“Trees” by Mending Art Artist, "K.R.W."
We would like to congratulate IC staff Jessica M. with the arrival of her son, Elliot Joseph on 09/03/20 at 1:26pm. Born 6lbs, 7oz and 18.5 inches both mom and baby are doing great! Jess will be on leave from September 2nd through January 4th. We are so happy for her during this special time in her life!
In honor of October’s observances, the IC will be hosting a variety of workshops each Monday and Friday at 10:00am to cover topics ranging from different mental health conditions and coping skills to addressing physical health needs such as dental hygiene and breast cancer awareness. We also hold a Guided Meditation Practice every Tuesday at 2:00pm, Mending Art every Wednesday at 10:00am and a Writing Workshop every Thursday at 10:00 am. Remember to check in daily by calling the IC at 203756-5772 to get updates as well as the info on how to attend the workshops.
October is Emotional Intelligence Awareness month. Emotional Intelligence or “EI” is defined as “the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically”. E.I. relates to the way that you are able to process your own emotions as well as how you interact with others. People with a high degree of emotional intelligence know what they're feeling, what their emotions mean and how these emotions can affect other people. According to Daniel Coleman, an American psychologist who helped popularize Emotional Intelligence, there are 5 key elements to E.I.: We would like to send a shout out to all of the members who began employment over the past few months. Despite all that is going on with the pandemic, these individuals bravely set out to begin new opportunities: Sue M., Carlos C., Christina P., Jayvone G, Annette B., Carlos M., Kyrstan R. Also, a special thanks to all who have also maintained their jobs through this challenging time!
2
Self-Awareness Self-Regulation Motivation Empathy Social skills
Join us for a special workshop on Friday, October 16th at 10:00am as we explore Emotional Intelligence and ways that you can develop your own E.I.
World Mental Health Day is observed on the 10th of October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness about mental health issues around the world and providing education about services and supports for mental health. This is in conjunction with Mental Illness Awareness Week which is held the first full week in October each year. While mental health conditions are being talked about more in the mainstream media, there continues to be stigma and misunderstandings about mental health in general. Violent acts are blamed on mental illness, when in fact individuals with mental health conditions are more likely to be the victim of a violent act. There are misconceptions about what having a mental health condition looks like, or who can be affected. The truth is, every individual has experienced what it is like to struggle with a mental health condition on some level. The loss of a loved one and the sadness and depression that follows, the anxiety of a major life change, the fear of a new situation. For most people these feelings pass, but for some they do not. Mental Illness Awareness week gives individuals the opportunity to open the door on conversations about mental health. It allows for open discussions and opportunities to break stigma, seek solutions and normalize the experience of living with a mental health condition. 2020 has been a very challenging year particularly with all of the changes due to COVID. Rates of unemployment have been at historical highs and we still don’t know what the future brings regarding COVID, vaccines, the re-opening of the state, schools etc. There is social and political unrest and tragedies occurring around the world. People’s regular outlets for coping are simply not there or available as they once had been. This year more than ever, rates of depression and anxiety have skyrocketed and people who may have never understood mental illness have a better grasp of it now through their own personal experiences. As more people experience mental health needs, the hope is that this will break the old patterns of stigma and common misconceptions. Through the struggles and tragedy that 2020 has brought upon us as a society we must keep hope alive and look for the good that presents itself through hardship. Perhaps the raised awareness of mental health needs will bring increased funding for programs that may have been overlooked in the past. Perhaps the community will come together to acknowledge and accept that mental health is just as important as physical health and there will be more advocacy for this vital service. If you, a loved one or someone you know is struggling, there are resources out there to help. 211 can provide information on services available throughout the state for a variety of needs. NAMI ((860) 882-0236 - info@namict.org) is a great resource for individuals and families. And of course Mental Health Connecticut has resources and programs available (www.mhconn.org). See side bar for info on depression and depression screening. Recovery is possible!
National depression screening day falls on October 8 this year. There are many online tools that will allow you to take a depression screening. One example is Mental Health America’s website. Along with Depression screening tools, they also have a number of other tools and resources available. You can explore the website by going to mhanational.org. The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. The individual must be experiencing five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. 1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day. 2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day. 3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. 4. A slowing down of thought and a reduction of physical movement (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of restlessness or being slowed down). 5. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day. 6. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt nearly every day. 7. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day. 8. Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
3
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.
If you haven’t heard already, we are in a very important election year. On Tuesday, November 3, 2020, along with other officials to vote for, the Presidential Election will be held. If you have not already registered to vote, we urge you to do so. You can register in-person, online or by mail and the deadline to do so is October 27th. If you have any questions or need assistance with registering to vote, contact IC staff (203-756-5572). This year absentee ballots are also being accepted without any excuse needed. Every registered voter has been mailed out an absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 2 and all ballots are due by 8pm on November 3. The candidates for the Presidential election are current President Donald Trump and Democratic hopeful Joseph Biden. Take the time to learn about each candidate so that you can make an informed decision when it is time to vote. Every vote matters! A common misconception is that one person’s vote can’t make a difference, but this simply isn’t true. If you would like your voice to be heard, it is essential that you cast your ballot, either in person or through an absentee ballot and the first step is to make sure that you are registered. If you need any type of assistance or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact us.