May 2017
Mental Health Association in New Jersey  Celebrates
National Children's Mental Health Day and 
May is Mental Health Month
National Children's  Mental Health Awareness Day
The Mental Health Association in New Jersey joins with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in marking today, May 4, 2017, as National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. 

"Recognizing that there is no health without mental health for all ages, we hope to stress the importance of paying attention to the mental health of our youth and to raise awareness of mental health as a valuable component to a child's development," said Carolyn Beauchamp, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. 

Olympic champions Michael Phelps, the world's most decorated Olympian, and Allison Schmitt, an eight-time Olympic medalist, will serve as Honorary Chairpersons of SAMHSA's National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day (Awareness Day) 2017 national event.  The national event will take place on Thursday, May 4, at 7 p.m. EDT in Washington, DC. SAMHSA will also webcast the event, which will feature interactive panels addressing the following topics:
  • The importance of social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health needs of children, youth, and young adults;
  • Modeling effective communication practices between behavioral health providers, primary care providers, families, and youth; and
  • Addressing the needs of youth with co-occurring chronic illnesses and mental and/or substance use disorders.




Helpful  Resources
 to Clip or Bookmark
and Save

Concerned about mental health? 
It is often hard to determine what types of behavior are true indicators of mental health or substance use issues and behavior that may be considered just regular coping or an off-day. We can help.  For more information or to access an adult or youth mental health or addiction screening, please call the MHANJ's NJ MentalHealthCares Helpline at 866-202-HELP (4357). Our behavior health specialists offer telephone guidance as well as information and referral in a confidential, non-judgmental setting. No question is too small or insignificant. Click here for more information about NJ MentalHealthCares.
Looking for a
self-help 
 support group?
Often it can make a huge difference to speak with others who are going through the same situation. 
The New Jersey Self-Help Group Clearinghouse is a free  statewide service that helps people find or form all types of  support groups. We maintain a database of nearly 8,700 support  group meetings throughout the state including groups for  addictions, mental health, medical issues, abusive relationships,  family concerns, loss of a loved one, disabilities, rare illnesses,  caregivers and other stressful life situations.  Click here for more information or  call 800-367-6274.
better version
Would
peer-to-peer support help?
People who are struggling with their mental health can benefit greatly from speaking with someone else who has "been there."  The Peer Recovery WarmLine i s a peer-run service that provides  ongoing telephone support to people coping with mental health issues as they work toward their recovery.  All calls are answered by peers who have lived experience with their own mental health recovery and are trained in wellness and recovery. They  take the time to  try to get to each caller as a person and how he/she views their world. Click here for more information or call 877-292-5588.







Here are a Few of the
Activities We Have Planned for
Mental Health Month:

5th Annual NBC4/T47 Health and Fitness Expo presented by Quest Diagnostics 
Visit MHANJ's Booth, featuring mental health screening, 
a fun game with giveaways and information.
  May 6 and 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MetLife Stadium,  1 MetLife Stadium Drive,  East Rutherford
(No cost for entrance.)

MHANJ in Atlantic County's  Evening of Wellness
This community-wide celebration and charity auction recognize the work of those who have made an exceptional contribution to the field of mental health/addictions. 
Delicious hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be included.
May 15, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Ram's Head Inn, 9 W. White Horse Pike, Galloway

MHANJ in Ocean County's Open House
Visit MHANJ in Ocean County's new office and learn about all of our Ocean County programming. 
Light refreshments and giveaways will be available.
May 17, 3 to 7 p.m.
MHANJ Office, 25 South Shore Drive, Toms River

Watch for more news 
and information to come!

Mental Health Association in New Jersey | 800-367-8850 | info@mhanj.orgmhanj.org
STAY CONNECTED: