Help for Depressed Ex-Felons

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According to the Anxiety & Depression Associations of America, nearly 15 million adults in the country have experienced depression within the past year. It’s a condition that can be difficult to overcome for many people if they do not seek professional help. Getting professional help should be a high priority for those who feel they may be suffering from depression. There are resources that offer help for depressed ex-felons, as well as others.

For those who are unsure of whether or not they have depression, there are some symptoms that you can look for. Depression symptoms can be severe or mild and include such things as feeling sadness a lot of the time, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, changes in your eating or sleeping habits, a loss of energy, feeling that you are worthless, having difficulty thinking, and having thoughts of suicide.

If you have having symptoms like this it may be time to get some professional help. Depression can happen for a variety of reasons, including environmental factors, genetic factors, chemicals in the brain, and how someone feels about themselves. Those who have low self esteem may be more prone to becoming depressed. Getting professional help is important so that you can ensure it won’t get worse and that if you need an anti-depressant you can obtain one.

Places Providing Help for Depressed Ex-Felons

Being an ex-felon may make you more prone to becoming depressed. This is especially true if you have been in jail or prison and are now struggling with the transition back into society. The good news is that there is help available. Contact these programs below to get help for depressed ex-felons.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – This national network can put you in touch with a professional in your area who can help you with depression. They can be contacted 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. They offer suicide prevention and depression help. You can quickly access them by dialing 988 on your phone Similar to dialing 911 on your phone; only the 988 number will immediately put you in touch with a network of professional help. To get more information about the network, click here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – Those who may be depressed and struggling with a substance abuse issue can contact this organization for help. This is a government agency that helps with substance abuse and mental health issues. You can call them 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for help with depression and substance abuse disorders. They can quickly put you in touch with a program in your area that can help with both issues. You can also use their online program locator to find programs in your area. To call them for help, dial 800-662-HELP. To get more information about the organization, click here.

Sunshine Behavioral Health – This organization offers a program specifically to provide help for ex-felons. They have locations in several states, including California, Colorado, Illinois, and Texas. They offer residential and outpatient care programs. They also offer aftercare and have an alumni group. Their mission is to provide the support that ex-felons need so that they have a better chance at being successful once they have left prison behind. To get more information about their programs, click here.

Crisis Text Line – If you would prefer to contact someone through a text message, rather than make a phone call, this resource is for you. You can send a text HOME to 741741, and they will put in touch with a crisis counselor. This is a way for you to begin the process of getting help, without having to speak with someone on the phone. You can also go onto their website so that you can chat with the counselor  through WhatsApp. Once you send the text, there will be a live conversation with a trained crisis counselor. The person you will be texting will be able to give you the help you are in need of. To get more information, click here.

WestCare – This mental health organization has a variety of programs to help people who are depressed, have substance abuse issues, and more. They have locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Iowa. They have several programs that will provide help for depressed ex-felons, including outpatient treatment, residential treatment, mental health crisis stabilization, transitional housing, and an offender re-entry program. To get more information about the programs they offer, click here.

Salvation Army – This faith-based organization offers mental health counseling services for those who need it. They also offer other programs to help people in the community, including ex-felons. They have thousands of locations around the country. To get help from them, contact a location near you. To find a Salvation Army location in your area, click here.

Catholic Charities – Similar to the Salvation Army, this faith-based organization has thousands of locations around the country. They offer programs to help people in the communities where they are located. They do offer help for depressed ex-felons. Their programs include counseling services and substance abuse programs. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.

Better Tomorrows – This organization offers various programs to help people in need, including ex-felons. They do offer programs that can provide help for depressed ex-felons, as well as provide referrals to other programs that can help. To get more information about the organization and what they offer, click here.

It is important to find help for depressed ex-felons. Those who have spent time in jail or prison may be at a higher risk for becoming depressed. When that happens, it can make it easier for them to fall into behavior that may lead them back to being incarcerated. It is important that they have the support of their family in order to successfully transition.

Ex-felons who recognize that they are depressed can reach out to these places for help. Those who are around them and recognize the symptoms can contact these programs to find them help.