Mental Health is Important to All of Us! - All About Seniors

By Judge Irv CondonMental Health: It can be challenging and critical.If you are dealing with mental health issues, or know someone who is, you are not alone.Help is available.According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 60 million Americansabout one in five adultsexperience mental illness annually.

Mental health issues can exist from mild to severe, such as anxiety and depression.Mental health disorders affect not only your emotions but also your thoughts and physical functions.First, ideally, one would voluntarily seek mental health help by calling their doctor or reaching out to our local mental health center at 843.414.2350.Second, Charleston County Probate Court offers mental health help to all who will not voluntarily get the help they need.

The Commitment Division oversees the involuntary commitment process for individuals needing treatment for mental illness and/or chemical dependency, a process often initiated by a family member or concerned party when our family member refuses to get the help they need.This court-supervised process involves a hearing to determine if the person meets legal criteria for involuntary hospitalization or other treatment, balancing public safety with the individuals rights.For emergencies, call Mobile Crisis at 843.414.2350, which is an emergency services program that will come to your residence and assess the individual who needs assistance.The determination is whether the person is identified as a danger to self or others.

Mobile Crisis contacts the Judge for an Order that authorizes the dignified and expeditious transport of the person to a medical facility to be fully evaluated for proper treatment.Law enforcement is trained to assist the mentally ill through NAMI Crisis Intervention Training, and Judge Condon is a presenter.Treatment instead of jail is the emphasis of these trainings.And for those in the criminal justice system, Judge Condon implemented Mental Health Court.

This court is a specialized problem-solving court that offers an alternative to traditional court processing.This court focuses on connecting defendants to treatment and community support services rather than relying on punishment.The goals are to improve our citizens social functioning and to reduce recidivism.

Citizens adhere to court-supervised, individualized treatment plans developed by a team of mental health professionals and court staff.Incentives and sanctions are used to change behavior, not to punish.Two hundred fifty-six citizens have graduated Mental Health Court.

Judge Condon also started Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court.Our Veterans Treatment Court offers our veterans a comprehensive rehabilitation path to address issues like mental health disorders and substance abuse, as well as other challenges resulting from military service.Veterans work with a multidisciplinary team to receive treatment, mentorship, and supervision in exchange for potential dismissal of criminal charges or a reduced jail sentence.The goal is to improve their lives and reduce the number of repeat offenders.October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month.

If you or a loved one display signs of depression, a mental health professional can diagnose and determine the best course of action.Help is always a phone call away 24/7: Suicide Prevention dial 988Mobile Crisis 843.414.2350MUSC 843.792.9888Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health 843.747.5830For substance misuse, call the Charleston Center at 843.722.0100available 24/7.The Charleston Center, in partnership with FAVOR Lowcountry, just launched Bridge2Hope, a new mobile app designed to connect community members with vital resources for drug and alcohol treatment, recovery, and harm reduction.

Use these resources to find help for yourself, a friend, or a family member.Contact Judge Condon to help you or your family:843.958.5193 office; 843.817.2039 mobile; email [email protected]