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A Quarterly Newsletter from NJ MentalHealthCares                 Summer 2016
The NJMentalHealthCares Helpline helps individuals, families and communities identify, understand and effectively navigate programs that comprise the behavioral health and human services delivery systems. Built upon the philosophy of an individual's capacity for self-reliance and self-determination through advocacy, affirmation, education, NJMentalHealthCares has exemplified a commitment to service, community and integrity.
The Healing Power of Nature
mountain-trees-sm.jpg
Healthcare practitioners employ an array of modalities in the treatment of physical and mental health disorders. Medication management, therapy, exercise and other lifestyle changes are regularly recommended.  Often overlooked is an inexpensive option for the maintenance of good physical and mental health: nature. There is now a significant body of evidence supporting the mental health benefits of outdoor immersion.

"Green therapy" known as ecotherapy, has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression.  In the early 1980's, the forest agency of Japan encouraged people to walk in the woods for better health. Known as "forest bathing" or  shinrin-yoku, the practice was believed to lower stress.   Yoshifumi Miyazaki, researcher at Chiba University in Japan, found significantly lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in people who spent 40 minutes daily walking in the woods compared to those spending 40 minutes walking in a lab.

Click here to read more.
Highlights of September

SAMHSA's 
National 
Recovery Month
Each September, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) observes National Recovery Month, providing informational resources to the public and highlighting the successes and challenges of people with mental health or substance use disorders. Print, Web, television, radio and social media tools are available for those in need of services and their families.  Click here for additional information. 

National Suicide Prevention Week,
September 5 - 11, 2016 
Did you know?

--Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States with one suicide occurring on average every 12.3 minutes. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds. 

--The elderly make up 14.5% of the population, but comprise 18% of all suicides. 

--Approximately 1,069,325 Americans attempt suicide each year. 

--An estimated 4.8 million Americans are survivors of suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one.

                  (Source: American Association of Suicidology)

 
Join us 
for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey's 
9th Annual Walk for Wellness and Recovery 
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey's Walk for Wellness and Recovery in partnership with Monarch Housing Associates and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey is scheduled for October 15 at Nomahegan Park in Cranford. Join us for a day focused on emotional well-being with lots of fun for the whole family. Click here for more information and to register.
 
   NJMHC Phone
Call Center Statistics
April 1, 2016
through
June 30, 2016

Total Calls: 3,729

Most Requested:
Behavioral Health 
Services -- 97%

The MHANJ's NJ Connect for Recovery Call Line was established to support two distinct groups across the state of New Jersey: those concerned with their own opiate use; and, those who are experiencing distress related to the opiate use of a friend or family member. 
PRW
The MHANJ's Peer Recovery WarmLine (PRW) )is a peer-run service providing ongoing telephone support to mental health consumers as they work towards their recovery. All calls are answered by peers who are trained, supportive mental health consumers. 
Mental Health Resources

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