Nicasa News

Instead of stressing yourself out about holiday gifting, how about doing some holiday volunteering?   Volunteering has been proven to improve mood and mental health.

December Mental Health Fact Sheet Parents

• If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please know that the 1 (800) GAMBLER help-line is also available 24/7, with live operators to provide information and support for problem gamblers and their families. 1(800) GAMBLER, or 1(800) 426-2537.
• You might have noticed a lot of “Slots Here” and “Video Poker” signs in your community. You might have even tried your hand at some of these games. Most people who gamble, including on video gaming machines, do so without significant consequences. Because some people who play, do run into problems though, Lake County has engaged in a community-wide campaign to help those adversely affected by gambling. This effort includes free presentations to any community group or organization about problem gambling, training for establishments with video gaming terminals, free gambling counseling, counseling in other areas, such as substance abuse and mental health, telepsychiatry, and assistance securing transitional housing. A complete list of agencies providing free services as part of this community-wide effort is listed below.
• Some tips for playing responsibly are:
  • Playing only if it’s fun, and accept losing as part of the game
  • Playing only with what you can afford to lose, never borrowing money to gamble with, or using money needed for bills or other expenses
  • Setting a time and dollar limit, and sticking to it
  • Avoiding gambling when feeling distressed, and not letting gambling interfere with relationships, work, or school
  • Knowing the signs of a gambling problem, and getting help if you recognize any of these
• Some signs that someone’s gambling is getting out of control are:
  • Getting behind on bills, having to borrow money, taking out cash advances on credit cards or getting paycheck loans, due to gambling
  • Needing to increase the amount you bet to feel the same excitement
  • Feeling the need to go back another day to win back what you’ve lost. This is called “chasing losses.”
  • Lying to others about the extent of your gambling.
  • Gambling to escape personal problems.
  • Trying to cut back or quit, only to find you are unable.
  • Feeling anxious or restless when cutting back or quitting.
  • Getting preoccupied with gambling, reliving past wins, or fantasizing about future play
  • Finding that gambling negatively affects your relationships, job, schooling, or other important life areas

With after school programs, presentations, health fairs, monthly Teen Court sessions, juror training, and grant compliance, Prevention has been very busy! (more…)

Nicasa’s Bridge House Block Party held on September 23rd was a wonderful success! (more…)