Offering Healing, Wholeness and Hope to Those in Need and Educating Others for This Service    May 2015

 

1814 Clairmont Rd  ·  Decatur GA  · 30033  · 404.636.1457 ·  www.cccgeorgia.org

 

MENTAL HEALTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE

 

  

The proliferation of online technology is changing nearly everything about how we live.  From a mental health perspective, some scientists are exploring how online usage may be changing our brains, while others are leveraging the internet to enhance delivery of mental health services.   We hope you enjoy this 360 degree view of mental health in the digital age.   

 

 

HOW ONLINE USAGE IMPACTS THE BRAIN

 

 

 

Does online usage improve our brain function, or does screen time hamper our mental faculties?   The emerging research suggests that far from an either/or proposition, in actual fact both things may be true. 

 

A Mobile Mindset study reveals we are attached to our devices to a disturbing degree, and explores the impact of this fixation on our ability to mindfully inhabit the present moment. 

 

According to the Huffington Post, extended use of the internet, particularly for gaming, may cause addiction, as indicated by physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when gaming is suspended for a single day. These findings are backed by neuro-images that show changes in brain structure and function.   

 

Even those who are not addicted to digital life may suffer from "sensory overload, lack of restorative sleep, and a hyper-aroused nervous system," according to child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Victoria Dunckley. Stanford News reports that information overload associated with online multi-tasking may diminish our ability to filter important information and negatively impact memory function.

 

On the other hand, a recent study of college students shows that while they might not recall actual information, they can recall where to find that information online; thus, the internet may be morphing into external memory storage for the human brain.  Additionally, numerous studies have demonstrated that kids in households with computers perform better academically than those in households without computers.  Finally, digital "natives" (those who grew up online), especially those who play action video games, may be better able to make snap decisions.

 

 

What conclusions can we draw from these fascinating yet somewhat conflicting reports?   Scientific evidence will continue to emerge, but in the meantime our personal experiences of online overload (feeling over-stimulated, feeling emotionally shutdown, etc.) may be helpful in guiding our screen time.   If you or someone you know is experiencing irritability, diminished ability to focus, difficulty with sleeping/eating, or relationship problems related to online usage, a CCCG counselor can help.

  

 


  

ONLINE ASSISTS FOR MENTAL HEALTH 

  

Need a mental health boost?   With these free apps, support is right at your fingertips.

  

 

GPS for the Soul - A mindfulness app that harnesses the power of music, images and words to reduce stress and bring you into the present moment.

  

 



iSleep Easy - This app includes 
affirmations and breath
practices to promote onset of sleep.
 
 
 
   
T2 Mood Tracker - Designed for military veterans but available to all.  Track your anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms over time.
 
  

 
Moody Me - This emoticon-based mood tracker is friendly and ingeniously simple.

  

 

 

PTSD Coach - Use this app to learn about trauma, manage symptoms, and find support.

 

 

 

 

Try these blogs for additional self-help and self-improvement content:

  • Pick the Brain - Engaging content regarding productivity, motivation, psychology and philosophy.
  • A Splintered Mind - One blogger's journey to overcome AD/HD and depression.
  • Postpartum Progress - An award-winning peer-to-peer site on overcoming post- partum depression and other mental illnesses related to child birth. 
  • Depression on My Mind - A journalist blogs about living with "alcoholism, depression and bipolar" disorders.  

 

 

CCCG LAUNCHES NEW EMR 

 

  

CCCG recently migrated to a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system with the goals of expanding online services and improving work-flow for clients, therapists, and the organization as a whole.   We're pleased to report some early successes.

 

For example, new clients can fill out intake paperwork online via our secure client portal prior to their initial session.  Clients are also enjoying automated appointment reminders and online viewing of billing statements.  The system has fostered faster appointment check-ins, which seems to be popular with clients at our Clairmont location.

 

Therapists are benefiting from reduced pre-appointment administration, enhanced online note-taking functionality, and improved ability to track changes in client symptoms via online screeners.

 

At the organizational level, CCCG will be able to use this new software to measure therapeutic outcomes, which in turn will help us enhance the feedback from clients and in turn, the effectiveness of our services.

 

Stay tuned for more improvements as we tap into all of the possibilities of our new EMR system.

 

 

Contact  Us Today 

(404) 636-1457

 www.cccgeorgia.org 

 

When faced with daily life challenges, it can be hard to distinguish a real problem from a normal struggle everyone faces at some point. In either case, working with a professional counselor can be a positive, healthful experience.

 

If you or a loved one are dealing with issues that might benefit from speaking with a counselor, please contact us to schedule an appointment. 

 

And join our growing Facebook and Twitter Community. Get tips on mental health, wellness,
 new groups and workshops, and some positive inspiration.


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Giving back  

couldn't be easier!  

 

Register your Kroger card and a % goes to CCCG every time you shop.  

 

 

 

 You can also use Amazon Smiles to shop on Amazon.  Just using this link will make a big difference to CCCG, but is the same great site for you.      

 

 

 

 

Buy Stuff.
  Do Good.  
 Feel Great.
 

 ou got this! 

 

 

 
In This Issue
Mental Health in the Digital Age
CCCG Launches New EMR
Contact us today
Team CCCG Runs the Peachtree
CEU Workshop for Professionals
eChaplaincy

 

Team CCCG Runs The Peachtree


 

    

Click here to register as a CCCG Team Runner or a start a cheerleading fundraising page to raise funds for mental health care.

Contact Leanne Rubenstein at Lrubenstein@cccgeorgia.org or 404.636.1457 x 463 with any questions. 

 Professionals can now register for our upcoming CEU workshop.

 

 eCHAPLAINCY
 

  

  

Therapy isn't the only helping field impacted by the digital age.   Chaplains are also leveraging various online mediums to deliver much-needed services.

 

Can't Believe I Have Cancer provides spiritual support for patients diagnosed with cancer and their friends/family.  eChaplaincy can be especially helpful for those who do not have access to spiritual leaders or chaplains, those who are bed-ridden, or those wishing for anonymity.

 

Many families are creating their own online care networks using services such as CaringBridge.   These forums are efficient ways to share health updates with friends and family while receiving messages of care, encouragement and support.  Some of these sites also assist with coordination of help.   Finally, the New York Times reports that folks of all faith traditions are using online forums to create virtual communities of mourning when a loved one dies.   These services enable friends and family to "gather" online for love and support when contemporary life finds them spread across the globe.  

 

While there is no substitute for the healing presence of a chaplain and the in-person support of loved ones, these online options extend care possibilities to those who otherwise would not be served.


 

 CCCG cannot do this work without YOUR support.   


 

Waht i

 

Question: Can you change a life for the better? 

 

Answer: Absolutely!  For as little as $10 a month, you can make a difference.  Donate now to provide counseling for children, teens, and adults.  Your help provides support for families and individuals in times of need regardless of ability to pay.

What i

 

   

 

 

 Make a donation in honor of a friend or family member and we'll send them a card acknowledging your thoughtfulness.  

   

Thank you for your generous support! 

 

  

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Taking care of yourself is critical for a healthy
life and family.

 
CCCG offers ongoing workshops that can help with self-growth and self-care.  You don't have to do it alone.  Here are some of our upcoming workshops:

Free Weekly Grief Support Group at Oak Grove UMC - 
 A group for individuals who have experienced loss and are looking for a community of support. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm.  $Free.  Contact Stephanie Foxman at Sfoxman@cccgeorgia.org or 404.636.1457 x 421.

 Adult Survivors of Child Abuse Support Group - At Oak Grove United Methodist Church with Robin Kirkpatrick, Thursdays 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm - $Free.

New series of DBT Mindfulness Groups - with Becky Anne. Contact ranne@cccgeorgia.org or 404.636.1457 x 420 for more information.

Understanding More About Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Relapse Prevention Psychoeducational Group  -
In Decatur, Tuesdays 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm - $45 per group session.

  

Premarital Workshop - At The Cathedral of St. Philip (Atlanta) with Doyle Hamilton - upcoming dates include June 13th, July 11th, August 8th, September 12th, October 17th, November 21st & December 5th,2015. $150 per couple. 

Click here for a complete listing of all CCCG groups and workshops.

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Care and Counseling Center  

of Georgia  

 

 

 

HEALING- CCCG Chaplains meet the needs of people who experience crisis, loss or pain in several of the metro Atlanta hospitals, hospices, and prisons.

 

HOPE - CCCG Counselors and residents with an integration of sound clinical practice and deep understanding and respect for the sacred self are trained and serve those of every age,
gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity and ethnic background.  CCCG works with the community to raise funds which allow us to make our services affordable to all.   

 

EDUCATION - CCCG educates resident counselors and chaplains to serve in places where lives are falling between the cracks and trains them to help bring healing and hope in to those in need.

 

For more Information go to www.cccgeorgia.org