Griffin Health in Derby to hold mental health awareness fair Monday

DERBY – In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Griffin Health Behavioral Health Services is hosting a free fair that aims to support and empower its community through open dialogue and access to mental health services.

The Griffin Mental Health Awareness Fair will be held May 19 from 5-7 p.m. at Griffin Health Outpatient Psychiatry, 250 Seymour Ave.

The fair will feature activities and conversations that promote understanding and compassion to help break the stigma of mental health and addiction care. 

On-site consultations with follow-up appointments will be available along with information about Griffin's Department of Psychiatry services, including talk therapy, group therapy, medication management, crisis support, and substance use treatment. 

Attendees can also learn about the prevalence of mental health conditions and the importance of early treatment, and experience guided mindfulness exercises, stress-reduction techniques, and other holistic approaches to mental well-being.

Refreshments will be served. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Griffin's food pantry.

For more information about the fair, call 203-732-7580. To learn more about Griffin's Behavioral Health Services, visit www.griffinhealth.org/care/behavioral-health-addiction-services.

This is a press release from Griffin Health.

BHcare offers tools to cope during pandemic

May is Mental Health Awareness Month While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. And today's pandemic has proven to be a particularly challenging time for millions of people across the country. The coronavirus has affected the mental health for almost everyone, but it is especially hard for those with mental illness. Both the anxiety of contracting the disease as well as the increase in loneliness and isolation can worsen and trigger symptoms. The good news is there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency - and there are ways that everyone can be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life’s challenges or their mental health. Visit BHcare.org for tools and resources to help improve your mental health during this challenging time. We also invite you to follow us on Facebook during the month of May for a 31-day mental wellness challenge. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, physical health and mental health and set yourself on the path to recovery. Stay well! We’re Here for You! BHcare is providing intake and appointments via telehealth for anyone struggling with mental health or substance use issues. Call today! (203) 800-7177 Follow Us  ‌  ‌

Support group to host talks on mental health at Griffin Hospital in Derby

The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two presentations on mental health issues May 14 at the hospital. /Contributed photo

DERBY - The Diabetes Education & Support Group at Griffin Hospital will host two free presentations on mental health issues for individuals diagnosed with diabetes May 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the hospital, 130 Division St.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Swansiger, BSN, MPH, will facilitate an open discussion on mental health issues and diabetes, especially depression and diabetes distress. 

The talk will cover the signs and symptoms of depression, how depression and diabetes are linked, how depression is treated in people who have diabetes, and self-management tools.

The presentations will be in the hospital’s Dining Room Meeting Room 1.

The Diabetes Education & Support Group meets September - June on the second Tuesday of each month to discuss the management of diabetes, its challenges, and day-to-day dietary concerns. 

Individuals with diabetes and their caregivers are welcome to attend.

No registration is required. For more information, call Mary Swansiger, 203-732-1137.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.

Ways shared to promote mental health wellness, fight stigma

Get Prepared: May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every year the goal is to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. This year’s campaign, #4Mind4Body, is encouraging individuals around the country to focus on the healthy aspects of their daily lives in order to promote mental wellness. For the month of May, Mental Health America and NAMI are challenging you to make small positive changes in your life that can benefit your mind and your body. >> For more information Mental health is much more than a diagnosis. While taking care of your mental health can mean seeking professional support and treatment, it also means taking steps to improve your emotional health on your own. 9 Ways You Can Improve Your Mental Health Today** Tell yourself something positive. Write down something you are grateful for. Focus on one thing (in the moment). Exercise. Eat a good meal. *Find a list of 20 Powerful Mood-Boosting Foods! Open up to someone. Do something for someone else. Take a break. Go to bed on time. *Sleep Hygiene is important! You have the power to take positive steps right now to improve your resilience and emotional health. Don’t wait until you're in a crisis to make your mental health a priority. **Full article by Patricia Harteneck, Ph.D., MBA on PsychologyToday.com

BHcare to host picnic in Ansonia to mark Mental Health Awareness Month

BHcare to mark May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services' official to visit

ANSONIA - As part of BHcare’s May is Mental Health Awareness Month activities, a luncheon will be held May 11 at noon at the Ansonia National Guard Armory, 5 State St. 

Guest speaker will be Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

There will be a light lunch followed by a question and answer period. 

The event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Phyllis Kaplan, 203-736-2601 Ext. 1232.

For more information about BHcare’s May is Mental Health Month activities and events, visitwww.BHcare.org.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and Shoreline communities. 

For more information, visit www.BHcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.