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NJMentalHealthCares Helpline helps individuals, families and communities identify, understand and effectively navigate programs that comprise the mental health and human services delivery systems. Built upon the philosophy of an individual's capacity for self-reliance and self-determination through advocacy, affirmation, education, research and service NJMentalHealthCares has exemplified commitment to service, community and integrity. |
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Spotlight on National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: February 26 -- March 3, 2012
Did you know that the American Psychiatric Association considers eating disorders to be a form of mental illness? More information about this and other facts about eating disorders are available on the National
Eating Disorders Association Website. This week is the organization's annual National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, featuring broad based efforts to help raise awareness about the dangers of eating disorders and the importance of early intervention and treatment. |
Most Teens with Eating Disorders
Go Without Treatment
About 3 percent of U.S. adolescents are affected by an eating disorder, but most do not receive treatment for their specific eating condition, according to an NIMH-funded study published in March 2011. The study analyzed data from the National Comorbidity Study-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), a nationally representative, face-to-face survey of more than 10,000 teens aged 13 to 18. Given the prevalence of these disorders and the frequency in which they occur with other co-existing mental health diagnoses, it is evident that eating disorders exist across a broad spectrum and that they represent a major public health concern.
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Death by Suicide: Causes and Theories
Anorexia nervosa is the most lethal psychiatric illness correlated with increased risk of suicide according to research findings reported by Thomas Joiner, author of the 2005 book, Why People Die by Suicide. A featured speaker at the NJ Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth 9th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference in December 2011, Joiner's findings and approach are of particular interest this week, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
Joiner's "Interpersonal-Psychological" theory of suicidal behavior proposes that an individual will not die by suicide unless he/she has both the desire to die by suicide and the ability to do so. He identified three central components for assessing suicidal behavior in individuals: Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Capability. (Joiner, 2005) Click here for more information on Joiner's theory of suicide, client questionnaires for suicide assessment and his research on eating disorders.
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NJ Mental Health Helpline Makes THE Difference!
In addition to initial information and referrals, the ongoing phone care management available through NJMentalHealthCares is making the difference in the lives of many.
Recently a woman called the Helpline feeling lonely, anxious, and tearful. She had been hospitalized in the past when feeling similarly, and was concerned about her situation now. In particular, she knew she was lacking community support, and while she had recently attended an outpatient program, she was not happy with the service. She was overwhelmed, and ambivalent about seeking a new service or leaving her home to try it.
Her distress not only made it difficult for her to take referral information over the phone, but she described having difficulty managing daily tasks such as eating and sleeping properly. In fact, she had not left her house at all for some time. Click here to read the full article.
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Are You In....
Our Directory of Services?
Since 2005, NJMentalHealthCares has been helping individuals, families and communities identify, understand and effectively navigate programs that comprise the mental health and human services delivery system. NJMentalHealthCares was built upon the philosophy of fostering an individual's capacity for self-reliance and self-determination through advocacy, affirmation, education, research and services.
The NJMentalHealthCares Helpline provides the following services:
- Information and Referral for mental health and human services
- Public access to a professional staff of mental health workers
- Helpline staffed live Monday -- Friday, 8 a.m. -- 8 p.m. (EST); weekends, and holidays -- immediate access to emergency psychiatric services and/or non-emergency voice messaging services
- Live transfer of calls to service providers when necessary
- An extensive network of statewide resources
- TTY/TTD capabilities
- Ability to request resources via email
- Proficient language interpreters to assist with the referral process
- Follow up contacts to ensure linkage and offer additional support
An Invaluable Resource for NJ
Our Directory of services provides an extensive network of statewide resources. To ensure we are giving callers the most accurate referrals:
- Please check the Directory of Services for your Agency, Programs and Services at www.njmentalhealthcares.org
- Contact our Database Coordinator for any updates or changes to your Agency, Programs or Services, or
- If you are a DHS OOL licensed mental health provider who would like to be in our Directory of Services
If you have any questions, an update or changes to your agency, program or service, or would like to be in the Directory of Services please contact Michelle Garrone at 973-571-4100 x163 or [email protected]. |
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Call Center Statistics
November 1, 2011
through
January 31, 2012
Total Calls: 5286
Most Requested Services:
Community Mental Health: 65%
Advocacy and Consumer Empowerment: 20%
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Suicide Prevention Resources
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NJMentalHealthCares HelpLine Offers Help Navigating Medicaid Behavioral Medication Benefit Process
Last summer significant changes occurred regarding how many consumers receiving Medicaid get their psychiatric medications. If someone you know has problems navigating the new process, NJMentalHealthCares Helpline Can Help! Mental health consumers and case managers are welcome to call for free guidance with specific questions, general information and additional referrals as necessary.
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Do you know a person or an organization that has changed public perception about mental health or made a significant change affecting the mental health of children, families or adults? Nomination for an MHANJ Golden Bell Leadership Award may be in order. Winners of this prestigious Award will be honored at the MHANJ's Evening of Excellence on June 19, 2012. Nominations are due on March 16, 2012. Click here for the nomination form. |
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