For the last week, the issue of compulsive gambling has been in the national headlines. The disclosure that a referee for the NBA may have interfered with games he was officiating - all to support his compulsion to gamble, has rocked the sports world.

Gambling is not unlike other additions or compulsions. Like alcoholism, drug addiction, and compulsive eating or spending, compulsive gambling has the key ingredient for addiction: loss of control. And just like other addictions, compulsive gambling creates the same devastation on those who gamble and their families.

So how do you know when a casual, fun evening at a casino has become a problem? How can you tell if that invisible line has been crossed from recreation to out of control behavior?

Follow this link to a great article from the Mayo Clinic that will help you decide --> Compulsive Gambling.

Better yet, check out the local help that is available through Gamblers Anonymous. The meet every Wednesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Market Street Presbyterian Church, 1100 W. Market St., Lima. You can also call 419-339-1516 for more information about the group.

Every third Saturday of the month, people from a variety of faith communities and congregations gather at the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. This Saturday, there were 27 people representing more than 15 area houses of worship. These are our We Care Faith Partners.

The idea of a governmental agency convening a group of faith community representatives is a little out of character. In the past, we simply didn't think of these types of organizations working together to solve community problems. That was then, this is now.

With the federal faith-based and community initiatives instituted in the last several years, both types of organizations are starting to realize that we need each other. Our communities face too many threats to our health and safety: alcohol and other drug abuse, mental illness, crime, poverty, violence, educational achievement, and many other social concerns. We cannot do this alone.

The We Care Faith Partners are about working together to help people heal. That healing may be physical through programs such as the West Central Ohio Health Ministries. Or, it may be emotional healing, with support and help from social service and mental health agencies such as Lutheran Social Services or ASTOP. It also might mean spiritual healing – piecing together the crushed spirits of people right here among us who are broken. That's why we need our partners.

The group is not about a sectarian experience, and certainly people who attend the We Care Faith Partners are respectful of the beliefs and values of their fellow participants. We are not promoting a “brand” or a “religion” or a particular church. We are, however, creating an environment of trust, support, and cooperation that will empower people to return to their own faith communities and nurture the people who are right in front of them.

The We Care Faith Partners is an open meeting. The next meeting is August 18, at 8:30 a.m. at the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board office – 1541 Allentown Road, Lima. Please join us as we support one another in making a difference.

For more information about the We Care Faith Partners, check out their web resources.

We Care Faith Partners

Last week, U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy appeared on national news disclosing his bipolar disorder, addiction, and most importantly – his recovery. This disclosure from such a public figure underscores the fact that mental illness and addiction can happen to anyone – regardless of their status, accomplishments, or background. It is this kind of openness that will chip away at the discrimination and stigma experienced by persons with mental illness and addiction and their families. It is amazing that in our modern and “enlightened” times that we don’t get it: these issues happen everywhere, to all kinds of people, in all kinds of families, and in all kinds of communities.

The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board is committed to eliminating this stigma by aggressively forming partnerships with other organizations, offering solid public relations and information, and ensuring that our consumers and families get the highest quality services available.  

The following article is from the Network of Care and offers insight into the many stigmatizing labels persons with mental illness often experience.

Before You Label People, Look at Their Contents

When mental illnesses are used as labels-depressed, schizophrenic, manic, or hyperactive-these labels hurt.

Labels lead to stigma -- a word that means branding and shame. And stigma leads to discrimination. Everyone knows why it is wrong to discriminate against people because of their race, religion, culture, or appearance. They are less aware of how people with mental illnesses are discriminated against. Although such discrimination may not always be obvious, it exists-and it hurts.

Words Can Be Poison

The stigma of mental illness is real, painful, and damaging to the lives of people with mental illness. Stigma prevents them from getting the treatment and support they need to lead healthy, normal lives.

Stigma discourages people from getting help. At any given time, one in four adults and one in five children experience a mental health problem. Early and appropriate services can be the best way to prevent an illness from getting worse. Many people don't seek such services because they don't want to be labeled as "mentally ill" or "crazy."

Stigma keeps people from getting good jobs and advancing in the workplace. Some employers are reluctant to hire people who have mental illnesses. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), such discrimination is illegal. But it still happens!

Stigma leads to fear, mistrust, and violence. Even though the vast majority of people who have mental illnesses are no more violent than anyone else, the average television viewer sees three people with mental illnesses each week-and most of them are portrayed as violent. Such inaccurate portrayals lead people to fear those who have mental illnesses.

Stigma results in prejudice and discrimination. Many individuals try to prevent people who have mental illnesses from living in their neighborhoods.

Stigma results in inadequate insurance coverage. Many insurance plans do not cover mental health services to the same degree as other illnesses. When mental illnesses are covered, coverage may be limited, inappropriate, or inadequate.

Words Can Heal

Here are six steps you can follow to help end the stigma which surrounds mental illness:

1. Learn more. Many organizations sponsor nationwide programs about mental health and mental illness. Several are listed at the end of this brochure.
2. Insist on accountable media. Sometimes the media portray people who have mental illnesses inaccurately, and this makes stereotypes harder to change.
3. Obey the laws in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life, including housing, employment, and public transportation. Mental illnesses are considered a disability covered under the ADA.
4. Recognize and appreciate the contributions to society made by people who have mental illnesses. People who have mental illnesses are major contributors to American life-from the arts to the sciences, from medicine to entertainment to professional sports.
5. Treat people with the dignity and respect we all deserve. People who have mental illnesses may include your friends, your neighbors, and your family.
6. Think about the person-the contents behind the label. Avoid labeling people by their diagnosis. Instead of saying, "She's a schizophrenic," say, "She has a mental illness." Never use the term "mentally ill."

By the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

There have been a number of tragic suicides in our area recently. The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board extends our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these individuals. We recognize that the seeming senselessness of suicide only serves to compound the horrific grief that survivors must bear.

In a way though, we are all survivors of suicide. We all have lost something precious and irreplacable when a life is extinguished. While we certainly know that those closest to the person are deeply affected, we share in the sense of lost potential and the "what ifs" that invariably arise when a suicide is considered in retrospect.

The following is an article originally published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It offers insight, identifies signs of trouble, and helps us learn to help. Of course, anyone who is concerned about their own safety or that of a friend of loved one can call our Hopeline at 1-800-567-HOPE (4673) any time, day or night, for caring assistance.

Suicide: Learn More - Learn to Help

Signs of depression and suicide risk:

• Change in personality-becoming sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic
• Change in behavior-can't concentrate on school, work, routine tasks
• Change in sleep pattern-oversleeping or insomnia, sometimes with early waking
• Change in eating habits-loss of appetite and weight, or overeating
• Loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed
• Worry about money, illness (real or imaginary)
• Fear of losing control, "going crazy," harming self or others
• Feelings of overwhelming guilt, shame, self-hatred
• No hope for the future-"It will never get better, I will always feel this way."
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Recent loss of a loved one through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship; or loss of job, money, status, self-confidence, self-esteem
• Loss of religious faith
• Nightmares
• Suicidal impulses, statements, plans; giving away favorite things; previous suicide attempts or gestures
• Agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness may indicate masked depression

Don't be afraid to ask: "Do you sometimes feel so bad you think of suicide?"

Just about everyone has considered suicide, however fleetingly, at one time or another. There is no danger of "giving someone the idea." In fact, it can be a great relief if you bring the question of suicide into the open, and discuss it freely, without showing shock or disapproval. Raising the question of suicide shows you are taking the person seriously and responding to the potential of his/her distress.

If the answer is "Yes, I do think of suicide," you must take it seriously.

Ask questions like: Have you thought about how you'd do it? Do you have the means? Have you decided when you'll do it? Have you ever tried suicide before? What happened then? If the person has a defined plan, the means are easily available, the method is a lethal one, and the time is set, the risk of suicide is very high. Your response will be geared to the urgency of the situation as you see it. Therefore, it is vital not to underestimate the danger by not asking for details.

Common misconceptions about suicide:

"People who talk about suicide won't really do it."

Almost everyone who commits suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like "You'll be sorry when I'm dead," or "I can't see any way out"-no matter how casually or jokingly said-may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

"Anyone who tries to kill themselves must be crazy."

Most suicidal people are not psychotic or insane. They must be upset, grief-stricken, depressed, or despairing, but extreme distress and emotional pain are not necessarily signs of mental illness.

"If a person is determined to kill themselves, nothing is going to stop them."

Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, wavering until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die. Most suicidal people do not want death; they want the pain to stop. The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever.

"People who commit suicide are people who were unwilling to seek help."

Studies of suicide victims have shown that more than half had sought medical help within six months before their deaths.

"Talking about suicide may give someone the idea."

You don't give a suicidal person morbid ideas by talking about suicide. The opposite is true-bringing up the subject of suicide and discussing it openly is one of the most helpful things you can do.

• Persons who are severely depressed and feel hopeless
• Persons who have a past history of suicide attempts
• Persons who have made concrete plans or preparations for suicide

How to find out if someone is suicidal:

Ask these questions-in the same order-to find out if the person is seriously considering suicide:

1. "Have you been feeling sad or unhappy?"

A "yes" response will confirm that the person has been feeling some depression.

2. "Do you ever feel hopeless? Does it seem as if things can never get better?"

Feelings of hopelessness are often associated with suicidal thoughts.

3. "Do you have thoughts of death? Does it seem as if things can never get better?"

A "yes" response indicates suicidal wishes but not necessarily suicidal plans. Many depressed people say they think they'd be better off dead and wish they'd die in their sleep or get killed in an accident. However, most of them say they have no intention of actually killing themselves.

4. "Do you ever have any actual suicidal impulses? Do you have any urge to kill yourself?"

A "yes" indicates an active desire to die. This is a more serious situation.

5. "Do you have any actual plans to kill yourself?"

If the answer is "yes," ask about their specific plans. What method have they chosen? Hanging? Jumping? Pills? A gun? Have they actually obtained the rope? What building do they plan to jump from? Although these questions may sound grotesque, they may save a life. The danger is greatest when the plans are clear and specific, when they have made actual preparations, and when the method they have chosen is clearly lethal.

6. "When do you plan to kill yourself?"

If the suicide attempt is a long way off (say, in five years) danger is clearly not imminent. If they plan to kill themselves soon, the danger is grave.

7. "Is there anything that would hold you back, such as your family or your religious convictions?"

If the person says that people would be better off without them, and if they have no deterrents, suicide is much more likely.

8. "Have you ever made a suicide attempt in the past?"

Previous suicide attempts indicate that future attempts are more likely. Even if a previous attempt did not seem serious, the next attempt may be fatal. All suicide attempts should be taken seriously. However, suicidal "gestures" can be more dangerous than they seem, since many people do kill themselves.

9. "Would you be willing to talk to someone or seek help if you felt desperate? Whom would you talk to?"

If the person who feels suicidal is cooperative and has a clear plan to reach out for help, the danger is less than if they are stubborn, secretive, hostile, and unwilling to ask for help.

This article is a reprint of a publication from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and is available from the Network of Care.