Fight the Statistic: Find a Therapist

(San Diego - October 19, 2009) - As more Californians experience "Furlough Friday," voluntary pay cuts and forced retirement, the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) encourages you to find a therapist to cope with the mental health impact of the economic downturn.

A new survey conducted by Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that individuals experiencing a forced change in employment are two times as likely to report symptoms consistent with severe mental illness than others.

In fact, Americans are more likely to eat (28%), smoke (14%), shop (15%) or watch TV (36%) than see a therapist as a stress management technique.

A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist can help you face mental health strains head-on. Talk therapy is a proven, effective treatment for many mental health issues.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms following a forced job change or as a result of other life stresses, you should consider talking to a Marriage and Family Therapist:

1. You feel angry. Are you in frequent arguments, avoiding your partner when feel threatened, afraid, angry or confused about the relationship?
   
   
2. You feel alone. Are you having difficulty identifying with your partner, children or friend?
   
   
3. You feel hopeless. Are you having a difficult time finding enjoyment in activities you normally find amusing? Do you feel like you can't do anything right?
   
   
4. You are turning to alcohol or drugs. Are you consuming alcohol or drugs to deal with life's challenges?

To find a licensed California-based marriage and family therapist in your area, visit www.CounselingCalifornia.com, a free service offered by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

About CAMFT
The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) is a professional organization representing the state's leading licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. CAMFT provides CounselingCalifornia.com as a resource for individuals looking for marriage and family therapists located in California. Marriage and Family Therapists treat a range of issues including depression, anxiety, phobias/fears, elder and child issues, relationship issues, post-traumatic stress and severe mental illness. For more information, visit www.camft.org or www.CounselingCalifornia.com.

Media Contact: Amber Albrecht
Porter Novelli
Phone: (619) 687-7015 or (949) 500-2535
E-mail: amber.albrecht@porternovelli.com