Category: Hamilton Center, Inc. News

By: Dr. Ahsan Mahmood, Chief Medical Officer, Hamilton Center, Inc.

The holiday season is joyous and colorful. Along with all the festivities and celebrations, it also brings a mixed bag of emotions, which some refer to as seasonal affective disorder.

Festive music filling the air evokes different emotions. Depending upon which stage of life we are standing in, it can bring happiness, sadness, anxiety or depressed feelings. One can reflect upon how quickly time has passed and what has been gained or lost. Beloved family members who have passed away can be dearly missed and cause one to feel melancholic. Health concerns and financial difficulties can feel strong during the holiday season. Separation from family members can be painful during this time of year and loneliness particularly can make the heart heavy and add to feelings of depression and inadequacy.

Considering that the holiday season can be stressful, some thought and planning for these days can help. Recognizing what factors make one sad and using mitigating ways can assist in dealing with holiday blues. Recognizing when to get clinical help and separating holiday blues from clinical depression is important and should be kept in mind when dealing with self or family and friends around us. Knowing the difference can help us intervene when needed for our own health and for loved ones.

Some tips to help dealing with holiday blues can include:

• Volunteer: Helping others is a great mood lifter. Volunteering at local schools, neighborhood organizations, and clubs can create positive feelings of purpose and alleviates sadness.
• Avoid idle time: If you know that idle time is difficult for you, plan ahead. Fill your calendar with events that are fun for you. Engage in activities that will help lessen sad feelings. Reach out to positive friends. Also, plan ahead to visit places of interest and relaxation for you.
• Confide in someone: Talk about your feelings. It helps to understand why you feel the way you do.
• Catch sun and exercise: Cold winter and limited sunlight can add to seasonal symptoms of depression. Exercise and catching sunlight can be helpful with depressed mood and low energy.

If a loved one has the blues or seems depressed, include them in your activities, invite them out, and encourage them to talk about their feelings and to seek help if they are having significant symptoms which concern you of their well-being.

Holiday blues are temporary and mild, but can unleash symptoms of clinical depression. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in self and loved ones; as prompt help can be lifesaving. One should be concerned and seek appropriate clinical help if:

• One loses pleasure or interest in most activities
• Starts to feel worthless
• Feels excessive guilt
• Significant changes in sleep or appetite
• Suicidal feelings emerge

In the case that feelings of depression set in, one should seek prompt help, and discuss their feelings with a family member or friend. Remember that holiday blues are temporary and affect many of us. We can use support and skills to deal with these effectively.

Terre Haute, Indiana – The Sycamore Ridge Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is raising the spirits of needy families in the community by providing food for Thanksgiving dinners.

Through the Turkey Hunters Care program, the Sycamore Ridge Chapter is providing two hundred fifty (250) turkeys to families in the area to help complete the traditional Thanksgiving dinners. “We are very excited to partner with the Hamilton Center on this,” said Stacy Kueber, member of the Sycamore Ridge Chapter of NWTF. Other partners include: Terre Haute Chevrolet, Simms Painting Co., Inc., Blackburn Collision, Case Construction, Central Indiana Asphalt, James & Julia Koch, Rolly Polly, Premiere Auto, Jim Short, Andy & Brandy Sereno, and Stacy Kueber & Cinda Inman.

Volunteers with the Sycamore Ridge Chapter are distributing one hundred thirty (130) frozen domestic turkeys to the Hamilton Center and one hundred twenty (120) to area churches. The turkeys were distributed to these organizations on November 16th, 2018 to help ensure families in the area will have a Thanksgiving to remember.

“Our goal today is to give our consumers the opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving by eliminating some of their worries” said Monica Wallace of the Hamilton Center. “If we can make just one of our consumers struggling during this holiday realize that they are not alone, and that everyone deserves joy on Thanksgiving, then it’s all worth it.”

The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state, federal and provincial wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, spending more than $372 million to conserve 17 million acres of habitat for all types of wildlife and introducing 100,000 people to the outdoors each year.

To become a member of the NWTF or join the Sycamore Ridge Chapter, contact Cinda Inman at 765.744.5460 or Indcindy@gmail.com.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind.  Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services, call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is excited to announce that it will be expanding its Military Veterans Program (MVP) to provide mental health services to military veterans throughout its 10-county service area.

Hamilton Center has recognized the increased need for military veteran mental health services, specifically in its rural service areas, and the organization is committed to meeting these needs. Program manager and therapist, Bill Little, MSW, LSW, a military veteran himself, is leading the way for this expansion. “The process of expansion will take some time, but the hope is for MVP services to be offered in over half of our counties within a years’ time,” said Little.

Whether a veteran has recently returned or has been home for years, service members frequently suffer in silence and are reluctant to reach out for help. Hamilton Center recognizes these hardships and wants our veterans to know “you are not alone.”

MVP offers mental health and emotional support for issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder, frustration control, addiction, transition, reintegration, grief counseling and suicidal ideations. Family, spouses, and children of service members are the foundation of our military and are valuable first responders to their loved ones’ mental and emotional distress. There often comes a time when they need guidance and education to assist them in coping with changes in their family relationships. “MVP is here to help guide families to living their best lives, by offering services to every member,” said Little. MVP can link children of active and retired service members to Hamilton Center’s Child & Adolescent Services (CAS) where they can receive specialized care. CAS offers outpatient services in the form of therapy, case management, and school-based counseling for those children struggling with behavior issues, separation anxiety, attachment issues, or abandonment issues.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, Ind.  Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues, as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services, call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center welcomes therapists Maya Bates, MCMHC, and Chase Jennette, LSW to the Putnam County satellite office at 239 Hillsdale Ave. Greencastle, IN 46135.

Maya Bates received a Bachelor’s Degree in Germanic Languages from Indiana University and later went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wright State University. Maya has experienced the mental health field from several positions including as a Mental Health Technician, Counselor Assistant, and Student Therapist. In these positions she gained extensive knowledge in crisis management, group therapy, and treatment plans. Maya is especially interested in working in the addictions field, using motivational interviewing and group therapy in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Chase Jennette received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Nevada State College and went on to receive a Master in Social Work from the University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Chase has worked as a social worker for some time gaining knowledge and experience working in group therapy, individual counseling, treatment planning, and case management. He is clinical interested in severe mental illnesses and learning more about cognitive therapy.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN.  Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center, Inc. hosted the annual Hamilton Awards Dinner Tuesday, October 23^rd, at the Sycamore Banquet Center, on the campus of Indiana State University, in Terre Haute, IN. Celebrating 47 years in the community, the theme for the dinner was “Regain Something Lost”. This theme embodies different things to different people as they reflect on what they have reclaimed in life that was once lost due to mental illness or addiction. Named in honor of Katherine Hamilton, an outspoken activist for improved mental healthcare, Hamilton Awards are given to individuals and organizations in the community that have contributed significantly to the cause of behavioral health and/or addictions. With nearly 40 nominations, the categories included were: Hamilton Center staff, community service, and outstanding volunteer service.

Hamilton Award, Hamilton Center Staff

Emily Owens – Nominated for her hard work, professional standards, and commitment to improving the quality of life for Hamilton Center consumers. Emily began her career as a Wraparound Facilitator, was later promoted to manager, and soon after that executive director. A part of leadership team, Emily advocates for evidence based medicine and has invaluable knowledge of the mental health system.

Missy Burton – Nominated for her servant leadership and dedication to Hamilton Center consumers Missy has been an integral part of Hamilton Center’s relationship with the Vigo County School Corporation. Working with teachers, counselors, principals, and administrators, Missy sets an elite standard for assessments, crisis evaluations, consultations, and supervision.

Hamilton Award, Community Service

Team of Mercy (T.O.M.) – Nominated for their advocacy for suicide awareness and support of the families affected by suicide, Team of Mercy was developed out of horrible personal tragedy. Christina Crist has used the passing of her daughter, Hannah, as motivation to create an organization dedicated to serving those left behind to suicide. They work tirelessly to offer financial assistance and emotional support within 24 hours of an event.

Principal Robin Smith – Nominated for her leadership of young minds and support of mental health initiatives at Terre Haute North Vigo High School, Principal Smith supported the idea of a student to start a mental health club. After contacting Hamilton Center with the idea, North students were soon trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), a program that will equip students and staff with the skills to better support and assist each other.

Hamilton Award, Outstanding Volunteer Service

Sue Thiemann-Wynne – Nominated for her work with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and commitment to ending the stigma surrounding mental illness, Sue is a powerful advocate for mental health. In 2018, Sue led the way in bringing Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s Brain Extravaganza to Terre Haute. Working with ISU, Rose Hulman, and the VCSC, this was NAMI’s largest and most successful event in May which is mental health and stroke awareness month. Sue served on the board of Mental Health America, and worked with the IU Mini Med School to coordinate a program called “Demystifying Mental Illness”.

Keynote speaker Adam B. Hill, MD, shared his personal story of recovery from depression and substance use. Dr. Hill attended the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSOM), and went on to complete his pediatric residency training at St. Louis University, and fellowships at Duke University and IUSOM. Currently, Dr. Hill is the division director of the pediatric palliative care program at Riley Hospital for Children where he focuses on allowing patients to live the best quality of life possible, in the midst of chronic, life-limiting and/or life threatening medical conditions. In addition to this work, Dr. Hill is passionate about physician wellness and self-care and has become a nationally recognized lecturer on the topic, writing a book entitled “Long Walk out of the Woods: Lessons from A Physician’s Mental Health and Addiction Recovery”, pending publication.

Hamilton Center, Inc. thanks Adam B. Hill for sharing his story, and congratulates the winners of the 2018 Hamilton Awards. Hamilton Center acknowledges the efforts of all the nominees for these awards; together we can end the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana. Services are provided to adolescents and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people with drug and alcohol problems. Counseling services are provided for people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

Hamilton Center welcomes therapist Phillip Mitchell II, MSW to Child & Adolescent Services at 500 8^th Ave. in Terre Haute, IN.

Phillip Mitchell received a Bachelor’s degree of Social Work and a Master’s degree of Social Work from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. Phillip has experience in the mental and behavioral health field from several positions including community outreach, direct care staff, and care coordinator. With a specialization in leadership development Phillip hopes to help people understand their own potential.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center, Inc. welcomes Allison Pugh as the Executive Director of Communications to the corporate office located at 620 8^th Ave. in Terre Haute, IN.

Allison has worked in various settings including the non-profit sector, hospitals, correctional facilities and community mental health centers as well as an internship with Terre Haute Police Department. Her passion is serving the underserved and overlooked populations that desire resources to access treatment services that promote and sustain long-term sobriety. Most recently, Allison served as the director for the very first trauma-informed and evidence-based addictions treatment program for individuals in the criminal justice system as an alternative to incarceration. Pugh also played an integral piece in re-structuring and re-developing a residential treatment program that provides military Veterans with treatment services that focus on addressing co-occurring disorders, specifically Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorder. Allison graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Allison has also served the community through volunteer work with Park-Vermillion Humane Shelter, Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and the Wheeler Mission. She hopes to use her professional experiences to better serve the community and those most in need.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center, Inc. welcomes Cindy Rotman as Program Manager for the Bloomfield office, located at 431 E. Main St. in Bloomfield, IN.

Cindy graduated from Judson College with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Human Services with an emphasis in youth leadership. She has worked with children and adolescents in many capacities, including case management, skills training, and family services. Previously Cindy was the Wraparound Facilitator for the Hamilton Center, and most recently the Care Manager Supervisor for Child & Adolescent Services where she gained significant insight and experience into the field of mental and behavioral health services.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.

Hamilton Center, Inc. welcomes Cindy Rotman as Program Manager for the Owen County office, located at 909 W. Hillside Ave. in Spencer, IN.

Cindy graduated from Judson College with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Human Services with an emphasis in youth leadership. She has worked with children and adolescents in many capacities, including case management, skills training, and family services. Previously Cindy was the Wraparound Facilitator for the Hamilton Center, and most recently the Care Manager Supervisor for Child & Adolescent Services where she gained significant insight and experience into the field of mental and behavioral health services.

Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.

For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.