Tag: mental illness
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SAMHAJ to hold annual picnic on Aug. 18 in Monroe
SAMHAJ (South Asian Mental Health Awareness in Jersey) will hold its annual picnic from 10:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18 in Thompson Park, Picnic Grove 3B, Forsgate Drive, Monroe. SAMHAJ families, consumers and supporters are invited to attend. There will be food, entertainment and games for all ages. RSVP by Aug. 5. Community…
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Never ‘without a pen or piano,’ poetry contest winner shares struggles
EAST BRUNSWICK – Laurie Goldman is a musician who uses music as her therapy. “Playing the piano keeps me breathing. Because of that, I play open mics on a fairly regular basis. I usually perform during the week, as it is hard to find open mics on the weekends; however, one Friday night, about three months ago,…
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Poet equates mother’s struggle with mental illness to the changing of the seasons
NORTH BRUNSWICK – It took many years for Maria del Carmen Rodriguez to realize what her mother was facing throughout her life. “When I noticed that my mother was struggling with mental illness, I did not know what to do with her and the whole situation. There was a point that I considered her wea’…
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Middlesex County launches campaign to eliminate stigmas of mental illness and addiction
Middlesex County is launching a countywide campaign to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and addiction. “[M]ental illness and addiction touch everyone. We know that people with mental illness and addiction can recover with appropriate supports and services in the community, yet many avoid seeking help due to stigma and the fear of discrimination.…
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‘Grandma’ uses her ‘hands’ to bring awareness to mental illness
SOUTH BRUNSWICK – A transplant from Brooklyn, New York, Donna Hairston lived in Charlotte before moving back up to the Northeast – one week before superstorm Sandy pummeled the area. “I wish I still had my U-Haul because I would have turned back around,” the five-year Monmouth Junction resident laughed. New to the area, Hairston…
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South Brunswick High School promotes mental health wellness
SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Although South Brunswick High School has many well-developed programs and experienced staff to address adolescents’ mental health issues, Meryl Orlando was worried. “What about the students who don’t know where to go or are too afraid to knock on a counselor’s door when they feel sad or anxious?” Orlando said in a statement…
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NAMI Walk for mental illness to be held May 19
More than 50,000 people in more than 80 communities across the nation will join the National Alliance on Mental Illness to raise awareness of mental illness and funds for local, regional and state NAMI organizations on May 19. The NAMI NJ Walk will be held at the Boardwalk at Seaside Heights. Check in is from…
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NAMI course on mental illness helps families
“Family-to-Family,” a free, 12-session family education course provided by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will be offered from 7-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning on March 13, at NAMI NJ, 1562 Route 130 north, North Brunswick. The course is provided to support families, partners and friends of individuals with mental illness. Course participants gain up-to-date information…
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Poetry contest focuses on mental health awareness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI NJ) Dara Axelrod Expressive Arts Mental Health Poetry Contest 2018 will be held in honor of National Poetry Month in April and Mental Health Awareness Month in May. Poems should keep within the theme, “What is your song?” They must be typewritten, no longer than 40 lines, and…