Louisiana Spirit and Stay Healthy Louisiana, two programs launched in the wake of last years hurricanes, are working together to draw attention to mental health concerns and offer assistance to those dealing with stress, depression, fatigue and other mental health issues.

For those who wish to talk about their stress or other mental health concerns, Louisiana Spirit is offering a toll-free hotline for crisis counseling, 1-800-273-TALK, or 1-800-273-8255. Individuals in need of help can call 1-800-273-8255 to speak with counselors who can make appropriate referrals for additional counseling and other services.

Louisiana Spirit is not only reaching out to people who experienced trauma during the storms, but to those who experienced the stress of caring for evacuees. Those who served as emergency, hospital or social services staff during the disaster are also receiving help.

Louisiana Spirit provides free crisis counseling services through community outreach, public education, information and referral. The program is funded through grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Louisiana Spirit operates under the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals—Office of Mental Health.

Submitted by Rob Anderson. Filed under Mental Health

Comments

I have spoken to someone with the Crisis Line and was given a phone number for help but I have not gotten an answer or any message stating they were busy or would call back.
Denise Larmeu on May 15th, 2007

I am confused on how a person can be commited for mental health problems. My sons wife loaded up a Uhaul while he was at work and moved out taking most of their possession including all wedding gifts and items that belonged to my wife and I. They live in a mobile home that belongs to us and she took some of our furniture and this mobile home was fully furnished when she moved in and for some reason she believes she can do what she wants and called the police on me when I had her stop until her husband got home. Well the police let her take what was loaded and she has come back three times since and taken more items. I told the police she needed mental help so mow she won't let us see my grandson thatI saw every day before. This girl is using the fact that the local police let her do what she wants and she really needs help. Our local police tell us only she can commit herself. Is that a fact. She will never come to her sences as long as she doesn't get help and my son will have to live with her pulling her power plays. PLEASE RESPOND I would like to get her help before this gets out of hand. John
John Taylor on June 29th, 2007

I would like to know how to go about changing the law, if necessary, to where the children of a mental health mother (bipolar) who did not have the mental/emotional wherewithal to fight for her children when they were young can file for child support or establish paternity even though they are now grown children. My sons, birthdates 02.26.77 (born in Alexandria, Louisiana) and 08.19.73 (born in Jefferson Parish) are now grown men but still feel the hurt and abandonment of their father who has a thriving business in Metarie. One time I went to Metarie when my youngest son was about five years old and tried to file for child support and had a nervous breakdown, they put my sons in the Methodist Children's Home, I took them out as soon as I was better and left Louisiana. I never had the mental/emotional courage or capacity to try to fight their father again. He even tried to play it off that we had a "one night stand" when we lived together for almost seven years and during that time our two sons were born. Now, I am 59 years old and finally "enough" of a sound mind to stand up and fight for my sons. Is it too late to do anything about this situation? The father needs to be held accountable at least to his sons that he is their father ........I am so ashamed now for not having the emotional courage and mental stamina I needed back then to fight for them.....is there any recourse that you can suggest that can help give my sons the respect they deserve in some form that says who they are and who their father is........
Florence Johnson on January 27th, 2008

I think my son(23)is extremely depressed. He is basically bedridden and has not worked for seven months. The local free clinic ran some tests and everything was normal. I feel like he is dying before my eyes. HELP!
k. kennedy on May 26th, 2008

Leave Your Comments

Your Name (required):

Your Email (required, we will not display it)*:

Your URL (optional):


Your Comments:


* We will NOT display or use your email