Behavioral Counseling Center
Working together, the HHC BHN offers inpatient and outpatient services and everything in between, in a variety of settings, for children, adolescents and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues.
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Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder results in extreme swings in mood, energy, and ability to function. The mood changes of bipolar disorder are more dramatic than normal ups and downs. They can hurt relationships and cause poor job or school performance. Bipolar disorder can be treated. Contact your doctor if you think you may have this condition.
The two extremes of the illness are mania and depression. In mania, energy peaks. The mood may be overly happy or irritable. In depression, lethargy takes over. The mood may be very blue.
The cause of bipolar disorder is not known. This condition tends to run in families. Specific genes may play a role. It is most likely many different genes that act together.
Depression
Depression is a mental illness marked by feelings of profound sadness and lack of interest in activities. Depression is not the same as a blue mood. It is a persistent low mood that interferes with the ability to function and appreciate things in life. It may cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. It can last for weeks, months, or years. People with depression rarely recover without treatment.
- Depression cuts across gender, race, and ethnicity.
- A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood.
- It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away.
- People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better.
- Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
- Treatment can help most people who suffer from depression.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes chronic, exaggerated worrying and anxiety about everyday life. Everyone worries at times, but people with GAD can never relax and usually anticipate the worst. The intensity and pervasiveness of their worry interferes with normal functioning at school, work, and in their relationships. The worrying is often not related to anything in particular. Instead, each day provokes tension and anxiety.
People with GAD often worry excessively about health, family, work, or money. The worry is so severe that it interferes with their ability to live their lives. The anxiety can also progress to the point where people "worry about worrying." GAD usually starts in childhood or adolescence, but can also start in early adulthood. It is not unusual for GAD to start after age 20.
Hispanic Counseling Center
The Hispanic Counseling Center at The Hospital of Central Connecticut offers a variety of outpatient services to clients who are either monolingual or prefer to receive treatment in Spanish.
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Post-Traumatic Stress
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that develops after a traumatic event. PTSD has also been called shell shock or battle fatigue. Situations in which a person feels intense fear, helplessness, or horror are considered traumatic.
VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) Program
The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Program at The Hospital of Central Connecticut is an outpatient program that is federally-funded by the Office of Victim Services.
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