The Bell Monthly Newsletter
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August 2023 Issue: Back to School Resources, Teen Mental Health, Morris County Funders Group, Jersey gives a Damn Podcast, National Wellness Month and more... | |
Back to School and Mental Health:
Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead
By Sunny Patel, MD, MPH, Center for Mental Health Services, SAMHSA
As the heat of the summer reaches its peak, and (hopefully soon) gives way to the cooler autumn breezes, it’s time for children and youth to return to school. This transition — filled with excitement, anticipation, and some natural apprehension — is an annual ritual for millions of students across our nation. As we prepare for the new academic year, it's crucial to remember that school readiness isn't just about having the right supplies, it's also about mental health.
Click here to read more.
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Right click on the flyers below to view larger and download. | |
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MENTAL HEALTH
TIPS FOR YOUTH
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MENTAL HEALTH
TIPS FOR TEACHERS
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"Are the kids alright? A look at teen mental health in New Jersey"
"Forty-two percent of New Jersey teens have reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks in a row. Two-thirds of teens in the US who experience a mental health challenge don’t seek help. Suicide is the third leading cause of death
among Americans between the ages of 15 and 19."
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MHANJ's Robert Kley and Jaime Angelini were honored to discuss teen mental health on a recent episode of the Community Foundation of New Jersey's podcast, Jersey Gives a Damn. | | |
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Jaime Angelini, MHANJ's Statewide Director of Suicide Prevention, Crisis Response & Special Projects | |
Click the icon to listen. | |
The Morris County Funders Group Provides Increased MHFA Training to Morris County Organizations | |
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The Morris County Funders Group, a coalition of 10 funding organizations, has announced $325,000 in collaborative funding to support mental health in the region. Through funding from this collaboration, Mental Health First Aid training will be available to Morris County-based non-profit organizations, community organizations, faith groups, and school districts.
Mental Health First Aid training, facilitated by the MHANJ, is an evidence-backed training that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Those who receive this training may be the vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate support.
Click here to read more.
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If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity please contact,
Ruth Kaluski, MHANJ's Statewide Director of Strategic Programs and Mental Health First Aid, at rkaluski@mhanj.org.
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A Senior Cultivates A Passion for Mental Wellness
with support through United By Wellness
By Beth Wade, Public Relations Specialist
MHANJ in Atlantic County
To recognize August as National Wellness Month, a month that focuses on self-care and awareness, we are spotlighting a senior standout from Atlantic County who found his way to MHANJ online groups through a therapist. He asked not to be identified in this story in order to protect the privacy of his family.
When a cardiologist said his symptoms of AFIB were aggravated by his anxiety and trauma, “Bud” took the first step toward recovery for his mental health – at age 70.
For Bud, the availability of virtual medical appointments proved to be a gift from the pandemic — he was not driving much anymore and living with agoraphobia. First, he tackled the challenge of learning enough about technology to attend online therapy through AtlantiCare and succeeded. When the therapist suggested he try virtual groups through United By Wellness, UBW, he did that, too, and found supplemental help through peers. For about 3 years, he attended a variety of groups, among them meditation, anxiety, Humanist Recovery, and gratitude.
Click here to read Bud's story.
United By Wellness (UBW) is a Virtual Wellness Center, sponsored by MHANJ, where Peers offer skills and tools for recovery. Click here for more information about UBW, including how to sign up for this free service open to all New Jerseyans.
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Above, MHANJ's Community Education Team, Robert Kley, and event partners received a Proclamation from Mayor Susan McCartney of West Orange in honor of BIPOC Mental Health Month and their work in planning the Annual BIPOC Celebration. | |
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As part of its commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, the MHANJ sponsored its Third Annual BIPOC Messages of Hope and Celebration, celebrating BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Mental Health Month on July 30th at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center in West Orange. The event highlighted creative expression, vibrancy, courage, hope, and resilience through the unique lens of people of color. The internationally acclaimed iDance Ministry provided a thought-provoking performance. Several community organizations hosted resource tables with mental health and wellness information and opportunities for equity advocacy. Kudos to Lynette Sheard, Director of MHANJ's NJ Mental Health Players, for organizing the event. Thanks are extended to Clarissa Wheat and Laverne Williams from MHANJ's Community Education Department and to our event partners for their assistance and support and to the organizations and vendors that participated.
| Click the arrow to the left to view the News12NJ coverage of the event. | | | |
Pictured above, Parantap Pandya and Mercedes Gomez from MHANJ's Union County Intensive Family Support Services program and Andy the Clown pause for photos while attending a Community Health Resource Fair/Networking event co-hosted by the City of Elizabeth and Proceed, Inc. This was an excellent opportunity to share resources in the areas of substance use, mental illness, and physical health. | |
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CCERI Presents
How to Help Students with Mental Health Conditions in
Post-Secondary Education
Wednesday, August 30, 11-12:30 pm
Click here for details and registration.
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UNION COUNTY
INTENSIVE FAMILY SERVICES PRESENTS
A FAMILY FORUM
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