SCLSNJ, Somerset County Youth Services Commission Partner for Virtual Mental Health Programs
SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “the pandemic has been associated with mental health challenges,” while recent data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that approximately 17 percent of youth (ages 6-17), and 20 percent of adults in the U.S. experience mental illness.
In order to address the needs of this population and to continue to raise awareness of mental health wellness, the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey (SCLSNJ) will partner with the Somerset County Youth Services Commission (SCYSC) this spring to present two programs for tweens, teens, educators, and caregivers.
“We all have to take a few moments to assess the impact that COVID-19 has had on our lives,” said Linda Porcaro, director of youth services, Somerset County. “It is more than wearing a mask, it has resulted in major lifestyle changes.”
“It is important for adults to take care of their own mental health, so they are able to best care for the youth in their lives and model for them healthy mental health habits,” said Christine Jansen, manager of youth services programming and collaborations, public services. “For teenagers, hormones, relationships, and identity are just a few things that can add stress to their everyday life, but they are now also faced with isolation while simultaneously trying to learn (often virtually) during a pandemic.”
The first virtual program, which caters to educators and caregivers, will take place on March 24 at 5 p.m. The interactive webinar will delve into the early warning signs of mental health exhaustion and teach attendees techniques that aid in developing healthy habits.
“Mental and emotional wellness are much more than the absence of depression, anxiety, and so on,” said Faith Saunders, M.S., program presenter. “It is the ability to successfully manage life’s stresses and adjust to change.”
Continued Saunders, “If there is ever a time when we need these skills, it is now because the pandemic has impacted everyone’s mental well-being. It is easier than you may think. It starts with taking tiny baby steps.”
For more information, or to register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4718473.
The second program, geared towards students in grades 6-12 and their caregivers, will take place on May 6 at 5 p.m. During the virtual presentation, attendees will explore the eight keys areas of wellness in life: emotional, physical, social, financial, spiritual, occupational, environmental, and intellectual; their significance; and how to enhance the areas that need improvement.
“As a caregiver or a student, it is easy to put others first,” said Porcaro. “Learning to value our personal strengths is the first step toward mental wellness.”
“Many people do not go about their day-to-day activities thinking about the importance of their mental health – I don’t,” said Saunders. “However, if we did, I am sure we would take greater care of it. After thinking about how important my mental health is to me, my answer is ‘priceless.’”
For more information, or to register: sclsnj.libnet.info/event/4718547.
For more information about SCYSC: co.somerset.nj.us/government/human-services/youth-services/commissions-committees.
