Griffin Health in Shelton starts outpatient therapy program for young adults

SHELTON - Griffin Health Psychiatry Services is starting a new therapy program to help young adults impacted by trauma recover and regain confidence.

Strength Awareness Freedom Empowerment (SAFE) is a trauma-informed intensive outpatient program designed to support young adults ages 18-26 in healing from the impact of trauma without the pressure to disclose or relive painful experiences.

Traumatic experiences can have both immediate and long-term consequences for young adults. These traumas include a wide range of terrifying or life-threatening experiences, including child maltreatment (including physical and sexual abuse and neglect), medical traumas, accidents, natural disasters, war, terrorism, refugee trauma, traumatic loss, severe bullying, and exposure to domestic and community violence. 

The effects can lead to severe disturbances in mood, behavior, attention, attachment, and impulse control, and increase the risk of psychiatric, cardiac, metabolic, immunological, and gastrointestinal illness later in life. There is also a high chance for developing enduring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Through group-based therapy and support from licensed clinicians trained in trauma-informed care, SAFE helps young adults recover from trauma by navigating challenging topics including identity, relationships, emotional regulation, trust, boundaries, and self-worth.

SAFE starts Aug. 25 at Griffin Health Outpatient Psychiatry, 10 Progress Drive and meets three days a week for three hours per day. 

For more information, call 203-538-6244.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Adam's House in Shelton to host session on supporting child through crisis

SHELTON -Caitlin Iannucci, LPC, and Jenny Noia-Gilson, LCSW, invite you to a free informational session at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Adam's House focused on supporting your child through recent traumatic events. 

In house attendance will be limited to 40. If needed, we will provide zoom link or add additional sessions.

Adam's House is located at 241 Coram Ave.

Register here:http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event...

This is shared from the organization's Facebook page.

BHcare offers help on managing mental health after shooting incidents

BRANFORD - The recent community shooting is an isolated incident that is part of other isolated incidents happening across the nation. 

Realizing that many community residents who live or work in the area heard the gunfire, were in lockdown, witnessed the scene, or needed to shelter in area businesses and buildings will be working through the effects of this experience over the next several days, weeks, months and years.

There is a wide range of physical and emotional symptoms one can experience from this kind of trauma.

Physical symptoms may include insomnia or nightmares, fatigue, being startled easily, racing heartbeat, edginess and agitation, aches and pains, muscle tension, increase use of alcohol or other drugs. 

Emotional symptoms may include shock, denial, or disbelief, confusion, difficulty concentrating, anger, irritability, mood swings, anxiety and fear, guilt, shame, self-blame, withdrawing from others, feeling sad or hopeless and/or feeling disconnected or numb.

How can you help? You can be empathetic and increase your observation and listening skills. While it is easy for us to observe signs, we may not always see the symptoms a person is experiencing.  

By implementing the Mental Health First Aid USA Action Plan called ALGEE, you can assist and refer to appropriate professional help when needed. 

The five-step action plan helps you to:

 1.)Approach, assess and assist with any crisis, 2.) Listen non-judgmentally, 3.) Give support and information, 4) Encourage appropriate professional help and 5.) Encourage other supports. 

If you or someone you care about needs to be bridged to professional help, BHcare is here for you. 

Our experienced and professional staff are trained in evidence-based practices and are available to help. Call today at (203) 800-7177. 

Whether you lived through the trauma yourself, are a relative of someone who did or witnessed the aftermath on the news or social media, it is crucial for everyone to understand their emotions and develop strategies to cope.

BHcare is a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. 

We offer a comprehensive and integrated system of care, with “wrap-around” services for adults, children and families struggling with mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other health-risk behaviors. 

Learn more at BHcare.org.

This is press release from Pam Mautte, Director, Alliance for Prevention & Wellness.