Submitted to the Wilson Times by: Courtney Boyette
The holiday season is over. With celebrations past and the arrival of any New Year, it is common to feel depressed. This particular new year, with holiday celebrations held to a minimum and our struggle against COVID-19 likely to get harder before vaccines arrive, depression will be more widespread.
Even without COVID, depression is more common than most think. At some point in their lives, 10-25% of women and 5-12% of men will likely become clinically depressed. My most important message is to always remember: You are not alone.
What are the typical symptoms of depression? They include withdrawal or isolation, crying spells, appetite or sleep changes, mood swings, problems at work or school, increased substance use and body aches. It’s OK to be experiencing some or all of these warning signs. The second fact I want you to remember is: There is a resource available to help you. They include:
• EastpointeConnect.com. Eastpointe is a managed care organization serving Wilson County residents with behavioral health challenges. We offer this online tool to help people get screened for depression, learn more about it and connect to local providers who can help.
• The myStrength app. Eastpointe offers free access to this app that provides evidence-based tools to track your mood and manage depressive thoughts. It includes a library of hundreds of articles and activities. Sign-up at myStrength.com and use the access code “EastpointeCommunity.”
If you need more immediate help:
• If you’re experiencing COVID-19-related stress, you can get help, 24/7, from trained behavioral health therapists through North Carolina’s Hope4NC helpline at 855-587-3463.
• Eastpointe’s call center is available 24/7 at 800-913-6109. We will listen and immediately connect you with the most appropriate clinical resources.
• In Wilson County, you can dial 211 to connect with behavioral health resources.
You are not alone. Please, if you might be experiencing depression, use the resource that works best for you.
Courtney Boyette, Beulaville The writer is community resources specialist for Eastpointe, a managed care organization and local management entity serving Wilson, Greene, Edgecombe, Wayne, Lenoir, Duplin, Bladen, Robeson, Sampson and Scotland counties.
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