Artwork by Skip C.
“My art is an inspiration, it is relaxing and helps me to focus on better things.” -Cynthia A.
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.
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“Libraries are like rivers. When they meet with tons of information from books, they raise with such a force that it grows into an immense ocean.” -IC Artist Terrex C. 2
“My art is an inspiration, it is relaxing and helps me to focus better on things. Art gives me a sense of accomplishment. I have shown my art in the Mending Art exhibits at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery and the Avon Free Public Library. I like to draw landscapes, people, animals, and houses. I mostly like to draw landscapes. I am glad Mending Art brought me to this, it is a heaven sent. It has helped me a lot and I have shared my art with family, friends and providers. They say I am doing well and I feel it has helped me stay stable.”
When an artist begins their artistic journey, through Mental Health Connecticut’s Mending Art, they are provided their own sketchbook. This has been a valuable tool for artists as they discover and develop their unique artistic voice. A sketchbook is a safe place for an artist’s work to unfold and a priceless way to look back and see how far their work has progressed. For many of the Mending Art participants, the sketchbook provided to them is their first of many. This is the case in the sketchbook series in the MHC Mending Art exhibit at the Avon Free Public Library last month by IC Artist Gus U. The images that were displayed showed the growth made over the time span of three years. From the first sketchbook drawing to the most recent, there is a clear progression in which the artist has visually shown how he is consistently working with perspective.
For people who hear voices: www.facebook.com/ctheari ngvoicesnetwork or http://www.hearingvoicesus a.org/ Alternatives to Suicide Support Group 399 Franklin Avenue Hartford Wednesdays 4-5pm http://toivocenter.org/
Featured left to right, Gus U., Terrex C. and Amy S. at the Avon Public Library
Members of the Independence Center celebrated the Mending Art exhibit at the Avon Public Library by taking a trip to view the exhibit and having a discussion about the work that was on display. Gus U.’s art which is featured in the exhibit consists of landscapes in which trees are placed utilizing a variety of colors blending in with the trees in order to present different perspectives within the trees in the manner in which the trees inspired him to create the artwork. Gus commented regarding the creation of his artwork saying “creating art is an outlet, a release, a disappearing into the real world”. Joseph C.’s most significant creation of art on display, among other works, is his depiction of a self-portrait of himself with his cat on his shoulder. Joseph commented on the creation of his artwork, “art isn’t art if you look at it only for yourself, it needs to be shared with others for it to be art”. Patricia V., a Circulation Manager at the Avon Library, spoke regarding her interpretation of viewing the art created by members of the Independence Center. Patricia commented that “viewing the artwork tells the story of each artist, and takes a person viewing the art on the artists’ own personal journey”. The Mending Art program at the IC enables members utilizing the creation of artwork to inspire and promote the artists’ process towards recovery as well as well -being and gives the artists the reward of having their artwork placed on display in a professional manner including a variety of settings, such as the Avon Library.
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 or call: 1-800-842-1510
-Article written by IC Artist, Richard A.
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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 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
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Congratulations to David R. for getting his driver’s license! It took 1.5 years, but he didn’t give up! Dave did great on the written test, but had some difficulty on the road test portion. Dave had some good advice for anyone thinking about going for their license: Make sure you have a car that has nothing wrong with it for the road test, such as tinted windows, no dash lights, and working airbags. Keep on going, even if you are discouraged. If you have failed the test 9 times, try a 10th time, because that might be the time you get it! Pictured are Dave and Beverly with their new car. They have already been to the CT shoreline, Atlantic City, and are heading to Rhode Island next!
In last month’s workshop we talked about how your happiness has changed over the years. This question made many members reflect on what their definition of happiness was then to what it is now. It was surprising to learn that money was big on everyone’s list in the past as a factor of how happy they were, but that this is not the case anymore. They realized that the things that money could buy get old and “things” collect dust. Many members felt like their happiness changed from wanting material items to happiness coming from within. They appreciated the small things in life like just having a good meal or a nice cup of coffee during the day. Although it was made clear that having money does make life easier, it does not bring happiness to it. The members felt like the more we chase after something the more we run past and miss all the important things along the way. We all at some point said, “well if I get this or have that I would be so much happier”. Then we get this or get that and there ends up being something else that we say we need to be happy. We all have our feelings on what being happy is and I’m sure it will change as years pass. Remember that true happiness is not obtained from the outside but from within. Happiness is a choice and our perspective and attitude about what is happening in our lives will determine our feelings, regardless of what we are presented with. We all have the ability to create our own happiness, the power is inside YOU!
July was designated as Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2008 to bring awareness to the unique struggles that underrepresented groups face in regard to mental illness in the United States (US). While the term ‘minority’ is traditionally associated with racial, ethnic, or cultural minorities within the US, Mental Health America (MHA) has focused on expanding this term to include individuals from a wide-range of marginalized and underserved communities, including those who may identify as part of the LGBTQ+ spectrum, refugee and immigrant groups, religious groups, and others who are often overlooked. By making this term more inclusive, MHA is broadening the way of thinking and underscoring the need to address mental health issues with a unique lens while integrating the varied needs of diverse communities. Why are the topics of mental health and mental illness not regularly talked about in underserved, marginalized and minority communities? Could it be that mental illness doesn’t occur in these communities and among its varied people? Of course not. Mental illness can occur in all people and across all communities. When MHA asked how does your community talk about mental health or mental illness? The answer most people came to, was clear – people don’t talk about these issues. However, people do talk about these issues, but they express themselves differently. The phrases and expressions that people use to talk about these issues oftentimes never touch on terms like “mental health” or “mental illness.” There are many examples that people use to communicate what they are feeling that may be tied to more complex issues, for instance: “I’m not right, something’s off”, “I’m surviving”, “I’m having an attack of the nerves”, “You’ve got the blues”. The fact is - the way in which individuals talk or don’t talk about mental health and mental illness is influenced directly by the society and culture that a person is a part of. The way we talk about these issues is a learned behavior. It is important to keep the conversations about Mental Health active in order to normalize and promote mental wellness. Having open conversations with different minority groups helps to understand the best way to discuss the topic and bring it to light. Join us at the IC this month on Mondays at 2:00 to talk about this and other relevant topics with Derrick!
Excerpts taken from Mental Health America – for more information visit their website at https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/
tips for talking about mental health 1.“Are you okay?” Ask the question and mean it. Show you are listening by sitting alongside the person, maintaining an open body position and maintaining comfortable eye contact.
2.“Are you thinking about suicide?” If you are concerned that someone is considering suicide, ask the question directly. Asking a person if they have been thinking about suicide or have made plans will not increase the risk that they will complete suicide.
3.“I’ve noticed that…” Open the conversation by explaining behavior changes you have noticed. For example, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been showing up to work late a lot lately.” Then, express genuine concern.
4.“Do you want to take a walk?” Engaging a friend, family member or loved one you are concerned about in a health activity like taking a walk together can be a great way to start a conversation. Doing an activity while you
talk can take some of the nerves and discomfort out of the conversation. 5. “How are you, really?” Sometimes when someone says they’re fine, they’re not. Know the warning signs to look for so you can know when to offer extra support.
-tips from “Mental Health First Aid” 5
music is good for the soul We've all heard the idiom, “Music is good for the soul.” But, according to the evidence, it's good for your health as well. Study after study has found that music therapy has a positive effect on a broad range of physical and psychological conditions including dementia, anxiety, depression and cancer.
Welcome summer! IC Artists gathered together to celebrate the beginning of summer with International Make Music Day. IC Artists made signs that were displayed in windows and throughout the building. They sang and played drums, rain sticks, keyboards, guitars, harmonica, flutes, shakers, and tambourines! There was dancing too! It was a howling good time for all! Make music every day.
-Psychology Today, August 2017
Join Alisa for Holistic Music at the IC on July 30th at 11:00 am
Members of the IC participating in International Make Music Day, June 21, 2019
pardon our appearance! The IC is happy to announce that our roofing repairs are under way. Don’t let the look of it fool you—we are open for service as usual!
May 28 to September 15, 2019 Yoga In Our City, presented by ConnectiCare, brings free yoga classes to parks and public spaces in four Connecticut cities — Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury — from May 28 to September 15. Open to everyone at all levels, classes are provided by your local yoga studio to offer fitness and well-being for all. Bring a bottle of water, a towel, a yoga mat, and your sense of adventure for yoga in your city!
Waterbury Schedule: Tuesdays -5:30 pm at Chase Park House Saturdays– 10:00 am at Chase Park House
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Pictured from left to right: Shawn Mc., Vanessa Mc., Carol G., Joseph C., Matt R. Advocates from the Independence Center wrapped up this year’s session (which ended on June 5th) by attending a Rally on May 30th. They were able to join numerous other not-for-profit organizations in ensuring adequate funding for community programs. Overall, it was a successful and busy session for our advocates. The rest of the year will consist of attending Keep the Promise and CAG meetings, making sure folks are registered to vote for next year’s presidential election and gearing up for next year! Thank you to all the IC advocates for their phone calls, emails, written letters, testimonies, and all of the hard work they put into supporting legislative issues concerning mental health issues!
Douglas Darlene Karen David Sheila Elizabeth James Angelica Enrique David Edward Skippy Esther Laurie Jimmy Michael Julie Ronald Karoline
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Join us for Birthday Bash on July 31st at 3PM.
Keep the Promise Coalition (KTP) is a Connecticut Coalition of advocates (people living with mental illness, family members, mental health professionals and interested community members) dedicated to ensuring that a comprehensive, community mental health system is created and sustained across the lifespan (children, adolescents, emerging adults, adults, older adults and families) in Connecticut. Join us in attending the month KTP meetings which are usually held the third Wednesday of the month from 10-12 p.m. at Page Hall at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown. The next meeting will be July 17th. Please see Debbie Holcomb if you are interested to sign up to attend. Transportation is provided.
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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.
Mark your calendars, we hope you join us!
July 10 –FREE ice cream social, make your own sundaes!
July 16– wellness trip to Hammonassett, space is limited, see staff, spending money required
July 17-snacks on the lawn-FREE
July 26 -FREE outreach luncheon (pulled pork sandwiches with veggie pasta salad and ice cream for dessert!) (See calendar for full listing of July events and activities)