Screening hot line, Web site can help with holiday blues

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Screening hot line, Web site can help with holiday blues
By Mark Abramson, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Monday, December 22, 2008

This time of year means caroling, holiday parties and decking the halls — but not everyone can be as jolly as Old St. Nick.

Officials with Boston-based Screening for Mental Health Inc. work with the Defense Department to help people deal with and spot their mental ills, including alcoholism.

A company spokeswoman warned last week that even though the numbers of callers to their phone line and their Web site goes down during the holidays, more people could need help this time year, especially with the waning economy.

“The assessment tool (on the phone line and Web site) is a great way to help you determine is this a reaction to holiday stress or something more serious,” said Katherine Cruise, Mental Health Inc.’s communications manager.

“What we have found in the past is that people don’t use them as much during the holidays,” Air Force Col. Joyce Adkins said. “During that period of time they spend more time with their family and friends and they are not as likely to recognize their feelings.” Adkins is DOD’s director of psychological strategic operations.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=59563