Going Through a Phase

How do you know if your child is just "going through a phase" or if he/she needs help? There are signs to look for, including: isolating/not connecting with friends, frequent crying, slipping grades, changes in behavior, refusing to go to school. Your child may be suffering from depression, anxiety or other disorders. Talk to your child about it--and don't hesitate to seek professional help. According to research, if--for example--depression is left untreated, if often continues into adulthood. It can also be a "predictor of more severe illnesses in adulthood." Here is a link to a good article on this subject. If you have questions, we have a great opportunity for you! Tune in to 101.5 WORD FM radio at 5:10 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5 to hear Samaritan's Carl Baughman and Martha Selleck on the John and Kathy Show. You can call in with your questions to have them answered by professional counselors.

Silent Samaritans

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is also the time of year Samaritan is blessed by many compassionate, caring women—our Silent Samaritans—who give generously to help other women in need.

Of the 2,000 individuals the Samaritan Counseling Center served last year, more than half were women. Looking at statistics, it is not surprising. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are 60% more likely to experience an anxiety disorder and 70% more likely to develop depression than men. Reasons include: brain chemistry, hormonal changes, poverty, domestic abuse, body image/self-esteem and the additional responsibilities of caring for children as well as aging parents. Again—these facts are hardly surprising.

Thanks to our faithful Silent Samaritans, over 1,200 women in need were empowered last year to recover and improve their lives. With newfound hope, spiritual direction and professional guidance, these women are now armed to be their strongest, best selves.

But the need for counseling never diminishes. In fact, not only did the number of women qualifying for fee subsidies increase by more than 30% from 2010 to 2011, but we anticipate that number will continue to climb. As women struggle in this uncertain economy, Samaritan must be prepared to help—both therapeutically and financially.

“The Samaritan Counseling Center cannot exist without people willing to support it financially. I was blessed to be able to pay for counseling—but many cannot.”

- A former Samaritan client

Women seeking help at Samaritan want to be their strongest, best selves for their families and themselves. Realizing they need help and making the effort to get it is the vital first step—and a sign of personal strength. Your gift will ensure that first step will not be their last.

Please become a Silent Samaritan today. To show our sincere thanks and appreciation, we invite our Silent Samaritans to a special luncheon which will be hosted this year by Newlin Archinal. To learn more, call Beth at 412-741-7430, ext. 404, or register now.