|
|
|
DMH Connections
A publication of the
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health
|
 |
|
May is Mental Health Month!
Each May Mental Health Month is observed to raise awareness about mental health, fight stigma, and provide support, education, and advocacy. This year the theme is " Risky Business" -- focusing on habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or worsening mental illnesses. Some of these behaviors may actually be symptoms of mental illness themselves.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Studies show that half of those who will develop a mental health disorder show symptoms by age 14. Identifying potentially risky behaviors is a vital component of prevention and early intervention; especially to young people. This is key to providing effective treatment and reducing the burden of mental illness.
Mental health is essential to overall health and well-being, and knowing how to identify the warning signs early on and respond quickly is vital to ensuring effective treatment and sustained recovery. Join us this May in encouraging individuals to educate themselves about early warning signs and harmful behaviors so that we can eliminate stigma for seeking treatment. Celebrate Mental Health Month in your community! Check out our May Is Mental Health Month Calendar. It is filled with events around the state that are sure to educate, entertain and inspire!
|
|
Stay Connected with DMH
on Social Media!
click on the icon to be directed to the site/app
|
In This Issue
|
|
DMH Office of Communications and Community Engagement
| |
Questions or suggestions?
Contact Michelle
Communications Coordinator (617) 626-8118
|
|
|
Submission Deadline is the 15th or the month prior to when you would like your article or event published
Please send all materials to
| |
|
| |
ReachHire offers young adults and anyone seeking a wealth of tools, advice, and resources designed to help you reach your dreams - for building a career, getting an education, and supporting yourself financially.
With a positive attitude and the right support, you can make it a fun and fulfilling experience.
Get Started Today at:
|
|
| |
Connections Correction
We apologize that In the December 2011-January 2012 issue, in the "Recovery, Peers are Key to DMH Inpatient Mission" article we noted
"Kevin Huckshorn, who now serves as director of the National Technical Assistance Center for the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors" Kevin is the Commissioner of
of the DE mental health and substance abuse service system. | |
COO Staff Announcements
Commissioner Mikula recently announced the appointment of Eric Carpenter as the new CEO of Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) effective Monday, May 1, 2017 and Jackie LaChapelle as the Acting COO for the Metro Boston Mental Health Units at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, effective Monday, April 10th.
"We look forward to the excellent work Eric and the WRCH team, and Jackie and the Shattuck team will continue to accomplish in the treatment and recovery of the individuals and families we serve."
-Commissioner Mikula
|
Eric comes to the Department with a breadth of experience in the fields of healthcare, wellness, and human services. He joins us from the Larue D. Carter Memorial Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana where he served as the Hospital Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer since 2015. In this role, Eric was responsible for transforming the hospital's safety, incident, and emergency/disaster planning capabilities, improving operational and service efficiencies, and transitioning to a center of excellence among many other accomplishments.
Jackie has served the Shattuck in a variety of roles over 17 years, most recently in her current role as Director of Social Work. A licensed, independent social worker, she has her Masters in Social Work from Boston University, and has also completed several of the MasSP programs, including the Program Director and Supervisor tracks.
Jackie brings a wealth of experience, commitment and energy to this role, and we appreciate her taking on this Acting role, during this period of transition. Please join me in thanking and welcoming her to this position.
Commissioner Mikula would also like to sincerely thank Cindy Carrero for her willingness to step up and capably handle the interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) duties back in August of 2015. Cindy will resume her role as WRCH Director of Nursing.
|
 By: Michael Stepansky
DMH Director of Employment
DMH recently collaborated with Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and held the 2017 Mental Health Forum, focused on "Youth in Transition." The Forum was attended by over 150 DMH and MRC staff, young adults, and service providers. Keynote speakers included Maryann Davis of the UMASS Medical School's Transitions Research and Training Center (RTC), and Kim Bisset, founder of Gathering and Inspiring Future Talent (GIFT), a training for young adults in search of careers. A highlight of the day for attendees was hearing from two young adult panels, including young adults served by both MRC and DMH, who spoke eloquently and with humor about their own struggles, the support they received, and what's in store for the future. One attendee summarized the response to the panels well: "Phenomenal stories from phenomenal people."While the forum has been a traditional training day for vocational rehabilitation staff for the past 13 years, DMH began formally contributing to the planning following the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding, at which point DMH staff and providers were welcomed. The 2017 Forum was the largest ever held, standing as an example of the degree of interagency work now occurring as well as the importance of serving youth for both Departments. "Youth in Transition" was selected as the topic following agreement between DMH Commissioner Joan Mikula and MRC Commissioner Nicky Osborne that young adults were a priority for both departments and should be key to future collaborations.
|
|
Conferences and Events
Celebrate May is Mental Health Month by attending one, or many of the great events planned around the state
Please send your event information to
to be included in the DMH Events Calendar.
_________________________
Upcoming Events at The Bridge Training Institute
Continuing Education for Mental Health Professionals - See our training calendar at www.thebridgetraininginstitute.org
Our day-long trainings are held at the Courtyard Marriott in Marlborough, MA. If accommodations are needed, please contact Stephen Murphy at [email protected] or 508-755-0333
__________________
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health Suicide Prevention Training Calendar Please click on the link below to register. When registering for a workshop, please note that each event has tabs titled with information regarding the workshop, available CEs and cost. Space is very limited for each workshop and fills up quickly, please register early. __________________ Upcoming Workshops at the Center for Professional Innovation (formerly Community Program Innovations) CPI offers continuing education for mental health and healthcare professionals and educators, holding day-long workshops throughout Massachusetts on clinical and management topics. Trainings are held in Billerica, Foxborough and Springfield. To view the complete schedule and to register visit All facilities are wheelchair accessible. If accommodations such as ASL interpreters or visual aids are needed, email: [email protected] or call 339-883-2118. _________________ Click here for the Transformation Center website and all the latest information and events happening throughout the mental health community. |
DMH Connections Celebrates
Thank You
f or your readership as we proudly celebrate
8 years of continuous publication!
| |
|
 DMH Connections is available on the DMH's archives page of the DMH Internet. View issues from 2008 to the present at
| | |
|
|
May 25, 2017
7 p.m. Boch Wang Theater
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for general admissionJoin us for our 23rd annual performance with more than 150 young people and special guest artists singing, dancing and performing in front of a stunning set design created during the year-long Express Yourself program.
You don't want to miss seeing the imaginative and inspiring ways we interpret our theme, which for this year is SOUL. As always, the performance is free and open to the public!
This year's special guests include:
|
|
Central Mass Students Celebrate the Importance of Good Mental Health
 May as Mental Health Month started quickly with Children's Mental Health week. On Monday, May 1, dozens of students and administrators from numerous Central Massachusetts high schools joined the
SHINE Initiative in the Great Hall of the State House to promote the importance of mental health awareness, education, and wellness. DMH Commissioner Joan Mikula, Associate Commissioner for the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Rachelle Engler-Bennett, and Superintendent of the Fitchburg Public Schools Andre Ravenelle were speakers at the event. Two Bancroft School seniors delivered powerful and hopeful messages of their personal experiences with living with a mental diagnosis, and the important role caregivers in their recovery.
|
|
5 Answers for Common Mental Health Questions
 May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is marking the occasion by discussing a series of common mental health questions with Protective Services Psychiatrist Rebecca Warner pictured...
Q: When should I see a therapist or psychiatrist?
A: When you are experiencing an emotional problem that's bothering you and keeping you from doing what you need to do and enjoying life.
Typical problems are anxiety and depression. Some of these problems are short-lived and can be resolved with time, self-reflection or a talk with a trusted friend or family member. If these aren't helping and you're still feeling bad, it may help to talk with a professional who's outside the situation. They can help you understand why you keep feeling this way. Together you can find an approach that will get you back to feeling like yourself again.
Q: What is the difference between depression and feeling sad?
A: Depression involves more than just sadness. Some situations are bound to make you feel sad. If sadness lasts for several months and is accompanied by other problems, you may be suffering from depression. Besides sadness, other problems to look for include hopelessness, low energy, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, poor appetite or overeating, feeling bad about yourself, or trouble concentrating. These are the kinds of symptoms that a therapist or psychiatrist can help with. If you find yourself thinking about suicide, this indicates a more serious depression. Get treatment right away.
Q: Are there lifestyle changes I can make to improve my mood?
A: Research shows that exercise helps to improve mood. It doesn't have to involve working out at a gym. Regular walks can be enough. Some people also feel better when they're exposed to sunlight. Try spending more time outdoors. When you're depressed, you may not feel like being around people, but it helps to keep up social contact. Similarly, it helps to stay active and maintain your daily routine, even if you don't feel like it.
Q: What are some of the different levels/settings of mental health treatment available?
A: Many people start by seeing a therapist for talk therapy. This involves meeting with a trained professional, usually weekly at first, to talk about what's bothering you and how to address problems. Group therapy can also be helpful. A group may meet for a few weeks or go on for as long as you need it. It's led by a therapist. Your therapist may refer you to a psychiatrist if she/he thinks you'd benefit from medication. The psychiatrist evaluates your needs and medical condition and can prescribe medications for anxiety, depression, and other problems.
|
|
The Nan Project and What It Means To Me
By: Ridha Abidshah
 My name is Ridha Abidshah, I am a young adult and an intern for Rob Walker at The Department of Mental Health Central Office. As an Intern here I found myself at The GIFT Training, (Gathering, Inspiring, Future, Talent). Through The GIFT I found The Nan Project. The Nan Project is a project that was created in memory of Nan 24, a young woman who took her own life. It was created by her mother and brother to help save lives and to heal families. Providing them with supports, healthy conversations, and building strong community connections and bonds. The NAN Projects has several young adult peer mentors who have struggled with mental health challenges who share their stories of resiliency.
To me The Nan Project is a place where I found hope and my purpose. This is where I was told, "It's ok not to be ok." This was where I heard that we need to get the word about mental health and suicide awareness above a whisper. This was where I was given a safe place where I felt comfortable enough to talk about suicide. Being a part of The Nan Project has taught me to really see the need to break the stigma regarding mental illness in general but more specifically the stigma towards suicide.
Having been someone who had suicidal thoughts and inclinations and having been someone who actually had a suicide attempt, The Nan Project has really meant a lot to me. It has taught me that I can make a difference and an impact on the lives of others. Just by sharing my story and experiences I can reach many or maybe just one individual on a personal level where they no longer feel the need or want to end their life. This is what truly gives me a hope and a purpose. I have always known that I want to be an individual who wants to help others in any way that I could. The Nan Project has helped me find my true calling. It has shown me the way in which I can help individuals and impact their lives for the better. It has also made me feel as a part of a bigger impact of suicide prevention in order to help break down the stigma little by little
|
|
Boston Marathon Moment
  The Northeast Area Office organized a Rally on Tuesday, April 11th to support Tara Hastie, Human Rights Coordinator for the Northeast Area who ran the 2017 Boston Marathon on April 17, 2017. A group of approximately 10 staff took a walk along the grounds of Tewksbury Hospital wearing Tara's running number #30018 and ended up at a finish line banner and placed a hand-made wreath on Tara's head. The group spent time afterwards with refreshments and encouraged Tara on her first running of the Boston Marathon.
|
|  | |
Dylan and Tara.
| |
Tara teamed up with Patient Partner through Mass General Hospital and was given the honor of sponsoring Dylan, a 10 year old who was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Tara met up with Dylan and his family at the 20 mile mark to encourage Tara to keep going. Tara finished the 2017 Boston Marathon in 4 hours and raised $9,192.00 towards the Mass General Pediatric Cancer Team.
Congratulations Tara, and all DMH Staff and constituents who ran the 2017 Boston Marathon!!! |
Photos of the Month
The NAMI GBCAN team joined forces once again for this year's NAMIWalks event on May 13, 2017 at Artesani Park in Brighton. The team walked to raise awareness of mental illness and to raise funds for the important work of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and support of peer-run programming!
 On Mother's Day, staff from DMH showed their support to mothers and families who lost a child from violence. Staff participated in the 21st Annual Mother's Day Walk for Peace. The walk traveled from Fields Corner through Roxbury and concluded at Boston City Hall Plaza.
If you have photos of a DMH event that you would like to feature here or on DMH's Flickr site, please send them to
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
