Mental Health Association of Erie County

#HappyPrideMonth! As a mental health organization, one of our goals is to help prioritize mental health and well-being for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the community. To make mental health a focus during Pride Month, MHA will be sharing LGBTQIA+ specific resources and information throughout the month of June.

No one should have to make career sacrifices in order to stay mentally healthy. Unfortunately, it is all too common. Naomi Osaka 's decision reminds us of that. Her choice was a brave, courageous one and we hope it elevates the conversation about athlete mental health.

We are excited to announce that MHA has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through June 30th, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donations will be distributed. We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to promote mental health and wellness in our community and support individuals and families challenged by mental illness.

In the past year, increased attention has been put on the need for mental health resources in communities of color. WGRZ reporter, Karys Belger, talked to local mental health professional and MHA board member, Erin Moss, about the barriers still in place when it comes to people of color accessing mental health care.

Change can be difficult but by taking time to think through the change you’re facing, you can work to make both the change and the emotions around the change more manageable. Use this worksheet as a tool to process an existing or upcoming change that you are facing. https://screening.mhanational.org/cont/dealing-with-change/

Sometimes change happens in big ways when we aren’t expecting it or aren’t prepared for it. These types of situations can make navigating your path forward really difficult. This week, we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month. By providing yourself with #Tools2Thrive for processing change, you can adapt more easily. Check out how by clicking this link https://mhanational.org/processing-big-changes

Individuals and families living with the challenges of mental illness often sustain economic and social hardships. The COVID-19 pandemic has escalated these issues. MHAWNY provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with a mental health diagnosis. This important message from lead paralegal, Nicole Blackwell, emphasizes the legal needs for those who feel as if there is nowhere left to turn. During this unprecedented time, your support is critical to retaining our legal program and delivering the services to people who need it most. http://donate.mhawny.org/

Our young people are hurting more than ever; Youth Peer Advocates (YPAs) can help. In this message, MHA youth peer advocate, Julie Hill, speaks on the importance of YPAs as they facilitate support services for youth who are struggling. Due to the pandemic, many of these services have been affected. This and the uncertainty around future program funding means your support is needed now more than ever. Your year-end, tax-deductible contribution will help keep these services going and serve as a lifeline to many young WNYers. http://donate.mhawny.org/

The "holiday blues" happens every year, but the COVID-19 pandemic may make anxiety and depression worse. Here's what to know and how to cope.

This year, many nonprofits like ours are falling short of fundraising goals and COVID-19 has created growing uncertainty around future program funding. In this important message, MHA board member and licensed mental health counselor, Erin Moss, shares how MHA continues to provide ongoing support and remains a place to turn to for help and hope for many in WNY. Please consider a year-end contribution, today. http://donate.mhawny.org/

There is still time to register! In the fourth and final FREE session of our series Wednesday Wellness with the Experts, join MHA's executive director, Melinda DuBois, this upcoming Wednesday, December 16th from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM via Zoom Meeting: This week's topic: Self-care: Managing my own wellness so that I can help my child manage their wellness (yoga relaxation, mindfulness). Register today by following this link, https://us02web.zoom.us//tZYoceqgqDorHNaqxrwzEb7IEP6R9LoSK."

Our executive director, Melinda DuBois was recently interviewed by former justice of the Erie County Supreme Court, Penny Wolfgang, on her radio show, On Target with Penny Wolfgang. On Target with Penny Wolfgang is a weekly public affairs show that discusses local issues that impact the Western New York area. Listen to learn more about how COVID-19 is affecting mental health and how MHA is helping our community.

This NY Times piece gives insight into the waning mental health of frontline workers as the pandemic continues. We at Mental Health Advocates of WNY offer our deep respect and appreciation for those on the frontline. The importance of self-care cannot be overstated. If you are, or know a frontline worker that may be struggling emotionally, call our Information and Referral line at 716-886-1242 (open M-F 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

Long-time MHA friend and supporter, Sammy Violante, is putting over 100 items up for auction of his personal sports memorabilia collection to benefit Mental Health Advocates of WNY and Compass House, a shelter and resource center for runaway and homeless youth. Bidding opens up on eBay on November 2 and runs through November 11. Preview the many one-of-a-kind items up for bid in this video. Visit our Facebook Event page for more details.

We are excited to announce that MHA volunteer and supporter, Sammy Violante, has decided to give back to the community by auctioning his personal collection of sports memorabilia. This auction will benefit both Mental Health Advocates of WNY and Compass House. Violante shares with WGRZ why these organizations are so close to his heart.

Nearly 80% of adults in the U.S. say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their lives, the American Psychological Association found in a new analysis. NBC’s Kate Snow reports on the drastic increase in Americans coping with mental health conditions.

"No matter how desperate it feels, there’s hopeand tools and supportfor climbing out of bipolar depression."

There is still time to register for this month's free family wellness session! This Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, join our panelists by registering below: https://eriemha.us11.list-manage.com/track/click

This year’s World Mental Health Day comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These past months, the MHA has kept many of our services available, such as our information and referral service, legal services, and as many digital support groups as possible. Please donate to support these programs and more, as we work to spread awareness and support our community, here: https://mhawny.org/#donatenow

Today is World Mental Health Day! Though 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, 5 in 5 people deal with experiences that ...impact their mental health. Recognizing that mental health IS health will be key in normalizing the conversation around mental health and wellness. #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD20 #WMHD

It has been proven, spending time in nature can have a positive effect on a person's mood. Fall is the perfect time to give this a try. Stepout Buffalo provides us with "9 Places To See Fall Leaves In WNY". Feel free to share your pictures of fall scenery and, if you'd like, add a comment about how the adventure helped your mood!

70% of teens believe depression and anxiety are major issues among their age demographic. MHA has long recognized the importance of peer support with our JustTellOne.org and Youth Peer Advocate school programs. This Today Show segment highlights a group of Maryland teens who created a peer-driven program to support their fellow students.

Scientific research has shown that repeated meditation can change how your brain functions. Researchers have likened the practice to exercise; you can train your brain just like you can train your body. "It’s incredible how quickly the brain adapts when you use it in novel ways. By repeatedly applying their attention in a particular way, meditators can build an improved brain bit by bit." Check out this article for more information on "mental fitness".... https://psychcentral.com//how-meditation-changes-the-brain/

It's easy to get caught up in the negative when we are living in increasingly chaotic times. We also tend to take positive things for granted as we adapt to them under stress. As a way to start your week fresh, give this easy exercise a try. If you're comfortable, feel free to share your results in the comments!

The grand jury decision handed down this week involving the death of Breonna Taylor may trigger feelings of trauma for some in the black community. If you need some comfort and an outlet to process such feelings, Angel Jones, Ph.D. is hosting a Facebook Live today that anyone can join.