Being, a Delaware-based startup, is on a mission to scale its mental health app, which aims to help users create a map of their concerns to better navigate their everyday issues.

The company, which exhibited as part of the Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt, was founded in 2020 by CEO Varun Gandhi and CTO Abhishek Sharma. The idea for Being stems from Gandhi’s personal experience dealing with anxiety growing up and being unable to find treatments that worked for him.

To get started with the app, you can search for any sort of issues or feelings that you’re currently experiencing. For instance, you can start with “I’m not feeling too great about myself today.” You can then add any additional things you’re experiencing such as “My physical health doesn’t feel great.” If you search for a concern that has not already been added to the map by another user, you can create a new entry.

Once you have added your issues, you can build a map to see an overview of the different things you want to work on. From there, the map will try to make connections in order to give you a bigger picture on why you may be feeling a certain way.

“The map is only growing as people are sharing more and more of their issues,” Gandhi said. “People are moving from one thing to another and the map is developing all kinds of dynamic connections.”

Once you have mapped out your concerns, you can start to address them.

Image Credits: Being

Being currently offers three different ways for users to work through their mental health concerns. The first option is mini interactive therapy sessions designed by licensed mental health professionals that focus on things like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

The second option is an AI-powered journaling session where you are given certain prompts to reflect on what you’re currently going through. As you start to write, the AI will prompt you with additional questions. Gandhi says the app only features basic AI features because the startup does not want to attempt to replace legitimate science-backed therapy with AI.

The third option is something that Gandhi refers to as a “quick bite” of science-based psycho education that is aimed toward people who don’t have a lot of time to spend on the app but want to quickly understand why they may be feeling a certain way.

Gandhi believes that it’s important to approach mental health from the ground up and start from what a person is currently feeling without automatically giving them labels and boxing them into a specific concern like depression or anxiety.

“We don’t wait for people to go and seek help, we try to approach mental health from the ground up and start from where the person currently is,” Gandhi told TechCrunch in an interview. “We start to see mental health as what the person is experiencing at any point in time, because most of us are not okay in different ways.”

Although the company believes that its app is geared toward any and every one, some people may find the open-ended care model a bit difficult to navigate if they’re used to more direct versions of mental healthcare.

Being is available on both iOS and Android and offers two different subscription tiers. The first tier costs $9.99 per month and offers a DIY experience, while the second tier costs $19.99 and comes with additional support and one-on-one chats with a mental health professional.

The company is currently in the midst of closing a $3 million seed round; it previously raised two pre-seed rounds led by Multiply Ventures and Better Capital in 2021 and 2022 that totaled $1.4 million in funding.

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Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison Commander, Col. Marc Austin addresses on-post housing residents during the Sept. 20 housing town hall at Ralphie’s Theater on Fort Stewart. The Housing Town Halls are hosted once per quarter and serve as a touchpoint between Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison leadership, the Directorate of Public Works Housing Division, on-post housing partner Balfour Beatty Communities, and on-post housing residents.
(Photo Credit: Molly Cooke)

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Trash cans and raccoons. Those were just two of the topics discussed during Fort Stewart’s Sept. 20 housing town hall meeting.

The housing town halls are offered once a quarter on both Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield and serve as a touchpoint between Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Garrison leadership, the Directorate of Public Works Housing Division, on-post housing partner Balfour Beatty Communities, and on-post housing residents. Normally hosted within one of Balfour Beatty’s Family Homes facilities, this quarter’s town hall found neutral ground within Fort Stewart’s Ralphie’s Movie Theatre.

The events serve as a platform for residents to discuss their concerns so leadership can gain perspective on what is needed to maintain a high quality of life in all on-post residential communities.

“Your concerns aren’t something that just sit on a desk,” said Col. Marc Austin, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander. “They are something we actively work each week not just on our level but on an (U.S. Army) Installation Management Command level. Our teams here on Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield are constantly evolving. The housing teams represented here tonight have fresh faces who are ready to be part of the solution.”

Over 20 residents participated in the town hall, an almost 75% increase from previous housing town hall events. In addition to voicing concerns, residents also received information regarding the latest housing updates and initiatives and a briefing that covered several upcoming events around the installation.

“These quarterly town halls are crucial to the success of our housing partners and to our garrison team,” said Jenn Hudson, Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Army Housing Office director. “We look forward to hosting future town halls using this same format in an effort to establish a neutral zone for our residents to comfortably voice their concerns.”

Adding to the event, Balfour Beatty’s self-help division was also on hand to offer free air filters to residents in need of replacements. The Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield Fire Prevention Program was also in attendance to promote their upcoming Fire Prevention Week activities.

Fort Stewart Fire Prevention Services Fire Inspector Travon Sanders shares information about upcoming Fire Prevention Week events with on-post housing residents following a quarterly housing town hall meeting, Sept. 20 at Ralphie’s Theater on Fort Stewart.
(Photo Credit: Molly Cooke)

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Following the question-and-answer portion of the town hall, Col. Austin reiterated the importance of open communication between residents and the housing team.

“We’re making progress with our work orders and improvements, but we can’t do that unless we know what the problem areas are,” Austin said. “Our housing team wants to get better and do better and we can’t do that without your feedback.”

The Hunter Army Airfield housing town hall will take place Sept. 27 from 4-6 p.m. in the open grass area across from the Pulaski Elementary School gate.

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A man, who had been under the care of a community mental health team, died following a period during which his parents raised concerns about his deteriorating mental health, including agitation, panic attacks, depression and suicidal ideation.

Now the deputy Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC) has criticised the former Capital and Coast District Health Board for the way it handled his case.

The man, identified as Mr A in a decision released today, had been undergoing treatment from the DHB (now Te Whatu Ora Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley) for various mental health and addiction issues since 2011.

He had an extensive history of mental health battles, dating back at least 47 years, and was in his sixties when he died.

The man received care from two psychiatrists and the crisis contact centre, all of which were part of the CMHT. He was also receiving care from his general practitioner, who was not subject to the investigation.

Despite increased contact with the CMHT, by both the man and his parents, the HDC found there were a number of shortcomings in the documentation kept by staff and in the communication from one of the psychiatrists to the man’s general practitioner, resulting in inconsistent approaches to his care.

The decision says early on in a series of events, the man’s mother contacted the DHB’s mental health team concerned about her son’s mental state. Six days later, she and her son attended an appointment with his psychiatrist, identified as Dr B.

Appointments with this psychiatrist typically occurred monthly, while the man was visited by his mental health care manager weekly.

At this appointment, she raised concerns about her son’s medication and mental state. “Months went by and nothing was done,” the mother told the HDC, saying she felt her concerns weren’t taken seriously by the doctor.

When the psychiatrist wrote to a colleague for a second opinion, he noted the man was doing “reasonably well given his circumstances”.

A month later, the man himself rang the mental health team asking for a reduction in his medication. He said he would refuse all medication if his dose wasn’t reduced.

Dr B approved the reduction, but did not inform the man’s GP who was also closely involved in his care.

Over the following two months, the man contacted the mental health crisis team frequently. He later had another appointment with Dr B, who documented the care plan was “re-framing and positive thinking”.

Eventually, a medically-qualified family friend emailed Dr B with concerns about the man and his medication. The doctor told the woman changing medication would not address the man’s underlying issues.

A month later, the man had an appointment with his GP. He said he no longer wanted to see Dr B. The GP prescribed an antidepressant and sent another referral to the mental health team to request a reassessment, noting the man was becoming more depressed.

The GP also noted communication from the mental health team had been poor.

The DHB later alleged the GP “undermined the deliberate approach maintained by Dr B” over the previous five years.

The man eventually met with a new temporary psychiatrist, Dr D. The exact date the man’s care was transferred was not recorded. Dr D said the man’s symptoms appeared to be in line with a personality disorder.

Two days later, the man-made another call to the crisis team saying he was suicidal. There was no record a mental state examination was undertaken. An ambulance was called to take the man to the emergency department.

Another appointment with the new psychiatrist was held a month later. The doctor deemed he no longer needed to see the man, but the man mistakenly understood he was being discharged from the mental health services. Distraught, he told his parents who contacted the DHB to arrange a meeting.

Before the meeting was held, the man was rushed to hospital after harming himself. Again, the notes did not record a “clear exploration” of the man’s symptoms.

At the meeting with clinical staff and the man’s family, it was decided the focus should be on helping the man in ways other than medication. The man got upset in this meeting and walked out.

Days later, the man’s mother became concerned and contacted the mental health team. The man’s care manager visited his home, discovering he had suffered injuries, suspected to be self-inflicted.

He passed away the following morning. The man’s mother later complained to the HDC.

After the HDC’s investigation, Dr B admitted he should have spoken more frequently with the man’s GP. He agreed to write an apology letter to the man’s family.

Deputy Commissioner Vanessa Caldwell said with mental health care of this nature, it is fundamental that all parties maintain robust documentation and have open and clear communication with other providers.

“On a number of occasions, various staff at the DHB kept poor clinical documentation,” she said. “I consider that the pattern of poor record-keeping highlights deficiencies at an organisational level, for which ultimately the DHB is accountable.”

She also raised concerns about a lack of a “clear actionable plan” for the man’s care after the family meeting. She found the DHB was in breach of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights.

She recommended Te Whatu Ora provide a written apology to the man’s family, and provide evidence that it has updated its internal policies to ensure adequate communication between providers and provided copies of the decision to all psychiatrists in the interests of education.

Ethan Griffiths covers crime and justice stories nationwide for Open Justice. He joined NZME in 2020, previously working as a regional reporter in Whanganui and South Taranaki.

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Here are some of the benefits of seeking professional help for mental health concerns:

1. Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

When you seek professional help for your mental health concerns, you are more likely to get an accurate diagnosis. Mental health professionals have the training and expertise to diagnose various mental health conditions accurately. An accurate diagnosis is essential because it helps you understand your condition better and receive the right treatment.

2. Access to Effective Treatment

Mental health professionals can provide you with access to effective treatment for your mental health concerns. Treatment options may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. Mental health professionals can help you find the right treatment for your specific condition and individual needs.

3. Improved Quality of Life

Seeking professional help for mental health concerns can significantly improve your quality of life. Mental health conditions can impact your ability to function daily and lead a fulfilling life. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

4. Reducing Stigma

Many people with mental health concerns may feel ashamed or embarrassed to seek help because of the stigma attached to mental health conditions. Seeking professional help for mental health concerns can help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Mental health professionals can provide a safe and confidential environment for you to discuss your concerns without fear of judgment.

5. Support System

Mental health professionals can provide you with a support system. They can help you develop coping skills and strategies to manage your mental health concerns. Additionally, they can provide emotional support and help you build a support network of family and friends.

In conclusion, seeking professional help for mental health concerns is essential for improving your overall health and well-being. Mental health professionals can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, access to effective treatment, improve your quality of life, reduce stigma, and provide a support system. If you are struggling with mental health concerns, seeking professional help is the first step towards a happier and healthier you.

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Firstly, seeking help for mental health concerns can improve overall well-being. Mental health concerns can have a significant impact on a woman’s daily life, affecting their work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Seeking help can provide a safe space to address these concerns and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms. With the help of a mental health professional, women can learn how to manage their mental health and improve their overall well-being.

Secondly, seeking help can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health concerns in women. Women often face societal pressures to appear strong and to handle everything on their own. This can make it challenging to seek help for mental health concerns as it may be seen as a sign of weakness. However, seeking help can help break down this stigma and encourage other women to do the same. By seeking help, women can show that it is okay to ask for help when needed and that mental health concerns are just as important as physical health concerns.

Thirdly, seeking help can prevent mental health concerns from worsening. Mental health conditions can escalate if left untreated, leading to more severe symptoms and a decline in overall well-being. Seeking help early on can prevent this from happening and provide the necessary support and resources to manage symptoms. Early intervention is key to preventing mental health concerns from worsening and improving overall quality of life.

Finally, seeking help can improve relationships with others. Mental health concerns can impact relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners. Seeking help can provide a safe space to address these concerns and develop new communication strategies to improve relationships. With the help of a mental health professional, women can learn how to communicate effectively and manage conflicts in relationships.

In conclusion, seeking help for women’s mental health concerns is crucial for overall well-being, reducing stigma, preventing worsening symptoms, and improving relationships. Mental health concerns should be taken seriously, and seeking help should be seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness. Women should prioritize their mental health and seek help when needed to improve their overall quality of life.

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In a recent study published in the Journal of Eating Disorders, researchers examine the impact of negative body and age talk with mental health and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in men and women.

Study: Fat talk, old talk, or both? Association of negative body talk with mental health, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life in men and women. Image Credit: Alex_Maryna / Shutterstock.com

The health effects of body dissatisfaction

Adolescent boys and girls who experience body dissatisfaction are at an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Anxiety, psychological distress, depression, and ED pathology have also been correlated with body dissatisfaction in adult men. Comparatively, middle-aged women experiencing body dissatisfaction are at a greater risk of restrained eating, experiencing bulimic symptoms, thin-ideal internalization, aging anxiety, and depression.

Negative body talk, including ‘fat talk,’ has been found to significantly contribute to body dissatisfaction. Fat talk often causes the affected individual to strive for Western appearance ideals, such as a thinner or more muscular body in women and men, respectively. In addition to fat talk, the pressure for people, particularly women, to age gracefully while also maintaining a thin body can also lead to significant stress.

Collectively, negative or seemingly positive phrases on both body weight and an individual’s age-related appearance can be described as ‘negative age-related body talk.’ Several studies have investigated the relationship between both old and fat talk to health effects, with old talk significantly correlated with body image disturbances, ED pathology, and aging anxiety.

Despite these observations, researchers are still studying how old talk, fat talk, or their combination can affect body imaging, aging anxiety, ED pathology, and mental health. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether the poorer health outcomes associated with old talk can be attributed to its similarities with fat talk, or whether it is unique in its impact to both body dissatisfaction and mental health effects.

About the study

The current study included 778 adults, 288 of whom were men and 490 were women, between 18 and 91 years of age who were recruited from various sources including online social media platforms, clinics, local senior centers, coffee shops, libraries, and networks of the research team. The study participants were recruited from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Western European countries. About 64% of the participants were White/Caucasian, 18% were Hispanic, 4.5% Asian, and 4.2% Black/African American.

An online survey distributed to the participants was used to assess how often they engaged in fat talk and old talk, levels of body dissatisfaction, depression, ED pathology, aging anxiety, QoL, general anxiety, and demographics.

The Negative Body Talk Scale (NBTS), which was used to evaluate engagement in fat talk, included 13 items that created a body concerns and body comparison subscale based on the responses. A modified 13-item NBTS was also created to assess old talk, with participants rating the frequency of saying a particular phrase on a seven-point Likert scale that ranged from “never” to “always.”

The ED-15, which consists of 10 attitudinal items and five eating behavior items, was used to evaluate ED pathology based on a six-point Likert scale. Total scores were obtained by averaging the 10 attitudinal items, with a higher total score reflecting a greater degree of ED pathology.

The Body Satisfaction Questionnaire-16b is a 16-item scale that asks about an individual’s body image, negative feelings, and any actions that the individual takes to cope with these feelings. Responses were based on a six-point Likert scale, with higher scores reflecting a greater level of body dissatisfaction.

An eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8), which was scored on a four-point scale, was used to assess depressive symptoms, with higher scores also indicating more severe depressive symptoms. Anxiety about Aging Scale (AAS) with a five-point Likert scale was used to measure aging anxiety, whereas the General Anxiety Scale was used to assess anxiety symptoms. The EUROHIS QOL eight-item index was used to assess the psychological, physical, social, and environmental aspects of an individual’s QoL.

Study findings

Engaging in fat talk and a higher body mass index value (BMI) was significantly associated with increased ED pathology. Notably, women more frequently engaged in both old and fat talk, both of which were associated with a greater risk of ED pathology and poorer QoL in women.

Increased fat talk was also associated with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms, while older age was linked to lower levels of body dissatisfaction.

Comparatively, old talk did not affect ED pathology nor body dissatisfaction, with older age instead associated with reduced ED pathology. Old talk did not appear to impact depressive symptoms.

In men, a greater amount of old and fat talk was associated with greater general anxiety. Old talk, rather than fat talk, increased the risk of aging anxiety in women, with older age in women associated with less anxiety and a better QoL.

Conclusions

Fat talk appears to have a greater impact on mental health and QoL measures as compared to old talk; however, both types of negative body talk were significantly correlated with QoL and mental health. The extent to which these factors influence body image and mental health throughout a person’s life remains unclear. A better understanding this phenomenon can help promote mental health and body image, particularly in midlife and beyond.

Journal reference:

• Hooper, S. C., Kilpela, L. S., Ogubuike, V., et al. (2023). Fat talk, old talk, or both? Association of negative body talk with mental health, body dissatisfaction, and quality of life in men and women. Journal of Eating Disorders 11(77). doi:10.1186/s40337-023-00803-1

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The gunman who opened fire at a Dallas-area outlet mall, killing eight people and wounding several others, was forced out of the military 15 years ago because of mental health concerns, including his difficulty coping with stressful changes, according to two U.S. officials.

After the gunman, Mauricio Garcia, entered basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in June 2008, Army officials were concerned about his mental health early on and said he also had an adjustment disorder, the officials said. An adjustment disorder is characterized by significant emotional distress and is a common mental health disorder among active duty service members.

Garcia, then 18, was supposed to be training to become an infantry soldier, but he was expelled within three months without completing training, the officials said. He was removed prior to receiving rifle training, according to the officials.

While in the Army, Garcia never communicated a threat publicly or engaged in a crime, and officials say they believed at the time that they didn’t have any requirement to notify authorities about their concerns.

Further details of Garcia’s brief military stint come after the Army said Monday that he had been “terminated” without completing his initial entry training because of a physical or mental condition.

He was never deployed nor did he receive any awards, said Heather Hagan, an Army spokeswoman.

“We do not provide characterization of discharge for any soldier,” she added.

What motivated Garcia, 33, to bring multiple weapons, including an AR-15-style rifle and a handgun, to Allen Premium Outlets in Allen on Saturday afternoon and indiscriminately shoot at shoppers remains under investigation. Among those killed during the roughly four-minute rampage were a 3-year-old boy and his parents.

At a news conference Tuesday, federal and state officials said the shooter had no criminal history and was able to legally purchase the eight firearms that were recovered from the scene. Officials were running background checks on the weapons to determine if they had been used in other crimes.

Hank Sibley, a regional director at the Texas Department of Public Safety, said that investigators are looking into Garcia’s separation from the military and that information about his “fitness for duty” would be forthcoming. Sibley added that Garcia had been working as a licensed security guard for several firms, but was not recently active.

Garcia’s apparent mental health struggles and extremist beliefs were shared on the Russian social networking site OK.ru, which he had been using to document his life. The posts did not have any likes and were not shared by other users.

In the weeks before the attack, Garcia posted more than two dozen photos of Allen Premium Outlets and surrounding areas, including several screenshots of Google location information, seemingly monitoring the mall at its busiest times.

Sibley said the shooter had targeted the mall, but not any specific type of person based on who was killed.

The social media site is part of what investigators are looking at, a senior law enforcement source has said.

Federal, state and local law enforcement officials are also analyzing evidence seized at two locations in Dallas: Garcia’s family’s home in a northeast neighborhood and a hotel north of downtown where he had been staying.

Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were tracing at least four weapons found at the scene, a law enforcement source said, including five weapons found in his vehicle.

Electronic receipts posted on the shooter’s social media account appear to show he spent more than $3,200 on three types of firearms last June through a Dallas gun distributor.

The evidence that has been gathered suggests the shooter subscribed to a “mishmash” of ideologies, said a law enforcement official familiar with details of the investigation. But the official cautioned it may take weeks or months for agents to analyze the information to gain a more complete picture of his ideology.

An officer killed Garcia at the scene. Officials said he was wearing a patch on his chest with the initials “rwds,” which stands for “Right Wing Death Squad,” a popular meme among far-right extremist groups.

On social media, Garcia’s account included a photo of himself in a flak vest with an “rwds” patch and another post with a series of shirtless pictures showing visible white power tattoos, including SS lightning bolts and a swastika.

Other posts included hate-filled rants against Jews, women and racial minorities, and referred to extremist online forums, such as 4chan, and content from white nationalists, including white nationalist provocateur Nick Fuentes.

In a final post, dated Saturday, the day of the shooting, Garcia lamented what his family might say and wrote that no psychologist would have been able to fix him.

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The City of Lakewood’s Division of Human Services is doing something unique for the Lakewood community. Starting May 13th, the City will be sponsoring an education and support group program for parents, spouses, other family members and significant others who are concerned about a loved one’s abuse or addictive use of alcohol or other drugs. With funds made available to the City of Lakewood from the Opioid Settlement, the Department of Human Services and City Administration made a strategic decision to make this program available to the residents of Lakewood and others who could benefit from it.

The weekly program offers education covering a variety of helpful topics, followed by a facilitator-led self-help support group. Created over 20 years ago by Jim Joyner, a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor and Clinical Supervisor, who has worked over 50 years in the addictions field, the program was designed to help family members and significant others who are concerned with a loved one’s use, misuse or addictive use of alcohol or other drugs.

Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that there are 46.3 million Americans 12 and older who had a substance use disorder in the past year. This would suggest that at least half of the families in America are impacted by a loved one’s addiction related behaviors. Addiction not only impacts the person who suffers from substance use disorder, but also their family members and significant others. Because of the stigma surrounding addiction, many family members and loved ones are silent about their own suffering, anxiety, and depression over the illness of their loved ones. Thoughts like, “it can’t happen in my family” or “it’s just a phase they’re going through” can and do fuel years of denial, during which time overwhelming emotional and financial difficulties take their toll on the family members.

Jim Joyner has conducted several in-person sessions in the Cleveland area – (Elyria, Lorain, Cleveland Heights, Bay Village, Mentor). I began to attend one of these support groups in August of 2019 when one of my loved ones was undergoing treatment at Stella Maris. Family members and friends were encouraged by Stella Maris staff to attend the support group to learn more about how to help their loved ones undergoing treatment for their addiction. My first meetings with the group were, for me, an unforgettable experience. I was petrified by what I learned at the meetings, while at the same time relieved to discover that a) this was a disease of the brain, not a fatal flaw in the personality of my loved one that I somehow may have contributed to; b) I was not alone in my experience; and most importantly, c) there was help for us loved ones who did not have the disease but were so terribly damaged by it.

Around me at the meeting were many other people who also had concerns about their loved ones’ use of alcohol, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, or other drugs. Folks who had been attending the meetings regularly spoke openly about their own experiences, without making excuses for their loved ones or speaking unkindly about their behaviors. They were here because their own despair and frustrations had been recognized and were being addressed by the program.

Just listening to Jim Joyner’s clear description of the science behind the disease, how it progresses, the changes that occur in the persons who suffer from it, the effect that the disease has on each member of the patient’s family was as enlightening as it was relieving and comforting. I had seen many of the behaviors Jim described in my loved one; I had done many of the “enabling” things which I had thought I could do to stop the bizarre effects of the drug on my loved one, but which were, in fact, the natural progress of the disease. I too had been in anguish, I too had felt the utter despair and stomach-gripping fear that I may hear my loved one has committed some terrible crime, or worse, my loved one is dead because of an overdose!

After the education component of each session, Jim begins the “support” portion of the meeting, where he facilitates group discussion which relates to the educational piece he just covered. During those first support group sessions I attended, I learned that others had experienced many of the things I had. After my first few meetings, I worked up the courage to speak of my own experiences and ask for advice from my group. Their sometimes-raw descriptions of their own experiences helped me see exactly how addiction can ravage a person, resonating with my own experience with my loved one. I was not alone in feeling frightened and bewildered; but I also saw people who had begun to overcome their fears, find answers to their confusion and despair.

The ME/WE Family Education and Support Program is a series of 12 sessions which a group participant can attend as many times as he/she wishes to attend. The sessions are weekly and continuous, starting over at session 1 when the series of 12 is completed. Participants can join at any time in the cycle. Jim encourages participants to at least go through one complete cycle, and gently urges us to stick with the program – ”Attend till the miracle happens,” he says. And the miracle does indeed happen! I myself have experienced it not only in my own life and the life of my loved one who is now in recovery but have witnessed it happen to numerous fellow participants in my group. For me, it felt as though I had come out of a long and terrible nightmare. I had slowly begun to retrieve myself from what was almost an obsession with what was happening to my loved one; retrieving and regaining myself to be able to sleep better, live better, grow!

When COVID hit, Jim had to revert to online meetings of the group through Zoom. To his and everyone’s amazement, the ME/WE Education & Support Group program’s impact literally exploded! The Zoom meetings turned out to be both convenient and easily accessible. After almost 3 years, Jim now has Zoom sessions three times a week. Family members have joined from across the country – today there are participants from 33 states attending at least one of the offered sessions. Some folks attend multiple sessions every week. The meeting has become an important part of my own weekly mental health management routine.

Thanks to the City of Lakewood’s decision to sponsor this program through a portion of the Opioid Settlement funds, our very own Support Group will begin meeting here at the Cove Community Center on Saturday mornings in May 2023. Participation is free, but registration via phone is required. For more details about the program and ways to register for the meetings, please see the ad in this issue of The Observer or visit the City of Lakewood’s website or social media pages.

The meeting in Lakewood will be a hybrid version – both in-person and via Zoom. It is open to anyone in the community. If you are someone who has concerns about a family member’s use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs, or have felt isolated in your feelings of helplessness, fear, anxiety and despair, this group may be what you need! The group is “anonymous” in that only first names are used; proceedings, conversations and discussions at the meetings are confidential.

What distinguishes this support group from other family or individual support groups is the education component. Learning more about your loved one’s disease and the advances in scientific approaches to understanding and treating addiction help to begin the healing that needs to occur within the family as well. Separating yourself from your loved one’s disease, understanding that the disease is not your “fault”, or yours to “fix” or “fight”, brings the kind of relief and stabilizing that is needed to begin the healing of your own “dis-ease” that has built over the years of struggling with the repercussions of living with and loving someone with this disease.

After almost four years of attending the ME/WE Family Education and Support Group, I am convinced that healing my mental, emotional, and spiritual self was needed before I could be of any real support or help to anyone else. I believe that this healthy approach to my own anxiety and depression indirectly supported my loved one’s path to healing and recovery. I am renewed and hopeful. I know more about addiction, but I also know that this new knowledge bolstered by the human connection through the support and love of others who have shared your pain can result in healing and hope.

Chitra Walker is retired and has been a Lakewood resident for over 20 years.

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If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.

Lindsay Clancy’s husband confided in a family friend about his wife’s mental health struggles and expressed concerns that she was suffering withdrawal from an anxiety prescription a month before she allegedly killed their three children and then attempted suicide.

Clancy, a 32-year-old nurse, allegedly used exercise ropes to strangle and kill her three children – Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 7 months – before she cut her own wrists and neck and jumped from the bedroom window of her Duxbury, Massachusetts, home on Jan. 24.

Tuesday’s court appearance was rescheduled for July 25, and Clancy was transferred to Tewksbury Hospital, according to court records. 

Her lawyer, Kevin Reddington, revealed during her Feb. 7 arraignment that she is paralyzed from the waist down. He declined comment on Tuesday but told Fox News Digital that he plans to file a motion to change the venue if the case reaches superior court.

LINDSAY CLANCY’S HUSBAND ‘BEGGED KIDS TO BREATHE’ AFTER MA MOM ALLEGEDLY ‘HEARD VOICES’ TO KILL THEM

Lindsay Clancy is shown with two of her three children in this undated photo. (Lindsay Marie Clancy / Facebook)

At this point, the case is in Plymouth District Court, where Clancy was arraigned from her hospital bed via Zoom and seen wearing a neck brace and facemask. Felony cases go to superior court in Massachusetts after a grand jury indictment.

Clancy and her husband, Patrick, had dinner with their friends on Jan. 22 – two days before the incident – and Lindsay “seemed fairly normal, mostly quiet while on her phone and keeping to herself,” their friend told authorities, according to court records obtained by Fox News Digital.

TIMELINE OF LINDSAY CLANCY CASE

The friend was “actually surprised she was there due to Pat’s statements about her health, and [the family friend] didn’t know she was coming that night,” the court document says.

It was the first time they saw Clancy “in a couple months.”

Lindsay Clancy holds her youngest child, Callan, who was only 7 months old when he died. (Lindsay Marie Clancy / Facebook)

Patrick has been friends with the couple since college, and both families sent their children to the same day care. 

Over the month and a half before the incident, the documents note, Patrick told his friends that Lindsay was prescribed more medication, and he was concerned that she was suffering from withdraws from benzodiazepines, a medication prescribed for anxiety, court records say. 

MASSACHUSETTS MOM LINDSAY CLANCY’S 911 DISPATCH REVEALS FRANTIC FIRST RESPONDERS

He said Lindsay “had the worst side effects possible.”

During a morning day care drop-off, “Pat looked as though he was having a rough morning” and opened up to his friend’s wife, court documents say.

LISTEN TO FRANTIC 911 DISPATCH:

On Jan. 5, Patrick texted her about his concern regarding Lindsay’s treatment and medication and noted that he felt Lindsay “was prescribed too many medications,” according to court records, which did not include the message exchanges.

Clancy’s defense team has suggested that Lindsay, now charged with murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon and strangulation for the deaths of each of her three children, was being mishandled by a “flawed” mental health care system and that her medication had turned her into a “zombie.”

MASSACHUSETTS CLANCY KILLINGS: MOTHERS’ MURDERS ‘UNLIKE ANY OTHER TYPE OF HOMICIDE,’ ANDREA YATES’ LAWYER SAYS

Reddington detailed how many different medications she was prescribed in a short amount of time, how often the drugs were changed or the dosages were altered, and said she checked herself in for psychiatric help because she had suicidal thoughts.

Patrick did not tell his friends that he feared his wife would hurt herself, according to court documents.

Lindsay Clancy’s three children, 5-year-old Cora, 3-year-old Dawson and 7-month-old Callan, died on Jan. 24, 2023. (Lindsay Marie Clancy / Facebook)

Meanwhile, prosecutors have portrayed Lindsay’s alleged actions as premeditated murder, presenting evidence of Google searches, and argued she purposely sent her husband out of the house and timed how long she had. 

“The defendant did not take advantage of the situation when her husband left the home that night, she created it,” Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague said during Clancy’s Feb. 7 arraignment.

PHOTOS SHOW TOYS STILL COVER CLANCYS’ BACKYARD WEEKS AFTER KIDS WERE KILLED

Patrick had been gone less than 30 minutes to run a couple errands for his wife that evening, and he came home to a strange silence.

He ultimately found his wife in their backyard following her suicide attempt and asked where the kids were. She replied that they were “in the basement,” Sprague said.

A view of the yard and toys outside the home of Patrick and Lindsay Clancy in Duxbury, Massachusetts, on Feb. 15, 2023. (David McGlynn for Fox News Digital)

First responders heard his screams when he found his three young children in the basement, according to detailed court documents.

The incident shook the suburban seaside community, including the first responders who found the young children and tended to Clancy.

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Patrick Clancy has kept out of the media spotlight except for a Jan. 28 statement on a GoFundMe page in which he said he had forgiven his wife and wants everyone else to do the same.

“The real Lindsay was generously loving and caring towards everyone — me, our kids, family, friends, and her patients,” he wrote. “The very fibers of her soul are loving. All I wish for her now is that she can somehow find peace.”

Chris Eberhart is a crime and US news journalist for Fox News Digital. Email tips to chris.eberhart@fox.com or on twitter @ChrisEberhart48

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Sixth mental health survey since April 2020 shows differing perceptions between Americans and their physicians

WOONSOCKET, R.I., May 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A recent CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS)/Harris Poll survey found that young adults and physicians continue to see the country struggling with mental health, but most Americans aren’t seeking care.

CVS Health study explores changing attitudes toward mental health

• Six in 10 (60%) respondents aged 18-32 say they are concerned about their mental health, and two thirds (67%) say they know a lot of people in their community that are struggling with mental health issues.
• Most physicians (56%) also report declining mental health among their patients.
• However, only 1 in 10 (12%) Americans regularly see a mental health professional like a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychotherapist, or well-being therapist.

“There continues to be a need for accessible mental health care, which is why we are expanding in-person and virtual mental health services at select MinuteClinic® locations across the U.S.,” said Cara McNulty, President, Behavioral Health and Mental Well-being, CVS Health. “These services have already proven to have an impact since launching in 2021, with approximately 80% of patients reporting a reduction in their depression symptoms.”

Older Americans believe we need to take mental health more seriously, but aren’t concerned about social media

The survey also found that generations have different views of how to access mental health care.

• Ninety-five percent of respondents age 57+ agreed that mental health and illnesses should be taken more seriously by society, compared to 8 in 10 respondents aged 18-32 (83%).
• About six in 10 (58%) respondents aged 18-32 report that social media has negatively impacted their mental health, compared to just 22% of respondents age 57+.
• A higher number of respondents aged 33-40 believe in using technology to access care, with 85% agreeing that digital health services have made mental health more accessible.

CVS Health actions to promote mental health and expand care

CVS Health continues to expand access to in-person and virtual mental health services and create consumer-friendly materials to provide individuals with mental health resources and education:

• Depression screenings are available in more than 1,100 MinuteClinic locations across the U.S.
• In select MinuteClinic® locations consumers have access to in-person and virtual mental health services, including cognitive behavioral therapy.
• Project Health has expanded its program to offer depression screenings at all events this year.
• CVS Health offers a number of mental health resources and guides on CVSHealth.com, including a resource center around different populations – from the LGBTQ+ community to young adults to parents and caregivers – and their unique mental health needs.
• As part of the Beauty Mark initiative, CVS Health promotes healthier self-image and positive mental well-being by not materially altering the beauty imagery created for stores, marketing materials, websites, apps or social media. As it celebrates Beauty Mark’s fifth anniversary, CVS Pharmacy is committed to continue working closely with vendors, partners, and the wider industry to expand on its promise to meet the evolving needs of its consumers.

Methodology  

This poll was conducted between March 7 – March 24, 2023, among a national sample of 3,400 people over the age of 18, physicians and pharmacists. The interviews were conducted online, and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of people over the age of 18, physicians and pharmacists based on gender, educational attainment, age, race, and region. Populations measured include: Gen Z/Young Millennials (18-32 years), Older Millennials (33-40), GenX (41-56) and Boomer+ (57+ years of age). Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

About CVS Health
CVS Health® is the leading health solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach more people and improve the health of communities across America through our local presence, digital channels and over 300,000 dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever people need us, we help them with their health – whether that’s managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their medications or accessing affordable health and wellness services in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health care system – and their personal health care – by improving access, lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day. Follow @CVSHealth on social media.

Media Contacts

Ethan Slavin
[email protected] 

Doug Feingold
[email protected]

SOURCE CVS Health

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