Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin visited the Gulf Coast yesterday, in an effort to urge residents to seek help to help deal with the psychological effects of the oil spill.

“I’m here to have a conversation,” said Benjamin of her brief visit, which took place at the Crabs We Got ‘Em restaurant in Pensacola Beach. “Water is part of our lives here, it’s part of us. That’s why the psychological effects of (the oil spill) run so deep.”

Benjamin, who grew up in nearby Daphne, Ala., was joined by a panel of professionals, and warned the crowd to “listen” to neighbors, friends, clients, and acquaintances who may be feeling anxious or depressed as a result of oil spill experiences.

“Some people can bounce back from this, others turn to alcohol, drugs or may be depressed,” she said. “We are here to offer some ways people can have a positive effect on communicating with individuals who may need help.”

For more on this story, check out the July 22 edition of the Navarre Press.