Well, I won’t back down
No, I won’t back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back down
No, I’ll stand my ground
Won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground
And I won’t back down
Tom Petty’s video for I Won’t Back Down https://youtu.be/nUTXb-ga1fo
This is my last post with a Tom Petty reference. For Now.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health: www.nih.gov there are 4 facts to consider about depression.
Depression is a real illness.
Depression affects people in different ways.
Depression is treatable.
If you have depression, you are not alone.
Depression is treatable. Medication is only one way to address depression. Talk therapy or psychotherapy is another. One form of psychotherapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT can help with changing negative thinking patterns and perceptions in a more helpful, positive realistic way. CBT can assist an individual with recognizing things that might be contributing to depression and change behaviors that may be increasing symptoms of depression.
Talk to your doctor, health care provider or consult a clinician before beginning any medication or therapy. Everyone needs something “to keep this world from draggin‘ me down.” by Wendy Lay, LCSW
TAYLRD (Transition Age Youth Launching Realized Dreams) is a new way to REACH OUT to youth and young adults ages 16-25 who are struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. Peer Specialists who are young people with lived behavioral health experience and are specially trained to support young people with behavioral health issues are the key to engaging these young people in much-needed services and supports.
The hope is that by providing these services and supports in an environment that is engaging to youth and young adults, this will CAPTIVATE their attention, and they will feel a sense of belonging and have a strong voice in their own recovery. The focus is on empowering young people by providing SUPPORT that interests them, such as peer support services, employment, and education supports and career planning, life skills supports, medication supports, support in healthcare navigation, and age-specific and developmentally appropriate behavioral health services. For more information about TAYLRD, go to https://www.taylrd.org/young_people.php
The Zone will be opening a Paducah location in November.
Tom Petty, the musician, died last week. He was my friend and therapist since I was a young adult; his music “spoke what you feel inside.” He was introduced to me by a family friend and I, in turn, shared his music with some of my friends and family. Tom Petty’s music spanned generations and led to a feeling of connectedness among all that loved him. His music influenced many other artists. Despite barriers of childhood abuse and struggles with substance abuse, Tom Petty was able to achieve his dream of music for over 40 years.
Do you have someone creating barriers or helping you overcome them? Do you have a feeling of connectedness and the skills you want to achieve your dreams, both big and small? Do you need a creative outlet and a place to explore your interest?
The Zone is expected to open in early November. The Zone is a safe, drug-free, place where 16-25-year-old young adults can come to explore resources and gain skills needed to achieve their dreams. There will be computers, activities such as video games, karaoke and exercise equipment. There even may be snacks or cooking classes. The Zone hopes to eliminate barriers and provide information and a feeling of connectedness for any transitioned youth who needs.
Blog by Wendy Lay, Director of Children’s Services – Photograph Paul R. Giunta/Getty