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Page 6 November 12, 2023 StarNews www.starnewsgaonline.com
For those suffering from mental health issues
or addiction, Thanksgiving and Christmas
holidays can be an especially tough time
Carroll Mental Health Advocates offer help through ten peer support programs
Shown above left and right are Carroll County Mental Health Advocates Director
Jodie Goodman and Lisa Merrell, Certified Peer Support Specialist, Forensic Peer
Mentor. Their office is located in the Tracy Stallings building, 118 South White
Street, Carrollton (see photo below).
story and photos by Wayne J. Reynolds
As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays
approach, for those who suffer from mental
health or addiction this time of the year can be
especially stressful. But, the holidays - a
traditionally happy time - can be a negative for
those who suffer from mental illness or
addicition. Jodie Goodman, Director of Carroll
Mental Health Advocates (CMHA), Carrollton,
said, “There is no slow time with mental illness
and addiction. They don’t take a holiday. But,
we do get busier during the holidays. It can be
a trigger.”
Goodman spoke more at length about this
‘trigger’, “For many of us, the holidays are
about family and tradition. But some of us
don’t have that. As a service to the community,
we try to be that resource - not only here at this
facility, but also through technology. We do it
many ways. We do it through a variety of peer
support groups, but also our wonderful
community does as well. We try to be present,
to be accessible. People need people! ’
Goodman observed that this time of year can
be tough. If a person is living with mental
illness, it is important to stay in treatment
therapy - and do not rely on drugs and alcohol.
There is a 20% overlap between anxiety and
mood disorders with substance abuse
disorders. Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate
those disorders.
There are also major depressive disorders
linked with seasonal patterns. It gets darker
earlier, so take advantage of the sunlight when
you can. There is evidence that it enhances
your mood. Goodman stressed, “You can say
NO. No is a complete sentence. If you are not
in the holiday spirit and feeling overwhelmed,
just say ‘no’. Stressed about gift giving or
financial stress? Show other ways of giving. It
is not about how much you give. Give a
personal letter, personal stuff Spend time with
loved ones, experiences are what matters. If
you are feeling alone, reach out. Recognize
these feelings and reach out. We live in an
amazing community.
“We offer a whole different approach here,
trying to get on their level when they walk into
the office. There is no judgement here. We try
to be real and transparent. There is always
fresh coffee and something to eat! We are
never going to turn anyone away. We will find
the service they do need, if we can’t help
them.”
She clarified that, “We don’t serve children.
We focus on adults. But, if a parent calls about
their child, we will refer them to the right
people. Please also let me emphasize that all
services are tree, no registration, no calling,
just show up!”
Carroll Mental Health Advocates have ten
peer support programs including the
Connections Support Group which is for
individuals living with mental illness, and the
amily Support Group open to family and
friends of the individual with mental health.
Goodman also commented they offer grief
support, CoDependents, Making Connections,
and All Recovery. She explained they also
offer Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group
which is open to anyone who has lost a loved
one to suicide.
CMHA’s Certified Peer Support Specialist/
Forensic Peer Mentor Lisa Merrell is described
by Goodman as their “rock star.”
Goodman said, “Lisa has walked the walk.
She can connect with virtually anyone who
walks through the door. I can spend hours with
someone and cannot connect with them like
Lisa can in minutes.”
Merrell said, “I have lived with addiction,
See MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES page 27
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