I like to write about well-being, because I believe that mental health can be encouraged and strengthened by what we choose to practice in our lives. Whether it’s slam poetry, Caribbean dancing or speaking up for what we believe in, self-expression is a key ingredient in well-being. When we know how to nurture our own well-being, we increase our awareness of mental health, on a personal level.
As you may know, this week, October 6-12, is Mental Health Awareness Week. Here is some background, from the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) website: “In 1990, the U.S. Congress established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) in recognition of NAMI's efforts to raise mental illness awareness. Since then, mental health advocates across the country have joined with others in their communities to sponsor activities, large or small, for public education about mental illness.”
So let’s bring well-being to the community level: what resources do people need? There are two kinds of resources to support for mental health—professional and peer.
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Peer support is coming on the East End, in the form of the Family-to-Family Group, being formed by Sharon McHugh, VP for Special Ed for Southold PTA. Sponsored by NAMI, the group for family members will start on October 17 for 12 weeks, with no charge. If you have a loved one who has special needs or a mental illness diagnosis, this group will help you restore a sense of well-being in your family. Contact Sharon at 631/680-0849 for information.
For insight into professional support, tomorrow evening, Southampton Hospital and East End Clinical Connection will be offering “MENTAL HEALTH ON THE EAST END: A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION” from 7-9 PM in Southampton Hospital’s Parrish Memorial Hall, Southampton (on Herrick Road at the corner of Lewis Street in Southampton.) The event is a Community Conversation about Mental Health Needs on the East End, and will address the issue of whether residents can access the mental health care they may need.
Find out what's happening in North Forkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The panel will include Michael Stoltz, LCSW, Executive Director, Clubhouse of Suffolk; Alexandra Feely LCSW of the Retreat and the East Hampton Healthcare Center; Virginia St. John, LCSW director of a DBT program in East Hampton; and Steven Chassman, LCSW, CASAC, Clinical Director LICADD and The Poets of Well Being (Maggie Bloomfield LCSW CASAC, Nina Yavel LCSW and Susan Dingle LCSW CASAC.)
We will first perform poems expressing the need and the hope for well-being. Then the panel will provide insight into what resources are available, both from professionals as well as from peers. I’ll keep you posted as the week goes on, with resources and support, as we continue to bring mental health awareness home to the North Fork!
Susan Dingle LCSW CASAC is a therapist and well-being specialist in private practice in Southold. For a consultation or an appointment, call Susan at 631/734-8568
