Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. But not all of us think about our mental health enough. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey’s NJMentalHealthCares Helpline offers free, anonymous online mental health screenings in cooperation with Mental Health America. Self-assessments are available for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD and bipolar disorder, as well as screens for youth and parents. Taking a screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Click here now to take a free, confidential screening online.  …

The NJ Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, in collaboration with the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, is pleased to announce a videophone helpline for individuals who are deaf and/or hard of hearing to access emotional support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sign language users are able to communicate directly with our partners at ACCESS, of St. Joseph’s Healthcare System in Paterson. Individuals who are deaf and/or hard of hearing can call 973-870-0677 VP, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

Source: CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and  the community you live in. — People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include: — Older people  …

Healthcare practitioners employ an array of modalities in the treatment of physical and mental health disorders. Medication management, therapy, exercise and other lifestyle changes are regularly recommended.  Often overlooked is an inexpensive option for the maintenance of good physical and mental health: nature. There is now a significant body of evidence supporting the mental health benefits of outdoor immersion. “Green therapy” known as ecotherapy, has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression.  In the early 1980’s, the forest agency of Japan encouraged people to walk in the woods for better health. Known as “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku, the practice was  …