis Hotlines:

• Middlesex Hospital Crisis Assessment & Triage Service – Middletown 860.344.6496
• River Valley Services – Middletown 860.344.2100

For addiction treatment 24/7 call the DMHAS Access Line at 1-800-563-4086.

For more local resources visit:

• 2-1-1 (United Way Infoline) www.211ct.org
• Connecticut Network of Care www.connecticut.networkofcare.org
• Crisis Response Team (BH Care) (203) 483-2630
• Independence Unlimited (860) 523-5021 www.independenceunlimited.org
• Connecticut Community Care 1 (866) 845-2224 www.ctcommunitycare.org

Anyone with questions, ideas or concerns about state-related issues can contact Representative Kokoruda’s office at Noreen.Kokoruda@housegop.ct.gov or 860-240-8700.

Photo courtesy of CGA