Mayor's Message:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
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Dear Jazz,
The state of one's mental health can affect every aspect of one’s life. If you struggle with mental issues, it's almost impossible to live a balanced, happy life without support and professional help.
By definition, mental health is related to the health and function of one's mind. It's affiliated with a person's day-to-day status regarding their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. It encompasses how you deal with ordinary and extraordinary stressors of life, how you adjust to society, and how you view yourself. Mental health is not an all-or-nothing ordeal; it is a continuum. As one goes through the various stages of life, it is NORMAL to experience changes in one's mental health.
Historically there has been a stigma associated with admitting a struggle with mental issues. This negative association prevents many from seeking the help so badly needed. However, the real danger lies in thinking one can just "get over it." Seeking help is the first step toward living a more balanced life.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as we watched the world shut down, said tragic goodbyes to loved ones, and were forced to live in isolation, there was also a dramatic increase in individuals who fell victim to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. I recall seeing several media reports, as early as the first few months of the viral pandemic, of individuals who committed suicide. It saddens me to think back on those who felt they had no alternative but to give up on life, who felt alone and didn't seek the help they needed. And I often wonder if things would have been different if there weren't such negative connotations surrounding mental illnesses? Would those individuals have taken another course of action if understanding and acceptance were promoted vs. indifference and stereotyping?
I no longer wish to think of what-ifs. Enough is enough. We must let go of the dangerous idea that mental illness is a fictional disease and that sheer willpower is sufficient to overcome it or that you should be ashamed to admit you are feeling mentally unwell. Stigmatizing someone because of a mental illness is ignorant and can cause more harm than good.
A person does not wake up one day and decide that they want to feel sad or depressed; feeling sad is a normal innate reflex to environmental triggers that build up and generate a cascade of physiological reactions. There is a wide range of factors that can cause a person to become susceptible to mental instability:
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Biological factors: Believe it or not, being susceptible to mental illnesses can run in the family. Individuals with blood relatives who have a mental illness may have inherited specific genes that can and may increase their risk of developing a mental illness. Abnormalities in the brain, caused by an infection, brain injury, prenatal damage, or simply a hormone imbalance, may also cause a person to be susceptible to mental illnesses (source).
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Environmental Exposures: We can all understand a person becoming depressed or anxious due to particular stressors such as a death, divorce, experience of physical abuse, substance abuse, or challenges in social and cultural expectations. But other components we encounter in our daily lives can also make one vulnerable to mental illnesses. Seasonal changes, lack of sun exposure, and common medications such as birth control, beta-blockers to treat high blood pressure, benzodiazepines for insomnia, and cholesterol-lowering medications have been linked to depression (source).
Mental illness is as real as any other disease; it has definite symptoms, can be diagnosed, and medical treatment is available. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, you would immediately seek medical help and treatment. You may even have to be treated or medicated for the rest of your life, but you do it to live as normal a life as possible. We should have the same approach for a diagnosis of mental illness; with the proper treatment, those suffering from this illness can live a happy and productive life.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I ask that we take an active role in reversing this negative attitude toward mental health. Look around you and see if there's anyone who needs your help. Encourage individuals to be open, demonstrate support and understanding, and advocate for those who no longer have the strength or will to advocate for themselves. Learn to recognize the symptoms of mental health changes. Extreme mood changes of highs and lows, withdrawal from friends and activities, significant tiredness and low energy, changes in eating habits, and substance abuse are a few things that can indicate that something is wrong. Simply asking if they are okay can be the catalyst the individual needs to know they are not alone and that it's ok to ask for help (source).
Plainfield, we can change or even save a life. Let's be open, let's be aware, let's be our brothers and sisters' keeper. Let's stay mentally healthy and support those who need our help.
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | |
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp
City of Plainfield
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Mayo es el Mes de Concientización
Sobre la Salud Mental
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Querido Plainfield,
El estado de la salud mental de uno puede afectar todos los aspectos de la vida. Si luchas con problemas mentales, es casi imposible vivir una vida equilibrada y feliz sin apoyo y ayuda profesional.
Por definición, la salud mental está relacionada con la salud y la función de la mente. Está afiliado con el estado diario de una persona con respecto a su bienestar emocional, psicológico y físico. Incluye cómo una persona lidia con los factores estresantes ordinarios y extraordinarios de la vida, cómo te adaptas a la sociedad y cómo te ves a ti mismo. La salud mental no es un calvario de todo o nada; es un continuo. A medida que uno pasa por las diversas etapas de la vida, es NORMAL experimentar cambios en su salud mental.
Históricamente ha habido un estigma asociado con admitir una lucha con problemas mentales. Esta asociación negativa impide que muchos busquen la ayuda que tanto necesitan. Sin embargo, el verdadero peligro radica en pensar que uno puede simplemente "superarlo". Buscar ayuda es el primer paso para vivir una vida más equilibrada.
Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, mientras veíamos cómo el mundo se apagaba, nos despedíamos trágicamente de nuestros seres queridos y nos veíamos obligados a vivir en aislamiento, también hubo un aumento dramático en las personas que fueron víctimas de enfermedades mentales como la depresión y la ansiedad. Recuerdo haber visto varios informes en los medios de comunicación, en solo los primeros meses de la pandemia viral, de personas que cometieron suicidio. Me entristece pensar en aquellos que sintieron que no tenían otra alternativa que renunciar a la vida, que se sintieron solos y no buscaron la ayuda que necesitaban. Y a menudo me pregunto si las cosas habrían sido diferentes si no hubiera tales connotaciones negativas en torno a las enfermedades mentales. ¿Habrían tomado esos individuos otro curso de acción si se promoviera la comprensión y la aceptación frente a la indiferencia y los estereotipos?
Ya no quiero pensar en el qué será. Ya es suficiente. Debemos dejar de lado la peligrosa idea de que la enfermedad mental es una enfermedad ficticia y que pura fuerza de voluntad es suficiente para superarla o que deberíamos avergonzarnos de admitir que uno se siente mentalmente mal. Estigmatizar a alguien debido a una enfermedad mental es ignorante y puede causar más daño que bien.
Una persona no se despierta un día y decide que quiere sentirse triste o deprimida; sentirse triste es un reflejo innato a estimulantes ambientales que se acumulan y generan una cascada de reacciones fisiológicas. Hay una amplia gama de factores que pueden hacer que una persona se vuelva susceptible a la inestabilidad mental:
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Factores Biológicos: Créalo o no, ser susceptible a las enfermedades mentales puede correr en la familia. Las personas con parientes consanguíneos que tienen una enfermedad mental pueden haber heredado genes específicos que pueden aumentar su riesgo de desarrollar una enfermedad mental. Las anomalías en el cerebro, causadas por una infección, lesión cerebral, daño prenatal o simplemente un desequilibrio hormonal, también pueden hacer que una persona sea susceptible a enfermedades mentales (fuente).
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Exposiciones Ambientales: Todos podemos entender que una persona se deprima o se ponga ansiosa debido a factores estresantes como una muerte, divorcio, experiencia de abuso físico, abuso de sustancias o desafíos en las expectativas sociales y culturales. Pero otros componentes que encontramos en nuestra vida diaria también pueden hacer que uno sea vulnerable a las enfermedades mentales. Los cambios estacionales, la falta de exposición al sol y medicamentos comunes como el control de la natalidad, los beta-bloqueantes para tratar la presión arterial alta, las benzodiacepinas para el insomnio y medicamentos para reducir el colesterol se han relacionado con la depresión (fuente).
La enfermedad mental es tan real como cualquier otra enfermedad; tiene síntomas definidos, se puede diagnosticar y hay tratamiento médico disponible. Si le diagnostican diabetes, inmediatamente buscaría ayuda médica y tratamiento. Es posible, que incluso, tenga que ser tratado o medicado por el resto de su vida, pero lo hace para vivir una vida lo más normal posible. Deberíamos tener el mismo enfoque para un diagnóstico con una enfermedad mental; con el tratamiento adecuado, aquellos que sufren de esta enfermedad pueden vivir una vida feliz y productiva.
En honor al Mes de Concientización Sobre la Salud Mental, pido que tomemos un papel activo en revertir esta actitud negativa hacia la salud mental. Mire a su alrededor y vea si hay alguien que necesite su ayuda. Anime a las personas a ser abiertas, demuestra apoyo y comprensión, y aboga por aquellos que ya no tienen la fuerza o la voluntad de abogar por sí mismos. Aprenda a reconocer los síntomas de los cambios en la salud mental. Los cambios extremos de humor de altibajos, el distanciamiento a los amigos y actividades, el cansancio significativo y la baja energía, los cambios en los hábitos alimenticios y el abuso de sustancias son algunas cosas que pueden indicar que algo anda mal. Simplemente preguntando si están bien puede ser el catalizador que el individuo necesita para saber que no está solo y que está bien pedir ayuda (fuente).
Plainfield, podemos cambiar o incluso salvar una vida. Seamos abiertos, seamos conscientes, seamos guardianes de nuestros hermanos y hermanas. Mantengámonos mentalmente saludables y apoyemos a aquellos que necesitan nuestra ayuda.
Creando Un Plainfield. Un Futuro
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Alcalde Adrian O. Mapp
Ciudad de Plainfield
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month | |
May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. It has been observed since 1949 and the purpose is to help eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness by raising awareness of mental health conditions and those affected. (SOURCE) | |
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SAVE THE DATE - 2022 STATE OF THE CITY
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LOCAL NEWS - MENTAL HEALTH EVENT HOSTED AT THE PLAINFIELD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ON MAY 5TH | |
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Councilwoman Terri Briggs-Jones (Councilor for the 4th Ward) organized and hosted an interactive and informative session on Thursday, May 5th.
The session presented an open forum for a healthy and safe discussion on Mental Health Awareness.
Partnering with Team Endurance, Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, and the City of Plainfield, the session took place at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center (PPAC).
Remarks from Mayor Adrian O. Mapp focused on the importance of removing the stigma surrounding Mental Health issues and creating safe spaces for those impacted to seek help.
Council President Barry Goode, Councilwoman Joylette Mills-Ransome, Councilman Steve Hockaday and Council Vice President Charles McRae were in attendance.
The City of Plainfield is committed to supporting those facing challenges with mental health and commends Councilor Briggs-Jones for bringing awareness to this sensitive and critical issue.
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JOB TRAINING FOR UNION CARPENTERS | |
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The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters represent nearly 41,000 of the most skilled carpenters in the industry and oversees 18 regional training centers where carpenters become skilled in a variety of trades including: commercial / residential carpentry, concrete form work, dock building / pile driving, floor laying, millwork, and trade show construction. Our members are the most professional, safe, productive, disciplined and highly trained crafts people in the industry.
As one of the largest trade unions, our regional structure ensures that our organization can work cooperatively and efficiently with owners, end users and contractors and, most importantly, maintain the superior quality of workmanship that our contractors expect from union carpenters. However, to maintain that superior quality, we must continue to invest and expand on apprenticeships.
We want you to be aware of the opportunities we have available to your constituents. The EASRCC offers open enrollment to anyone interested in becoming a Union Carpenter. If you know someone who wants to enter the construction industry as a carpenter, or if you want to refer someone you know, tell them to visit
https://eascarpenters.org/training-centers/ to find their local training center and start the enrollment process.
The men and women of the EASRCC look forward to training the next generation of Union Carpenters.
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UPCOMING EVENTS - JOIN US! | |
Join us for an evening of FUN, GREAT FOOD & MUSIC and COMMUNITY! | |
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - CLICK HERE
TO REGISTER
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The Union County Board of Commissioners continue to provide needed food resources to the residents of Union County.
An emergency COVID food drive is available on Saturday, May 14th beginning at 8:00am at Kean University located at 1000 Morris Avenue in Union, NJ. This is a drive-thru event.
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BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP MATTERS REPORT
By NJ Institute for Social Justice
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Love Plainfield Initiative | |
¿ How Do You Show Love For Plainfield? | |
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A MESSAGE FROM UNION COUNTY:
Vote-by-Mail ballots are Now Available at the Union County Clerk's Office in Elizabeth and Westfield
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Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi announces that voters who wish to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for the June 7 Primary Election can apply for one in person at the County Clerk’s offices in Westfield and Elizabeth starting today, Monday May 16. They can also fill out their ballot during the same visit and cast it in a secure drop box at the office, or take it with them to fill out later.
“We encourage voters to come to our offices and use our ‘one-stop’ service, which enables voters to apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot and cast their ballot in the same visit,” said Ms. Rajoppi. “It helps ensure that voters don’t misplace or mistakenly discard their Vote-by-Mail ballot.”
Any voter in New Jersey can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot. Voters who have not opted to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballots automatically can apply for one in person. Voters can also request an application form by mail, by contacting the County Clerk’s Elections Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY:
Governor Murphy Renews Efforts to Secure Reproductive Rights and Bolster Access to Reproductive Health Care in New Jersey
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TRENTON – With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to overturn Roe v. Wade – a decision that would have significant consequences for reproductive rights throughout the country – Governor Phil Murphy announced renewed efforts to secure abortion rights and bolster access to reproductive health care in New Jersey. Alongside partners in the Legislature, the Governor announced legislation to protect and expand coverage for reproductive health care, and protect medical providers and patients who provide or receive abortion care in New Jersey from legal retaliation by states who have outlawed or restricted abortion.
“Revoking the fundamental right to abortion is dangerous and reprehensible, yet the U.S. Supreme Court is nevertheless prepared to proceed with this plan,” said Governor Murphy. “Alongside our partners in the Legislature, my Administration has prepared for this eventuality by enshrining the right to reproductive choice into New Jersey law. We refuse to go backwards on this critical issue and, today, our state moves forward in working to secure reproductive rights and ensure access to the reproductive health care every woman deserves.”
“With women’s reproductive rights being chipped away in other parts of the country, here in New Jersey we are not only securing those rights, but we are making it easier for women to maintain control over their bodies,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “The proposed actions being announced today are not only about supporting reproductive health and bodily autonomy, but they are also about creating equity for those with limited resources whose access to essential healthcare may be limited or restricted.”
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A MESSAGE FROM THE WHITE HOUSE:
A Proclamation on Remembering the 1,000,000 Americans Lost to COVID-19
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Today, we mark a tragic milestone: one million American lives lost to COVID-19. One million empty chairs around the dinner table. Each an irreplaceable loss. Each leaving behind a family, a community, and a Nation forever changed because of this pandemic. Jill and I pray for each of them.
As a Nation, we must not grow numb to such sorrow. To heal, we must remember. We must remain vigilant against this pandemic and do everything we can to save as many lives as possible. In remembrance, let us draw strength from each other as fellow Americans. For while we have been humbled, we never give up. We can and will do this together as the United States of America.
In memory of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset May 16, 2022. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
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HELP US TAKE CARE OF OUR CITY!
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT- IT APP
Available in IOS and Android Mobile Phones
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Exercise your civic duty-- be the eyes and ears of our City! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in our Plainfield community. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with ReportIt. | |
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Use the app, or text
reportit to 63975
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in our city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode above or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate City department to be resolved.
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Call us at: 908.753.3015 or
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|THE CITY OF PLAINFIELD NJ|
515 WATCHUNG AVENUE | 908-753-3310| MONDAY-FRIDAY | 9 A.M.- 5 P.M.|
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Creating One Plainfield. One Future | | | | |
