Eskenazi Health combats stigma associated with mental health by providing help

Indianapolis, Indiana – Local health advocates want Hoosiers to know they are not alone in their efforts to help more people in central Indiana manage their mental health.

In addition to the Marion County Assessment and Intervention Center being accessible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there is a nationwide crisis hotline number.

The Eskenazi Mental Health Center and the Indianapolis Department of Health and Public Safety work together to create the AIC.

Part of the Criminal Justice Center, the 60-bed facility is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to all Marion County citizens. The AIC staff will move swiftly to provide assistance to individuals in need.

In Indiana, Eskenazi Health is fighting the stigma associated with mental health and mental illness.

“I think over the last four years, depression has increased just as we have all gone through a major pandemic, and a lot of individuals who might notice some changes in themselves might not know that it is depression,” Jennifer Cianelli, licensed mental health counselor and site manager of the Assessment & Intervention Center said.

According to Cianelli, depression can be an enduring state of melancholy, hopelessness, and/or lack of motivation.

“There are lots of things that can factor into depression. A lot of it can be external stress; stress from work, maybe not performing to an individual’s own expectations, or it could be financial loss, loss of a loved one or loss of a boyfriend or girlfriend…a breakup. Lots of things play into depression. There is also a genetic component to depression,” Cianelli said.

According to Cianelli, some people develop coping mechanisms and resilience throughout time to assist them deal with difficult situations.

Maintaining oneself is essential to battling depression. Taking the time to do things that enhance your quality of life and your physical and mental well-being is known as self-care. These can be things like eating well, exercising frequently, emphasizing the positive, and being grateful.

Dial 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Helpline for immediate assistance. For AIC recommendations, please contact 317-327-8733.