Great Strides August 2018 by Mental Health Connecticut

Artwork by IC Staff Member Jessica McD.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, everybody can pass a test as long as you study hard.” James L.

Monday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Wednesday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Friday 10:30AM-11:00AM and 1:30PM-3:30PM Food Bank is not available during parties and meetings.

________________ Couponing Returns! The coupon box is located in the Bistro. Members are welcome to take coupons for their use or add coupons to share with others. What a great way to save money while you shop and help someone else save as well. 2

James has been a member of the IC for over six years and is glad to be “back in society.” He is proud to report that he has never been arrested and takes his medication as prescribed. “I have been clean for two years and recently passed my Security Officer certification test, scoring 100%. Now I am going to start looking for a job. It doesn’t matter who you are, everybody can pass a test as long as you study hard! I will be getting my own place soon and I am looking forward to being independent.”

Art has the ability to transform lives. Over the years my work has afforded me the ability to witness hundreds of individuals' unique artistic techniques unfold on a daily basis. Doors of possibilities open when an individual works on art. Artists think and reflect about what they are doing and why. The next step for many artists is connecting with others by sharing and talking about their creations. While taking these steps, artists also experience the benefits of art, which create positive new ideas and reshape the way they experience the world. Making art is a personal experience for every artist. A safe and non-judgmental studio environment nurtures creative expression. Individuals beginning their artistic journey might ask, “What do you want me to do?” Soon they discover art is an opportunity for them to ask themselves: “What do I want to do? Who am I? They are finding their inner voice and problem-solving ways to communicate it. Following the completion of an art piece many artists need to talk about it with others. This is evident by the countless pieces of art delivered to my office. Every piece has an artist behind it with an extraordinary perspective and story. Soon the passion the artists feel for their work brings them to a place where they are ready to be seen and heard. They feel prepared to share with the larger community. Changes that occur through a life infused with art offer us hope for growth and a better understanding of ourselves and others. The personal act of creating unveils thoughts, feelings and the imagination an artist has within. Artists are often surprised when they hear and see their creative voice coming through, for many had no idea it was possible until they had the chance to discover it. *Excerpts from article written by Amy L. A. Smith , IC Mending Art Coordinator, for the Arts and Culture Collaborative publication

“I remember drawing in the kitchen with my mom and sister when I was a teenager. The picture was of beautiful ducks; green and purple. I remember drawing valentines for my husband when we were young and he went to Vietnam. I’d write letters and draw valentines everyday by the trees between our yards; we were neighbors. I’ve always loved drawing, but I hadn’t been drawing a lot until I started coming to the Independence Center. I try to come to the IC as often as I can because I love everything at the center and I go to Mending Art every week. My favorite part of Mending Art is being with the other people, seeing what they are doing and talking! Drawing and painting are my favorite. I’m happy when I’m drawing. I’ve been using India ink and I’d like to try watercolor again. I love to draw little animals, squirrels, turtles, cats, birds, bears and dogs. I draw things from nature, like bumble bees, caterpillars and butterflies. I draw things from my gardens at home. I have a drawing of the rosebushes; I want to draw the lilacs.” *Judith W.

I am an artist, educator, and writer working in a variety of visual mediums to explore water, reflections, and the landscape. My current work includes paintings that focus on reflections and abstractions found in the natural world, and meditative drawings that use line to create abstracted water landscapes. In my paintings I capture moments in nature that seem to bend the landscape-moments that blur the line between representation and abstraction. I’m fascinated by how a reflection can distort our perception of space and cause us to question what is seen. In my drawings I use line to create a sense of peace and tranquility. These drawings have become a kind of daily meditation through the repetitive, serene movement of ink over paper. Art for me has always been a way to express myself or return to a state of calm and centeredness. I have been pursuing my artistic career since 2012, and I have shown my work in exhibitions and galleries throughout Connecticut, including Five Points Gallery, The Underground Gallery, The Mystic Museum of Art and the New Britain Museum of American Art, amongst others. I have published writing pieces in Art New England and am a full-time art teacher in West Hartford. My studio is located at the Five Points Gallery/Hartford Art School Launchpad Studios in Torring,ton, CT.

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/ 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

Infoline CT 211 VEYO 1-855-478-7350 Guiding Path Warmline: 1-860-482-1783 or 1-800-314-2680 5pm-10pm 7 days per week

Shawn M. began his pop up art show titled “Love and Happiness” by singing the National Anthem. He could not wait to share what he has been busy creating. Shawn presented each piece to the members. He explained how the art represented his heritage, Cape Cod, happiness and unity. Members noticed that Shawn has his own signature style and pointed out that his lines felt alive! Shawn let everyone know that his goal is to get more involved through art because it helps him deal with his depression.

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255 Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline 1-888-999-5545 En Español 1-888-999-8332 Crisis 1-866-794-0021

Dentists in Waterbury Who take Husky Health 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 Statewide # for Opioid (Opiate) Dependence 1-800-563-4086 You will be linked with walk-in assessment centers

Sometimes our minds can get so overloaded with life’s daily events, past events and with things that have not even happened yet, it can be exhausting. Last month in Mindfulness we talked about how important it is to quiet our minds. Quieting your mind is a way of bringing you back to the present moment. Here are a few ideas to try and quiet your mind. Hug a pet or a loved one; close bonding releases hormones that make you feel good. Exercise can help release endorphins that create a feeling of euphoria. Try to go through your day without being attached to the outcome of a situation. This makes you more present and gives you a clearing feeling. Connecting with nature and observing the natural flow of life will bring awareness back to what is right in front of you, instead of what is going on in your head. These are just a few ideas to try when you think it is time to unwind.

The 1st day of summer came in with music! IC Members participated in Make Music Day with the Waterbury Public Arts Committee.

Despite what you may have been told, mental illness is treatable. But it can’t be done alone. Collaboration among all types of stakeholders, including the community, is imperative. From hospitals and housing agencies to the justice system, care providers and beyond—if we want to increase mental health awareness, break stigma and help those struggling with access to treatment, whole community engagement is critical. Mobilizing community service organizations, such as faith-based organizations, social service agencies and food pantries, is key to helping individuals find and receive the unique mental health services and assistance they need. These organizations can also activate other community stakeholders, such as law enforcement, school systems and emergency medical services, to build the positive support system that’s so essential for mental health care. To build this kind of empowered community united around mental health care, we must first effectively educate organizations to better address mental health issues. One program in particular that helps do this is called Mental Health First Aid. In Mental Health First Aid classes, people get a better understanding of how to recognize and offer initial aid to someone who may be experiencing a mental health, substance use crisis, or are in an escalating panic situation. Attendees are shown how to ask if a person is distressed, and how to intervene on their behalf. Instructors explain that attendees should react to their instincts if they think something is wrong: You do not have to be a doctor or specialist to help people get the mental health care they need. That being said, Mental Health First Aid courses also spell out a clear, five-step action plan to help individuals in crisis connect with the right professionals and peers. The course also covers any community resources available, as access to care is a crucial piece of the puzzle. All the training in the world will have little impact if the person in crisis never accesses mental health care. In addition to preparing individuals to address mental illness, programs like Mental Health First Aid can also deepen the integration of care among various community agencies that serve people with mental illness. Programs like Mental Health First Aid that provide direct, in-person training and engagement are the first step in strengthening community support networks for everyone, but especially for those with mental illness. This type of support network provides the best chance to avert mental health crises and connect those in need to key resources, opening the door for them to become thriving members of society. By adopting these kinds of programs and actively partnering with community stakeholders, we can change policies, procedures and mindsets. We can unify neighborhoods, break stigma and make an impact—one community at a time. *Meredith Peffley for NAMI

August is here and although the summer is shortly coming to an end, the UV Rays are still high and it’s important to take proper precautions to protect yourself from the sun. August is National Eye Exam Month, a month dedicated to the importance of eye health and safety. If you would like to receive a free eye exam, check EyeCare America to see if you qualify. For more information please visit: EyeCareAmerica.org.

For more information on Mental Health First Aid visit the MHC website at mhconn.org/firstaid or see Jessica at the IC.

Thank you to all who came out to our Celebration of Employment and Education Breakfast! We celebrated many accomplishments and successes. Congratulations to all! 1.

Keep a journal—Include 3 things you were grateful for and 3 things you were able to accomplish each day.

We hope to see you all and many more next year. Choices Work Services is happy to announce in the month of June, one participant had an interview, two participants started a new job and eight participants started their journey towards employment! Congratulations!

Work your strengths—Do something you’re good at to build self-confidence, then tackle a tougher task.

Experiment—Try a new recipe, write a poem, paint or do some coloring.

Choices tip #1- A first impression is made in less than 30 seconds; make sure to always “put your best foot forward.” Smile, make eye contact and give a firm handshake while introducing yourself. Stay tuned for a new tip each month!

Laugh—Hang out with a funny friend, watch a comedy or check out cute videos online.

Have you been trying to find employment or start school? Do you need assistance with a resume, interview prep, applications and more? Choices and Lifelong Learning Supported Education can help. Contact an Independence Center staff member, your clinician or Choices, at 203-757-5431.

Unplug—Turn off the phone and spend some time with someone face-to-face.

Go outside—Take a stroll, visit a park or just sit and soak up some sunshine (don’t forget your sunscreen).

Make a plan—Think of something in your life you want to improve, and figure out what you can do to take a step in the right direction.

Show someone some love— Call a friend, do a favor, pay a compliment.

Meditate—Take a few minutes every day to focus on the sights and sounds of what’s happening around you.

10. Get a good night’s sleep.

*MHA

Lifelong Learning Supported Education is also celebrating six participants starting their journey towards school, two new school starts and three college applications filled out in the last quarter!

You never know when or where your next act of kindness will happen.

An Act of Kindness happened to me! I was coming from a doctor’s appointment when I decided to stop at Dunkin Donuts. My order wasn’t big, just two croissant rolls with egg and cheese. I wasn’t really paying too much attention when I drove up to the window to make my payment and get my food. The attendant informed me that the customer ahead of me had paid for my order. Awesome!!! I beeped my horn at them and waved, thank you. Now it’s my turn to pass on the Act of Kindness. It just goes to show that you never know when your next Act of Kindness will occur. So pay -it-forward when you can. *Alisa R., Health & Wellness Counselor

Attention IC!!! The Culinary Unit is proud to announce that we passed our quarterly health inspection with a score of 99%. Thank you to all the staff and members that help keep the kitchen a safe and clean environment. The Culinary Unit is always looking for members to help. It’s a great way to learn safe food handling skills, kitchen maintenance and healthy recipes. Speaking of healthy eating habits, summer is finally here! We will be making lots of healthy dishes. As you know, the IC is focused on health and wellness and the Culinary Unit is a great place to learn how to make food that is not only good for your health, but delicious too. If any members are interested in learning more about the Culinary Unit, please see Jessica.

2018 is an election year and here are some things you can do to get ready: You can register to vote. The Independence Center has registration cards that you can fill out and mail in , or your can register online at –

Michael

Asa

https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do. The deadline is October 30th.

Jeannette

MaryAnn

Lise

Joseph

Doreen

Johanna

G.-M.

Leonard

Manuel

Attend town hall meetings, legislative events, and gubernatorial forums to find out which candidates support mental health services.

Susan

Darryl

Contact your legislators to let them know who you are and how important mental health services in your community are.

Kenneth

William

See Debbie if you would like more information or assistance with any of the above mentioned items.

David

Jason

Matthew

Wayne

Alonza

Jack

Kimberly

Luis

Eldridge

Alex

Lee

Francis

Valerie

Jose

Maria

Gil

Joanne

You can attend the Keep the Promise (KTP) meetings once per month. KTP has a call-in number if you can’t make it. You can write a letter to the local newspaper about your opinion with a focus on mental health services. Keep note of any changes that occurred to your services or benefits so you can report on it next session.

Look for fresh peaches this month and other produce at The Mobile Farmers Market at 95. They are at 95 Thomaston Avenue the 1st Wednesday of each month, through early fall. The IC provides transportation. This event helps to fight stigma, normalize mental health care and promote holistic recovery. Community vendors include Acts 4 Ministries, YMCA and others. They accept SNAP, debit cards, cash and Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program coupons.

What a great way to have a healthy snack while supporting our local farmers!

Join us for a birthday bash on the 29th at 3:00 p.m.! 7

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.

IC’s Member Services Coordinator, Deborah Holcomb, was awarded the KTP “Media Mogul Champion” in recognition of her letter to the editor regarding the “America’s Harvest Box” proposal, and the negative effects it would have on those most in need. Next month Debbie will be working with members on voter registration. Anyone interested in working on advocacy issues or voter registration, should see Debbie to discuss their ideas.