For someone battling depression and anxiety, and for whom even leaving the house may be difficult, going to the gym may seem downright impossible.
There is a relationship between mental and physical health. While the idea of working out may not feel feasible, it could be just what a person needs to do to break away from a debilitating disorder, says Mike Unger, medical director at Westerville’s community mental health agency, Concord Counseling Services.
“It is very difficult to achieve good mental health if you neglect physical and vice versa,” Unger says. “It’s a sort of paradox; if you were forced to go work out, you may feel better and have more energy, but it’s really hard to do.”
Concord, a nonprofit mental health center, was founded in 1972. Its mission is to provide programs and services that heal people in mind and spirit.
The agency offers individual and group therapy for children, teens, adults and seniors in need of behavioral health services.
The City of Westerville, Westerville City Schools, the Ohio Department of Drug and Alcohol Services and more use Concord services. For example, the agency provided grief counseling in the school district following the November suicide of a high school student.
Concord also offers assistance for people under more severe circumstances, including group therapy for substance abuse and psychiatric services for those battling hallucinations, homicidal and/or chronic suicidal thoughts, and mood swings.
Patients with clinical depression experience decreased energy levels, reduced concentration, poor motivation and declining ambition, Unger says.
“In general, people with clinical depression are at higher risk of developing chronic medical problems,” he says. “Other issues include heart disease and diabetes. They will also be less likely to be proactive following up with medical care.”
A person struggling with depression should consult a medical professional and avoid self-medicating at all costs, he says.
“Some people use caffeine to motivate themselves to get up in the morning and then they use alcohol to calm down at night,” he says. “This only makes the situation worse. If you’re going to take anything, take a multi-vitamin.”
Early symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders include poor sleeping patterns, physiological changes, difficulty concentrating and fatigue.
“One of the first steps is to simply Google the signs and symptoms,” Unger says. “Learn about these conditions and get into see a doctor. The problem could be medical in origin and not a mental issue. For example, hyperthyroidism is a condition that looks like depression, but when you fix it, the depression symptoms are gone.”
Physical preventative measures can be used to decrease the risk of depression.
“Try to develop a good sleep-wake cycle, eat fresh foods and drink juice, not soda,” Unger says.
Beyond counseling and encour
aging physical fitness, there are other ways in which Concord helps its clients deal with their issues, such as support for their artistic sides. In February of each year, the center hosts HeART of Concord, a showcase of artistically inclined clients and their original work.
In 2013, the show took in $3,000, $2,500 of which went directly back to the artists. This year’s event is slated for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at Concord’s offices, 700 Brooksedge Blvd.
“Many of these folks have been creating for years, but have not had the opportunity to display or sell their work,” says Linda Jakes, clinical director at Concord. “This is a chance for them to focus on their talent instead of the challenges they face, to earn some money and to develop relationships with other artists.”
More information on Concord can be found on its website, www.concordcounseling.org, or by calling 614-882-9338.
Stephan Reed is an editorial associate. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
Getting the Pointe
Though it plays a big role, Concord Counseling Services is not solely responsible for mental health services in Westerville City Schools.
North Pointe, the district’s internal mental health program, is housed at Westerville North High School and serves all three high schools as well as Heritage Middle School. The program assists students battling depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.
“Our team does all we can to support these kids and give them a regular high school experience,” says John Rowson of the North Pointe program. “This is not an alternative school. Many of our kids come from stable homes, but suffer from anxiety and depression. They have good grades, but much of their high school experience has been stolen because of mental illness.”
Students in the program volunteer at community gardens each year, growing produce and donating what they yield. Twice a month, they help out at the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
“They produce hundreds of hours of community service,” Rowson says. “These kids have been marginalized and isolated, and these programs help bring them back to the community and prepare them for post-secondary options.”
North Pointe works with Concord at the high school level to help in a more personal and regular manner.
“We can walk and talk with students, but we don't have the licensing and skill sets Concord does,” Rowson says. “They host a 45-minute health group each week with us. And we identify kids who don’t have community health care resources. If they don’t, we make sure Concord meets with them once a week to make sure they get what they need.”
To donate or get involved with the program, contact Rowson at rowsonj@wcsoh.org.
