The tragic death of the notable Robin Williams has prompted me to write about the diagnosis and treatment of substance abuse and depression.
As a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I help many patients with similar problems right here in Westfield. If you or a loved one has a problem with substance abuse or depression, you are not alone, and there are solutions.
Here are four simple questions to ask yourself.
Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking/drugging? Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking/drugging? Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking/drugging? Have you ever had a drink/drug first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (eye-opener)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you owe it to yourself to check out your relationship to alcohol and drugs. This can be accomplished in two ways. The first is free and easy! Go to the Internet and punch in Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotic Anonymous meeting schedules. Go to the meeting with an open mind and see what you hear
The second way to get a better handle on your use of substances is to contact a therapist. Most professionals will accept payment through your health insurance. You might want to consider looking for a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. They have extensive training in dealing with the treatment of substance abuse.
The media tells us that Robin Williams suffered from depression, as you can see it a serious illness. Some of the symptoms include:
you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
you feel hopeless and helpless
you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual
you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior
you have thoughts that life is not worth living (seek help immediately if this is the case).
Your best course of action if you are experiencing some of these symptoms is to contact your physician or to make an appointment with an experienced therapist.
The good news is that these two issues can be treated. There is hope.
Michael MacMunn, LICSW, LADC
30 Court Street, Westfield
MacMunnCounseling.com
(413) 562-8045
