The Community Post

Mental

problem, or if others are recognizing it, it may be time for them to seek services,” said Katterheinrich. She noted that often times people come to her questioning their own usage as well.

“They can be referred by their work place for an assessment, themselves, and it also can come out in with family sessions,” explained Katterheinrich.

“It’s not just illegal drugs, it can be prescriptions, over the counter, cigarettes, inhalants, medication. It can be anything,” said Miller. She said that if someone is going from drinking a glass of wine to drinking a whole bottle for example, that is a strong indicator of a problem.

“When it becomes a need, instead of a want. When somebody says

they need a glass of wine instead of saying they want it,” explained Miller. She said that need can get in the way of their family, job, and even basic daily living.

As to how people come to be at the Family Resource Center for help, there are different paths.

“Sometimes they’re referred by courts. A lot of people aren’t self aware, and they get referred because they got a DUI or family members gave them an ultimatum,” explained Miller. Those ultimatums could be threats of divorce, losing kids, or those kinds of things.

“If they’re self-aware, maybe its things like they don’t know why they’re feeling sick all the time, or blowing all their money, or have lost their kids or are losing their family as a wake up call,” explained Miler.

Once they get to the

Family Resource Center, they’ll be assessed as a first step.

“It’s a psycho-social assessment that asks a variety of questions. Family history, symptoms, and its a bit more comprehensive,” explained Katterheinrich. The person’s safety is also assessed.

“We discuss service recommendations for treatment as well as a diagnosis,” said Katterheinrich. When the diagnosis is done, they can start talking about treatment within an hour or two.

“They could be set up with a counselor case manager to help them working on getting their family back, getting housing if they lost their hours or job,” said Miller. They also want those to come to the center, understand what all is available to them.

“Being aware of area resources, support

groups in the area is important,” said Katterheinrich.

The stigma of mental health is still something that puts people off of getting help.

“The hardest part is walking through the door, but once you do, its the best thing you can do for yourself,” said Miller. She said that they offer ongoing walk-in service hours at various times throughout the week.

“You have people who will be with you the whole way through,” said Katterheinrich.

“People will always remember you how you were, put you in that box and don’t let you out. I feel they don’t want to celebrate your successes, they want you to fail,” said Miller before continuing. “We need to celebrate. Celebrate the success, and not wait for someone to fail.”

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2023-05-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-05-30T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thecommunitypost.pressreader.com/article/281552295238738

Alberta Newspaper Group