artwork by IC Member Frank R.
Learn techniques to manage stress using meditation and gentle movement as you build your self-compassion and empathy. Both practices are powerful tools to explore individuals inner strength to manage stress and cultivate inner peace. Monday, September 9 at 10:00am by Toivo.
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
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“miracles happen everyday, change your perception about what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.” -Jon Bon Jovi
“don’t believe in miracles, depend on them” -Laurence J. Peter
“where there is love there are always miracles” -Willa Cather
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September’s Artist of the Month is Deb J. She uses her interest in newspaper comics to practice her drawing skills, copying characters like Garfield and many other classic characters into her sketchbook. Her most favorite is Family Circus. Deb says she relates to the comic because in her family “everyday was always a happy family circus”. Her father used to read the comic in the mornings when she was growing up. One day a few years ago she decided to try drawing the comics instead of reading them, leading to the discovery that drawing relaxed her and helped to ease her stress. She loves coming to the IC because being around people who understand her helps her life in a positive way. Regularly attending Mending Art and seeing artists who relate to her creating inspires her to continue drawing. Deb would like to thank her father for encouraging her to always succeed and that she feels as though she is succeeding in Mending Art. She never imagined she’d be Artist of the Month, expressing how happy this makes her. Deb worked very hard on trying a new medium for her piece on display: “Just Chilling”. Taking her comic drawings and compiling them into a collage, including her most recent drawing in the center which strays away from the comic characters. Instead, Deb illustrated a place that holds many happy memories, a Southbury pool she used to have fun at as a child.
In last month’s workshop we talked about stories that will change how we think. We discussed a scientific article that said the chance of each of us being born was 1 in 400 Quadrillion to at least 1 in 400 trillion. So, the odds were in our favor. So to ever think that each of us is not special or do not deserve to be here is wrong. We are no accident. The timing, the day, the year, our parents meeting and so many other factors that had a role in us being here is amazing. Nothing could have been off. Each of us are miracles in our own right. We are here for a reason. So, cherish your visions, ideals, music and people that stir your heart. When you feel like you’re not good enough or feeling down, remember the odds that got you here. Remember how everything had to be perfect for you to be here and let that up lift you. Remember that you are special and most of all remember that you are a miracle!
Seeking a connection to your inner voice extends the ways in which you can express yourself, which is a vital practice for a healthy wellbeing. Drawing, doodling and sketching were among my most treasured hobbies as a child. Every day I practiced drawing in my sketchbook. The drawings became little pieces of myself that I could be proud of as a shy adopted young girl who felt different than those around me. I found peace and excitement at the same time by making art, soon realizing in high school that my hobby could blossom into a lifestyle. Eventually my creative curiosities led me to Columbia College Chicago. In art school I first majored in vocal performance only to find myself more comfortable expressing my ideas in my drawing class. Deciding to major in fine art changed the direction of my life for the better. I accepted the challenge of being vulnerable and explored many different mediums that I never knew existed like textiles, film, ceramics and sculpture. I worked on my practice of painting & illustrating while also discovering a love for installations and communal studio spaces. I made friends with fellow artists, sharing ideas, exchanging creative energy and being a healthy support system for each other. Forming those lasting connections by sharing my work helped me grow more confident in my abilities and encouraged me to try new things often. After graduation in 2016 I moved back to my hometown of Holland MI, where I began working with children in non profit organizations like Culture Works & the Holland Area Arts Council. I Managed an art studio and instructed numerous after school art classes and camps for eager kids. During the end of semester exhibitions, I experienced how beautifully the art brought together their families and the local community to celebrate their creative accomplishments. Currently landscapes are my main area of exploration. I enjoy illustrating fantasy environments with ink drawings and paintings. Being focused on realism in the past, I’ve now become drawn to abstraction. It gives me the freedom to create more imaginatively and freely! I get to focus on free flowing line movement and color rather than picture perfect proportions. My goal is to be a positive influence and an advocate for the community Mending Art has already established. I am looking forward to seeing the many beautiful shapes it will take and I know it will become a masterpiece in itself that we can all belong to. I am so honored to offer my skills and my experiences to MHC’s Mending Art Program and I want to thank everyone for welcoming me into this amazing community. I am very excited to be starting with Mending Art as it branches out on a new journey to reach more community members and spaces. I will have the great privilege of not only witnessing this growth but being an active part in it. -written by Jazz Borst
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/ 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
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Congratulations to Edward “Ted” O. for having one of his essays published in the Ollie at UCONN Voices and Visions. Ted enjoyed the process of writing, editing and reading the essay aloud. He hopes to continue writing and eventually get to writing screenplays.
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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Excerpt from “The Holy Water Lightning Storm” by Ted O.: “Memories of my early youth are filled with beautiful views of Long Island Sound in a rented beachfront cottage with my favorite relatives, my aunts. (That work, with my New Englandish accent, rhymes with TAUNT. I do NOT have any insects as relatives like my New Yorker friends’ do.) The beach was located directly on the water in Bayview, Connecticut. The name Bayview always made me think of Bayport, the fictitious location of my childhood literary characters, Frank and Joe Hardy of the “The Hardy Boys”. Their hometown was also on the water, so I felt like I was living a charmed life with my aunts in the summer.” If you would like to read the rest of Ted’s story, come to the IC and see staff!
September is Recovery Month sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. Now in its 30th year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. The 2019 Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger,” emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery. It reminds us that mental and substance use disorders affect us all, and that we are all part of the solution. The observance will highlight inspiring stories to help thousands of people from all walks of life find the path to hope, health, and personal growth. Recovery Month Workshops
Monday, Sept 9th 10am - Peer Support Recovery
Monday, Sept 16th 10am - Families Effective by Addiction
Monday, Sept 23rd 10am - Breaking the Addiction Chain
Monday, Sept 20th—Positive Lifestyle Changes Please see Jess for more info on workshops
National Suicide Awareness Week 2019 in United States will begin on Sunday, September 8 and ends on Saturday September 14 World Suicide Awareness Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most. According to the CDC, suicide rates have increased by 30% since 1999. Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss (often called “suicide loss survivors”) are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly. Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues. Crisis Resources:
HOW CAN I TELL IF SOMEONE IS FEELING SUICIDAL? -THREATENING TO HURT OR END THEIR LIFE -LOOKING FOR WAYS TO END HIS OR HER LIFE; SEEKING ACCESS TO PILLS, WEAPONS OR OTHER MEANS -TALKING, WRITING, OR POSTING ON SOCIAL MEDIA THOUGHTS ON DEATH, DYING AND SUICIDE -HOPELESSNESS
If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the
National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text HOME to
741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line. Local 24-hour Crisis Hotline Numbers: Info Line: 211 Waterbury Area Hotline and Mobile Outreach: 1-866-794-0021
-RAGE, ANGER, SEEKING REVENGE -ACTING RECKLESSLY OR ENGAGING IN RISKY ACTIVITIES, SEEMINGLY WITHOUT THINKING -FEELING TRAPPED, LIKE THERE’S NO WAY OUT -INCREASING ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE -WITHDRAWING FROM FRIENDS, FAMILY OR SOCIETY -ANXIETY, AGITATION, UNABLE TO SLEEP OR SLEEPING ALL THE TIME -DRAMATIC CHANGES IN MOOD -NO REASON FOR LIVING, NO SENSE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE
*PEOPLE MAY SHOW ONE OR MANY OF THESE SIGNS
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INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or a more neutral -flavored oil like grapeseed, canola, or vegetable) 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or balsamic, apple cider, rice, sherry, or other wine vinegar) Pinch of kosher salt A turn of freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS: 1) Add all of the ingredients to a small mason jar, screw on the lid, and shake until blended. You can also whisk the ingredients together in a bowl or whirr them together in a blender. 2) Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Add to salad, toss, and serve. 3) Keep leftover dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 2 – 3 days.
Summer is an exciting time for local kids as they spend their days outside of school and in the community. Recently, Mental Health Connecticut’s Mending Art Program visited the Boys & Girls club of Waterbury to engage in some creative fun with some of those children. With the summer theme for the club being brain gain, the goal was to encourage the children to keep their desire for knowledge alive this summer! They shared which books they were reading and we created personalized bookmarks with colorful yarn tassels. In addition, they created paper collage “quilt” squares, that formed a collaborative community quilt to be hung for display in the club. IC Artist Shawn, accompanied the workshop, participating in the crafts, helping the kids and entertaining them with a beautiful performance of God Bless America!
Alisa will be doing two in depth workshop series on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 a.m.: Disaster Preparedness for people with disabilities and All About Nutrition. In the Disaster Preparedness workshop we will discuss: What is the difference between a watch and a warning when it comes to a storm. How to make a preparation kit. What you will need and for how long? Non-perishable foods. How much water to have for use. Stock up medications and first aid kit.
Emergency phone numbers. Charge phones/lap tops. Radio, batteries and a local station to tune into, and more…
In the All about Nutrition workshop we will discuss: My Plate portion control. Five food groups. How to read food labels. % Daily requirements
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Sugar (hidden sugar, how much sugar, and natural sugar) Salt, cholesterol, and more…
Mental Health Connecticut’s Independence Center (IC) presents: “Mending Art” An Exhibit with IC Artists and Guests at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery (555 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT. 06105) This Call for Artists is open to all CT Artists who know the benefits of art and wellbeing! Opening Reception: Thurs., October 17, 3:00—7:00 p.m. Exhibit open October 5 – 27, 2019
-artwork by IC artist Frank R.
Participation is free. We welcome artists to join us in sharing their art!
Drop off art at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery on October 1 or 2, 12:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Terrex Marcia Ming Rene Lawrence Frank Nancy Michael
C D R H R R T C
02 04 06 07 09 09 09 11
Henry
N
12 12 13 14 15 15 16 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 22 22 22 23
Victor F Veronica H Ana M Jayvone G David W Jeremiah P Marian C Gustavo U Karenhappuch B Aaron H Brian L Bryan St Adriano T Vanessa Mc Angel Q Joann R Cynthia A
Pick up art at Hartford ArtSpace Gallery on October 28, 12:30 – 7:00 p.m.*
Limit one piece per person. Please be considerate of the size of piece submitted, space is limited and will determine amount of accepted work. All work must be original and ready for display with the appropriate hangers. Pedestals are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. We reserve the right to not accept any work deemed inappropriate for the venue. All paperwork must be complete before entry.
Join us for Birthday Bash on Wednesday, September 25 at 2:30 p.m. to celebrate!
If you would like to share your art or have questions about the exhibit, please contact MHC’s Art Director, Amy Smith at asmith@mhconn.org or (860) 856-7291. *For special arrangements of drop off and pick-up please speak with Amy Smith www.mhconn.org/mendingart
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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.
IC End of the Summer 9th year Anniversary Picnic Friday, September 20 (rain or shine) 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. GAMES & PRIZES PICNIC FARE PHOTOS THIS EVENT IS FREE!