"Together we grow a mentally healthy tomorrow."
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Life Under Construction (LUC) #connectwithkindnessLUC
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“My mom has been working long hours at her job, helping coordinate and keep people safe during this time. She has been stressed out and tired so I made her cookies and tea when she got home from work today."
This was a recent post from a
Life Under Construction follower for the
#connectwithkindnessLUC campaign in celebration of
Mental Health Awareness Month. According to Psychology Today, "Kindness can forward the will to live in depressed individuals who feel isolated and different; that is why performing volunteer work is so powerful. When you feel connected with others, you lessen alienation and you enhance the sense that we are more similar than dissimilar in our experiences. Feeling connected melds us together rather than divides us. Kindness is potent in strengthening a sense of community and belonging." To read the full article,
click here.
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NAMI NH's Life Under Construction (LUC) social media platforms provide a place for youth and young adults whose lives are affected by mental health challenges to share ideas, concerns, and questions they have about planning their future. LUC is active on
Facebook,
Instagram and
Twitter. Click
here for a copy of the LUC flyer.
We would love to hear from you about ways you have "connected with kindness" and how it made you feel. Include
#connectwithkindlessLUC and let us know if it is okay to share on LUC.
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Staying at home can be fun!
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Check out these fun activities to do at home from
Terri Clyde, NHFN Grant Oversight Board Member
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Terri Clyde is the newest member to the NHFN Grant Oversight Board but Terri isn't new to volunteering. She has volunteered at the Adult Learning Center in Nashua for 14 years, was the keynote speaker at the first NH Children's Trust Summit, received one of the first Unsung Hero Awards in 2007 and advocated to legislators for both 10 year mental health plans. In addition, Terri lists her full-time position as "caregiver to many."
Along with her many responsibilities, Terri has a fun and creative side. Check out some of her "staying at home can be fun" activities.
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MAKE A CLOUD
Supplies
1.
12 oz size jar
2.
1 cup of boiling water
3.
4 drops of blue food coloring
4.
Aerosol hairspray
5.
3-4 ice cubes
Measure out 1 cup of boiling water. Add food coloring. Carefully pour colored water into jar. Spray hairspray into jar and immediately put the lid on the jar. Place ice cubes on top of lid. Watch the top of the jar, a cloud will begin to form. After the cloud has formed, open the jar and watch the cloud rise out of the jar.
LAVA LAMP SHOW
Supplies
1.
Any glass container.
2.
Vegetable oil
3.
Water
4.
Food coloring (any colors)
5.
Alka-Seltzer tablet
Fill the glass container most of the way with the vegetable oil. Fill the rest of the container with water. Add a few drops of food coloring. Drop in an Alka-Seltzer tablet. Watch the magic happen.
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RESTAURANT/CAFE
Since going out to eat is very limited these days, how about creating one in your home? Together with your child come up with menu items, a list of roles needed to run a restaurant, and who will perform them such as a chef, host/hostess, menu writer, waiter/waitress, etc. You can be as simple or elaborate as you want. But keep in mind the goal is to have a fun, learning and bonding experience for all!
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REMOTE LEARNING ALBUM
2020 is a year no one will forget and it is easy to focus on what we are missing out on. Instead of focusing on what you and your family could not do because of the pandemic, try to highlight the new and the positive. There are many hidden learning opportunities and moments of joy in what we do. Take pictures of activities you've experienced during these different times including working on lessons the school sends home to activities you create to fill the time. Compile the photos into an album. It will be a wonderful keepsake for years to come.
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Congratulations Abby
2020 New Hampshire Youth of the Year
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The New Hampshire Family Network is pleased to share that Abby Forrence, of the Boys & Girls Club of Souhegan Valley, was named the 2020 New Hampshire Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs in New Hampshire! Abby is a true leader and worked hard to educate the youth in her area about mental health. Last year, she participated in the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Youth Summit and then recreated it for students from 4 Souhegan Valley middle schools. Earlier this year, the NHFN was working with Abby to bring the Connect Suicide Prevention Youth Leader training to the Boys & Girls Club to train high school students in the area. Unfortunately, the training had to be put on hold due to the pandemic. Congratulations Abby and the NHFN wishes her the best as she heads off to college this fall!
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NAMI NH's
Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSS) currently support approximately 250 families around the state whose children or youth experience serious emotional and behavioral concerns. The FPSS play a crucial role in New Hampshire's Wraparound Process also known as FAST (Families and Systems Together) Forward. Through their lived experience and extensive certification process, the FPSS help the family and youth understand that, while the road to health may be challenging, it can be successfully navigated.
While families that participate in FAST Forward are eligible based on the significant needs of the child or youth, the goal is to help the whole family. One such example is Melissa and her family. Melissa and her son faced a number of challenges and struggles over the years. With the help of the FAST Forward team and the hard work by Melissa and her son, they are recovering and have hope for the future.
Click the
link
to read the full story.
Check out the
flyer for more information on FAST Forward.
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Resources for Parents & Caregivers
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Please note that all NAMI NH Parent & Caregiver Groups have moved to a virtual format until further notice. For details, go to the
NAMI NH website or contact the facilitator listed below.
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Looking for support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Consider joining our closed, private Facebook group for Parents & Caregivers. Members often provide good advice in a caring and non-judgmental way.
Click
here
for more information.
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NAMI NH Information & Resource Line
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The Information & Resource Line (1-800-242-6264)
is always available for callers to leave a confidential message – a NAMI New Hampshire team member will return your call within 48 business hours Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Callers are connected with, or can leave a message for, one of our trained NAMI NH staff. These individuals can help answer questions and provide specific information on NAMI NH programs and supports. They can also provide contact information for local community and national resources.
Please note: This is not a hotline or a crisis service, but is a phone line for families and individuals affected by mental illness/emotional disorders. For crisis support, go to our website for resources
https://www.naminh.org/resources-2/crisis-lines/.
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Self-Care During the Pandemic
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“Perfectionism and the coronavirus don’t mix,” says David Anderson, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. “It’s time to be exceedingly realistic, both at work and as a parent.” Avoid burnout by setting realistic expectations and giving yourself grace if you can’t meet them. “Practice forgiveness and self-compassion,” says Dr. Anderson. Parents should remind themselves that these are unprecedented times. “There’s no playbook for this. Remember you’re doing your best during a very difficult time. Cut yourself some slack.”
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What can NAMI NH do for you?
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NAMI New Hampshire is a grassroots organization working to improve the quality of life for all by providing support, education and advocacy for people affected by mental illness and suicide.
Comprised of a network of affiliate chapters and support groups, staff and volunteers, NAMI NH provides information, education and support to all families and communities affected by mental illness and suicide.
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NAMI New Hampshire| 603-225-5359 | 800-242-6264 InfoLine | info@NAMINH.org | NAMINH.org
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