Great Strides April 2017

...to the opening of the WCMHN Creative Arts Show for Mental Health Awareness Month, “Personal Expressions of Recovery & Wellness.” Exhibit runs from April 26—May 19 with an opening reception on April 28, 1:30-3:00 p.m., at the Mattatuck Museum, 144 West Main Street, Waterbury. Come meet the artists, enjoy light refreshments, and live music!

“...go to therapy, because therapy keeps you present, calms your fears and sadness.

Therapy gave me an outlet for all my emotions and it can do the same for someone else.”

- Robin L.

Celebration of Hope

Wednesday May 3rd 5:00 p.m.

The IC would like to announce that this month’s faces in recovery is Robin L. Robin has been a member of the IC since 2006. She is a very independent women and has been successful with work and living on her own for many years. Robin recently was granted WCMHN Dream Maker’s Grant and she is currently writing a story. The story is a semi autobiography of Robin’s lived experience. The book tells a reader a story of children living with a mother who suffers with Bipolar Depression.

Robin was asked what is one of the qualities she has that keeps her healthy and on her journey of recovery? She informed the interviewer, “Friends. Friends keep me going, they help remind me that life is full of possibilities.” She also said that when she is home alone deep breathing techniques keep her from having racing thoughts going through her mind. Robin also utilizes her EMDR skills she learned. Robin’s advice to someone who might be suffering with Bipolar is “go to therapy, because therapy keeps you present, calms your fears and sadness. Therapy gave me an outlet for all my emotions and it can do the same for someone else.”

What is Guided Meditation? Guided meditation is simply "meditation with the help of a guide.” This is one of the simplest ways to enter into a deep relaxation and inner stillness. It is one of the most powerful ways to get rid of stress and bring in positive changes. At the IC we offered a Guided Meditation workshop and the goal was to have members utilize the power of their imagination and visualization to effect positive change. We then had a discussion that guided meditations are more powerful than traditional, passive meditation techniques.

Here’s what some members had to say about their experience:

St. John’s Church

“I feel serene and in the now” - Mike P. “I feel serenity peaceful and calm” - Cynthia W.

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To find out more about how guided meditation can help you, please see Alisa at the IC where we will offer the workshop again!

On March 20th, during our current events group we spoke about the VA expanding mental health care for discharged veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs will offer urgent mental health care beginning this summer to thousands of former service members with less-than-honorable discharges, part of its expanded initiative to stem stubbornly high rates of suicide. While details are being finalized, the VA said it hopes to provide expanded counseling services. "This is fantastic news and a major win," said Paul Rieckhoff, founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "This policy change will forever alter the future for thousands of veterans and their families. It's an outstanding move by the new VA secretary." While details are being finalized, the VA said it hopes to provide expanded counseling services as well at its Vet Centers and via its Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255.

Members spoke about how important it is to get help when you need it. “This is really important there are many vets who need to it but couldn’t afford it, with this policy they can try to get the services,” a member commented. If you want to read more about the article the website we searched was: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/va-expands-mental-health-care-fordischarged-veterans/ If you’d like to be a part of current events we meet at 2:00 p.m. every Monday.

For people who hear voices: www.facebook.com/cthearin gvoicesnetwork or http://www.hearingvoicesus a.org/ Alternatives to Suicide Support Group 399 Franklin Avenue Hartford Wednesdays 4-5pm http://toivocenter.org/ OCD support group http://psychiatry.yale.edu/o cd/patients/support.aspx Alcoholics Anonymous http://www.aa.org/ Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org/

Secretary of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin, addresses the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s hearing on the Veterans Affairs community care program, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 7, 2017

We have been approached by a few members that are interested in going to the YMCA. This is a great opportunity for members to get together and become comfortable and familiar with the YMCA. Many members might qualify to get a free member ship you can find a list of accepted insurances posted at the IC or go directly to the YMCA for more information.

When attending the YMCA staff there can assist you to develop a plan and teach you how to use the equipment. Spring is here, this is a great chance to get started into a fitness routine and engage with fellow members. If you have any questions, please see Derrick.

Overeaters Anonymous https://oa.org/ Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanony mous.org/ga/ For additional information on Support Groups in Connecticut, visit http://www.mhconn.org/ed ucation/information%20and %20referral/ or call: 1-800-842-1510, ext. 10

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Though this has been a busy year for Legislative Advocacy, we can also take a look at Self– advocacy.

Say out loud to yourself, “I am committed to remaining consistent each day in my goal.

I am doing this!”

Notice the statement is in the present tense. This technique commands your subconscious mind to act now, not later.

Consistent actions require consistent thinking, specifically consistent thoughts that you are and will remain consistent.

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Self-advocacy is being able to ask for things that you want or need and feel good about it. Whether it be talking about medications with your doctor or getting a job, it is imperative that you speak up to get what you want!

Self-advocacy starts with having a good amount of self-esteem and knowing that you are worth asking for something. Lots of people think that they can just settle for what life gives them, but that’s not the case. With some work and practice, everyone can improve their situation by advocating for themselves.

Here are a few steps to start a course for getting what you want, and need:  Make a plan and decide what you want or need, not what others think you

should.  Practice advocating for yourself with a friend or on little issues that arise.  Practice saying no. It’s a complete sentence.  Work on your self-esteem by being good to yourself. Do something nice for

yourself and be your own best friend.  Be informed. Find out the facts before you act.  And remember, life is a journey, not a destination!

IC members, Sue M., Cynthia W., Senator Joann Hartley and MHC Staff Suzi Craig in Hartford CT at the LOB for the #ForAllofUs campaign.

Carlos C. is new to the arts and he is enjoying it! “Art makes me mindful of what I am doing. It takes a lot of focus and concentration.” Carlos says.

Color pencils are his favorite to draw with, but he is beginning to paint now. Carlos said that he is “trying not to make a mess” with paint, he is learning how painting can take a lot of time. Ideas for his art come from looking at the world around him. “I get energy to do this because I like the compliments. I can accomplish something from basically nothing. I really like to see the piece framed!” said Carlos. His work is currently on display at the Terryville Public Library and he is preparing work to be displayed at the Mattatuck Museum for the WCMHN Creative Arts Show “Personal Expressions of Wellness and Recovery.” Carlos attends Mending Art Workshops, spends time in the studio, and is often seen working in his sketchbook during his free time.

“Art makes me mindful of what I am doing.”

We have a great blend of people here at the Independence Center. We all try to be on our best behavior, say please and thank you, and help someone in need. So many times we all witness “acts of kindness” from our members. Whether it’s big or small it’s the thought that counts. Our members really know how to make a person’s day great. This April we will have an acknowledgement tree. Any time someone does something good or kind for another person it will go on the tree to be acknowledged. Keep doing kind things for each other, spread goodwill, and fill the tree.

Chris W.

04-01

April H.

04-03

Michael P.

04-04

Bruce G.

04-04

Richard A.

04-05

William I.

04-05

Scott H.

04-06

Melissa S.

04-06

Jeffrey N.

04-09

Michael G.

04-09

John D.

04-12

Jennifer O.

04-13

Robert K.

04-13

John D.

04-14

Bridget O.

04-15

Angel R.

04-16

Carla E.

04-17

Audrey L.

04-18

David A.

04-18

Darlene M.

04-19

Susan M.

04-20

Constance S.

04-20

John S.

04-20

Max F.

04-24

Gloria C.

04-26

Vincent W.

04-28

Nicholas S.

04-29

Angela B.

04-30

Luz M.

04-30

Gregory D.

04-30

Join us for a birthday bash on the 26th at 3:00 p.m.!

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Priscilla Newcomb has created art since she was a child.

She won an art contest in elementary school, which gave her enthusiasm for continuing to paint. She studied painting and pastels with well known Connecticut artist Irene Walker, and while in college studied pottery with internationally renown ceramicist Bennett Bean and photography with award-winning photojournalist Manny Rubio.

Ms. Newcomb continues with her love of photography, and has practiced both documentary and fine art photography. She has been published in books and newspapers, and she has had numerous exhibits of her landscape photography and photo-collage compositions.

She has a certificate in Graphic Design, and received an award for design excellence in 2005.

Recently, Ms. Newcomb has returned to painting, and is currently exploring mixed media abstract expressionism.

Women’s Group 4/7 - Women’s Rights 4/14 - Facial scrub 4/21 - Recipe exchange 4/28 - Check up list

Men’s Group

4/5—Has chivalry died?

4/12— Budgeting your time and money 4/19—Masculinity 4/26—How to tie a tie

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April is stress awareness month. Here are some ways to be and/or stay stress free: Make Up Your Mind to Get and/or Stay Healthy - Taking control of your personal health can make a great difference in the amount of stress you feel. The best way to reclaim control of your life is by taking charge of your body.

Whether it is through diet, exercise, or simply getting that checkup you've been putting off, let April be the month you put yourself back in control.

Make a Change - It can be as simple as clearing the clutter off your desk or as elaborate as taking a well-deserved vacation, the important thing is that you do something different. Even a small change can make a big difference when it comes to stress.

Focus on Now - Most folks live their entire lives in yesterday or tomorrow. In truth, however, there is only Now. Focusing on this perfect moment, right now, provides a magical escape from the disappointment of what once was and the fear of what might be, and leaves stress stuck in a time warp.

Infoline CT 211 Logisticare 1-888-248-9895 Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8522

As we look ahead to the start of a new year, we can set our sights on the 2017 Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign! This coming April’s campaign is shaping up to be one of the biggest in scope, as the outreach materials call on new voices to join the movement. The materials listed below and much more are available on the SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) website.

Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline 1-888-999-5545 En Español 1-888-999-8332

We can all use our voices to change the culture to prevent sexual violence.

Prevention requires addressing the root causes and social norms that allow sexual violence to exist. This April we're calling on groups whose influence can play a critical role in changing those causes and norms. We’re strongest when we raise our voices together, and that’s why we’re engaging new groups in the movement. These groups (survivors and advocates )can help the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect. These new voices will have a ripple effect on those that they teach, guide, and influence.

Dentists in Waterbury Who take Husky Health

For more information please visit the site: www.nsvrc.org

Crisis 1-866-794-0021

Staywell Health Center 203-597-9044 South Main Street 203-756-8021 Phoenix Avenue Community Health Center 203-574-4000 Columbia Dental 1-866-645-0111

WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) at the IC continues to successfully help members. The IC will continue to have WRAP at the IC in April.

Members interested in joining WRAP or have questions regarding WRAP, please call the IC and speak to Jayne our WRAP facilitator.

Statewide # for Opioid (Opiate) Dependence 1-800-563-4086 You will be linked with walk-in assessment centers

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Disclaimer: Articles which show “submitted by” are not written by an IC member.

They are articles that our members came across, were inspired by, and brought in to the Center to inspire and encourage other members.

Often the authors of these articles are unknown. The opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Independence Center’s members, the staff, or the Editor.

WHAM (Whole Health Action Management) participants at the Independence Center had their graduation on Friday March 17th. The group made it through weeks of peer supported goal planning. We identified unhealthy habits then created an action plan to break those unhealthy habits for a healthier lifestyle. There was so much more to learn. Another group may be starting up again in May 2017. See Alisa or Lyne Stokes if you are interested.

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

Independence Center 21 Church Street Waterbury, CT 0672 Phone: 203-756-5772 Fax: 203-756-9744