Annual Survivor to Thriver Conference held at Jamestown Community College
The "Survivor to Thriver" conference will be held in conjunction with the Department of Continuing Education at Jamestown Community College on 260 N Union St in Olean, NY.
The cost this year is ten dollars, and scholarships are available for those who wish to attend but cannot make a monetary donation. The fee covers the cost of the materials so that we can continue to provide you quality resources and support.
The theme this year is "Overcoming Life's Disasters." This stems from the tragedies that we have faced in the last year, particularly Superstorm Sandy and the Newtown shootings. These things were nothing short of a struggle to get through, for many of us. However, in the face of disaster, there is hope. A time to stand united, and rebuild. The intent of this year's conference is to provide participants with some strategies, and resources, and stories of hope to inspire one to be better prepared for a traumatic event. Whether is it a house fire, being bullied, a cancer diagnosis, depression, or dealing with alcoholism, there are many instances that bring on trauma in our lives. We want you to know that whatever trauma it is that you have faced or are facing, there is hope in recovery. There will also be workshops on alternatives to healing, such as yoga, dream board creation, and essential oils.
Please see our brochure listed below for the complete list of workshops, and email us with your workshop choices. You can also print out the flier and mail the registration in. We hope to see you there!
2013 Survivor to Thriver Brochure (pdf)
Hundreds Gather in Support of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention for State Advocacy Day
Mental Health Matters Day is the 6th annual NYS advocacy day for mental health and suicide prevention. The day includes renowned speakers, a rally on the steps of the Capitol and visits with state legislators.
It is estimated that each year, nearly 1 million Americans make a suicide attempt, more than 36,000 die by suicide, and more than 20 million suffer from depression. Suicide is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. among adults 18-65, and the 2nd leading cause of death among teens and young adults. This is a public health issue that does not discriminate by age, gender, ethnicity, or socio economic status. Suicide takes an enormous toll on families, friends, co-workers and entire communities. Yet, suicide can be prevented. This event is designed to increase awareness for mental health and suicide prevention by promoting advocacy with legislator and the public.
We Are Speaking Up To Save Lives!
For more information please visit www.mhanys.org or call (716)372-0208 to find out how you can get involved locally.
What's Happening in February?
Veteran to Veteran Support Group: Wednesdays at Noon, Lunch Provided
Veteran to Families Support Group: Tuesdays from 7-8pm
Trauma Support Group: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 7-8pm
Parent Support: 1st and 3rd Mondays from 6-7:30pm
Common Sense Parenting: Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm
Wellness Center Project of the Week: Thursdays from 3-6pm Come make Valentine crafts!
Drumming Circle: 1st Thursday of the Month
Writers Group: 3rd Thursday of the Month
Changes:
We are working hard behind the scenes to refresh our website and provide some helpful new content. Please be patient as updating can often be quite a process when we are also balancing exciting things daily happening in our office! If you have tried to send emails via the website, and have not received a response back, we have also changed our emails and may have missed one. The best thing to do is to contact our office if you haven't heard from one of us, at (716) 372-0208. You may also contact The Coordinator of Peer Education, Jennifer Falandys, to report any broken links or missing information.
We thank you very much for your understanding and patience!
Did You Know?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common in the northern U.S., where temperatures are cooler and there is limited amounts of sunlight during the day.
Lifestyles changes and adaptations may be necessary to overcome the winter blues and keep your mental health on an even keel until Spring.
- Light Therapy or exposure to artificial light may help, and changing out light fixtures to Compact Florescent Lightbulbs (CFL) in the household or purchasing an OTT Lite (Amazon.com).
- Exercise! Check out local gyms to see which membership options accommodate your budget, and your schedule. Some of them offer child care as well. Exercise is a great way to release natural endorphins and boost your mood!
-Connect! Socialization and time with friends and loved ones can help give you the support and give you the lift you need to get you through difficult days.
-The Mental Health Association is always here for you!
Call us at (716)372-0208
If you are having trouble weathering the winter months, here are other helpful phone numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
DO MORE FOR YOUR 1 IN 4
Did you know that 1 in 4 adults struggle with a treatable mental health condition each year? That is almost 60 million people.
Who is your 1 in 4? Do you know a family member, friend, veteran, or colleague quietly struggling with Depression, ADHD, Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Substance Abuse, or some other mental health issue?
We can help you help them
The Mental Health Association in Cattaraugus County, is dedicated to helping each of us achieve true wellness – wellness of mind, body and spirit – because there is no health without mental health!
Getting Help:
Some people find it difficult to communicate what they want or don’t want from their treatment providers. But. over the years, more and more people with mental health conditions are realizing they have a right to speak up and speak out about what they want. In fact, some people call themselves mental health “consumers” to show that they can choose what services to purchase and where.
Where to Go for Help:
Where you go for help will depend on who has the problem (an adult or child) and the nature of the problem and/or symptoms.
Often, the best place to start is your local mental health organization. Browse around on our website to find out more about the services and programs we provide.
• You can get referrals from your family doctor, clergy, the Mental Health Association of Cattaraugus County, and Crisis centers. As you set out to get some help, consider asking for a few names. This way, you have more than one option, and can interview more than one person before choosing who is right for you.
• Your insurance company can provide a list of providers who are in your plan.
• Eligible veterans can get care through the U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs. For more information, go to www.va.gov/health or call 1-877-222-8387.
• You can find affordable mental health services through the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration. Visit http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/ or call 1-877-726-4727.
• Cattaraugus County Community Services provides free or low-cost treatment and services on a sliding scale. These services are state funded and are obligated to first serve individuals who meet “priority population criteria” as defined by the state Mental Health Department.
• Your company’s employee assistance program (EAP) can issue a referral to a provider. Reach out to your Human Resources office to get more information about your company’s EAP.
• Medicare offers a list of participating doctors on its website, www.medicare.gov. Click on“Find a Doctor”.
• Providers who accept Medicaid may be listed by your state Medicaid office, which you can find by using the map at edit
Books For Sale: Celebrate our cultural diversity by purchasing our cookbooks, a compilation of recipes submitted by members from throughout our community. Along with the cook books we have many poetry anthologies for sale as well.
- Books cost only $7 each.
- Please visit our office to purchase your copy!
Your tax-deductible donations are an important investment in helping to keep people out of the hospital and keeping down the costs of healthcare.
Please Read Below to see How You Can Help!
Average Cost of Inpatient Mental Health Care: $800/day.
- As Compared to:
- Average cost of a day at the Friendship Club FREE
- Cost to support an Adult Compeer Match: $106.25 per month.
Average cost of child/adolescent residential treatment: $1,925+ per week.
- As compared to:
- Average cost to provide Family Support Services: $50 per week
- Average cost to provide a Support Group for Teens: $100 per week
Typical cost for a family to send a child to camp: $500-$2000 per week.
Cost to send a child with mental health needs to Camp New Horizons: $0
- How you can help this happen:
- Cost to sponsor transportation for a camper to Camp New Horizons: $80
- Cost to sponsor an arts & crafts project for the entire camp: $75
Operation Dignity will resume in the Spring Call (716)372-0208 for more info.
Trauma Support Group Open to survivors of all forms of Trauma. Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. 7-8:30pm
Attention Teens! No One Way Teen support group meets Fridays from 3-6pm.
Writers Workshop Wednesdays from 7-9pm
Veteran to Veteran meets every Wednesday at Noon
Veteran to Families meets every Tuesday at 7pm
GED Classes Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-Noon. All are welcome.
Get Inspired! with quotes from our Inspiration Walk.
