To help millions of Americans deal with the stress created by the tough economic times, Mental Health America is recommending strategies to help people feel better and protect their mental health.

One recent poll reported that nearly 60 percent of respondents said the current economic situation is a cause of stress in their lives. And one-quarter indicated that anxiety is serious.

“This is a terribly challenging time for many people,” said David L. Shern, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. “But there are things people can do to take care of themselves during stressful times such as leaning on the people who care about them and focusing on the positives in life.”

Here are some simple steps people can take to protect their mental health.

Take a problem solving approach:
Sit down and list your problems and some possible solutions. Weigh pros and cons, and once you have some possible solutions, break them into manageable chunks. This process not only can produce concrete answers, but offers a sense of organization and control at a time that may feel chaotic and confusing.

Shift your thinking:
Review the skills and strengths that have helped you rise to challenges in the past. You can rely on those abilities again now. Try not to blame yourself for matters that may not have been in your control.

Get support:
You may feel like you don’t want to worry your loved ones. But chances are they want to help. You can just enjoy each other’s company or, if you’re in a relationship, work with your partner to solve financial problems together instead of isolating yourself and struggling alone.

Focus on positive aspects of your life:
Sure you have worries, but you are likely to have
a lot to be grateful for. Thinking about those positives — or writing them down —can boost your mood.

Take good care of yourself:
Exercising, eating right, getting enough sleep and taking time to relax are essential. You’ll be able to cope better with stress and take care of those who depend on you if you find even a few minutes each day to refuel. Beware of turning to alcohol to relax. It may seem to offer a release but actually puts more stress on your body and can drag down your mood.

Watch for signs of excessive stress:
Be aware of irritability, difficulty concentrating, headaches, stomach pain and fatigue. You might also see if you’ve developed some unhealthy behaviors, like repeatedly checking the economic news that mostly feed your fears.

Get professional help if you need it:
Some people feel it’s a sign of weakness to see a mental health professional, but it can be a sign of great strength to take the steps necessary to get your life back on track.

For more information or referrals to local services, visit the Mental Health America web site at www.mental
healthamerica.net/go/faqs, or contact The Mental Health Association of Southwestern New Jersey at 856-522-0639.
Through its national Resource Center, Mental Health America offers information and referrals to local resources and services. Individuals also may take Mental Health America’s anonymous depression screening test at www.depressionscreening.org.
 
If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance.

May is Mental Health Month

National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI)  Camden County Support Group Meetings
Cherry Hill Location  2nd and 4th Tuesday of the Month, 7:00 – 9:00 pm.
Steininger Behavioral Care Services, 19 East Ormond Ave., Cherry Hill, NJ
For information call (856) 783-2518 or (856) 424-0030.
Apr. 14 and Apr. 28 , May 12 and May 26, June 9 and June 23

Voorhees Location, 1st Thursday of the Month, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
M. Allan Vogelson Branch, Camden County Library, 3rd floor, Room C,
203 Laurel Rd, Voorhees, NJ (across from Voorhees Town Center – Echelon Mall).
For information call (856) 313-8888.
May 7, June 4

Camden County Public Forum And Resource Fair On Accessing Mental Health And Substance Abuse Services
Forum Objectives: Awareness of Services, Improve Treatment Options, Reduce Stigma of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Issues, Advocate for Increased Funding for Outreach and Treatment, Advocate for Legal and Policy Changes to Increase Access to Services.
Featuring:  Panel of Experts, Community Representatives, Consumers, Survivors,
Free Food and Giveaways.
Resource Fair: Provider exhibits, complete with staff, materials, and information regarding public health, mental health and addiction services and resources in Camden County.

• Tuesday, April 21, 2009 (2 sessions) 2:00 – 5:00 pm and 6:00 – 9:00 pm
  Atrium Connecter Building, Camden County College, College Drive, Blackwood, NJ 08012.
• Tuesday, April 28, 2009 (1 session) 2:00 – 5:00 pm
  Camden Conference Center, Camden County College, 601 Cooper Street, Camden, NJ 08102
  

Contact Trish Hearey, Health Educator-Camden County Dept. of Human Services 856-374-6035 or phearey@camdencounty.com.

Mental Health Association of Southwestern New Jersey

• Thursday, May 14, 2009, at St. Andrew’s United
  Methodist Church, 327 Marlton Pike West. Cherry Hill, NJ.  Music by DJ Mordecai
• SECOND ANNUAL TALENT SHOWCASE, 4:00 – 7:00 pm: Reception and Art Show 4:00 – 5:00 pm.Live Talent Show 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Contact Janice Campbell at (856) 757-4240, x2 or jcampbell@worksrite.org