The Campaign to Change Direction Give an Hour and The Campaign to Change Direction

Give an Hour Give an Hour provides free and confidential mental health care to those who serve, veterans and their loved ones. By harnessing the skills and generosity of citizens  across our nation and around the world, we provide those in need with help and hope. With 7,000 providers across 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam - and still growing - we offer treatment for: Anxiety Depression Substance abuse Post-traumatic stress Traumatic brain injuries Sexual health and intimacy concerns Loss and grieving About Give an Hour Founded by Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, a psychologist in the Washington, D.C., area- Give an Hour’s mission is to develop networks of skill-based volunteer professionals capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions prevalent within society. Since 2005, the non profit organization has provided free mental health services to U.S. service members, veterans, and their families.  In 2015, Give an Hour expanded efforts to address the mental health needs of other populations including at risk teens, survivors of gun violence, victims of human trafficking and those affected by natural and man-made disasters. In addition, Give an Hour is now working internationally to provide information and services to address the needs of those who are in emotional pain around the world. Through the generosity, compassion, and expertise of Give an Hour’s skilled volunteers, we are able to increase the likelihood that those in need receive the support and care they deserve. Thus far, the U.S. network of nearly 7,000 licensed mental health professionals has provided more than 250,000 hours of care and support to those in need. To learn more, visit www.giveanhour.org.

Finding a Mental Health Provider is Easy Step 1 Go to www.giveanhour.org. Step 2 Fill out the search questions. Step 3 Call a provider on your list to make an appointment.

The Campaign to Change Direction Give an Hour also leads The Campaign to Change Direction, a global initiative focused on changing the culture of mental health, encouraging everyone to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. To do this we have two powerful tools. Five Signs of Emotional Suffering: A common language that allows us to recognize the signs of emotional suffering in ourselves and others. Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being: Encouraging everyone to care for their own mental well-being and the mental well-being of others. About the Campaign to Change Direction The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being. The campaign is led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran community. Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding mental health and raises awareness about Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. More than 600 partner organizations are using their unique skills and opportunities to spread awareness. Furthermore, in 2017, Talinda Bennington partnered with Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, President and Founder of Give an Hour, to create 320 Changes Direction – a new component of the Campaign to Change Direction. 320 Changes Direction  was named in honor of Talinda’s late husband Chester Bennington- father of six, philanthropist, and lead singer of Linkin Park- who died by suicide in July, 2017. Talinda serves as Ambassador for the Campaign to Change Direction and Founding Partner of 320 Changes Direction.  Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.

Five Signs of Emotional Suffering Nearly one in every five people, or 43.8 million American adults, has a diagnosable mental health condition.1 Half of all lifetime cases of mental disorders begin by age 14.2 In addition, 1.7M Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year - which may affect their cognitive and emotional functioning. Drug use is on the rise in this country and 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs. That’s approximately one in every 10 Americans over the age of 12. Often our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and even family members are suffering emotionally and don’t recognize the symptoms or won’t ask for help. Here are five signs that may mean someone is in emotional pain and might need help: Personality changes. You may notice sudden or gradual changes in the way that someone typically behaves. People in this situation may behave in ways that don't seem to fit their values, or the person may just seem different. Uncharacteristically angry, anxious, agitated, or moody. You may notice the person has more frequent problems controlling his or her temper and seems irritable or unable to calm down. People in more extreme situations of this kind may be unable to sleep or may explode in anger at a minor problem. Withdrawal or isolation from other people. Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends and stop taking part in activities that used to be enjoyable. In more severe cases the person may start failing to make it to work or school. Not to be confused with the behavior of someone who is more introverted, this sign is marked by a change in a person’s typical sociability, as when someone pulls away from the social support typically available. May neglect self-care and engage in risky behavior. You may notice a change in the person's level of personal care or an act of poor judgment. For instance, someone may let personal hygiene deteriorate, or the person may start abusing alcohol or illicit substances or engaging in other self-destructive behavior that may alienate loved ones. Overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by circumstances. Have you noticed someone who used to be optimistic and now can’t find anything to be hopeful about? That person may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt. People in this situation may say that the world would be better off without them, suggesting suicidal thinking.

Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being It is important to recognize when someone is in emotional pain. It is equally important to learn basic habits that keep us emotionally healthy.  What are the Healthy Habits of Emotional Well-being? They are habits that everyone can learn – habits that allow each of us to identify and practice what works for us. Take care of you.  Eat, sleep and be active. We don’t often think about how important these basic activities are for our mental health – but they are critical.  Check In and get checkups.  We get check-ups for our physical health. We see our dentist to take care of our teeth. We even take our cars in for tune-ups. It’s time to take responsibility and get check-ups for our emotional well-being. Talk with your doctor, a counselor, a faith based leader…and your family and friends to make sure you – and those you love – are doing well emotionally.  Engage and connect wisely.  Pay attention to your relationships. We can’t be healthy if our relationships are not.  Relax.  Learn ways to reduce the stress that we all face – and practice what works for you: meditate, run, knit, dance, sing, write, love…..  Know the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering.  The Five Signs are change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and hopelessness. Someone may exhibit one or more signs. Many conditions can result in emotional pain. If you see them in someone you love, reach out, connect and offer to help. 

If you recognize that someone in your life is suffering, now what? You connect, you reach out, you inspire hope, and you offer help. Show compassion and caring and a willingness to find a solution when the person may not have the will or drive to do it alone. It may take more than one offer, and you may need to reach out to others who share your concern about the person who is suffering. IF YOU RECOGNIZE THAT SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE IS SUFFERING, NOW WHAT? You connect, you reach out, you inspire hope, and you offer help. Show compassion and caring and a willingness to find a solution when the person may not have the will or drive to do it alone. There are many resources in our communities. It may take more than one offer, and you may need to reach out to others who share your concern about the person who is suffering. If everyone is more open and honest about our emotional health and well-being, we can prevent pain and suffering, and those in need will get the help they deserve.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit www.changedirection.org www.giveanhour.org