Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force Celebrates Mental Health In May

MENDHAM, NJ - The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force is celebrating May as Mental Health Awareness Month and encourages the entire community to participate and learn more about how to build positive mental health and help others who might be struggling.

The national theme from Mental Health America is “Tools2Thrive.” The focus is on practical tools that anyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency.

One of the easiest steps is to take a mental health screen at www.mhascreening.org. The screen is a quick, free and private way to assess your mental health and recognize signs of any problems.

“This topic is especially timely right now, as residents deal with added stress, anxiety, depression and other strong emotions during this public health crisis,” said Mendham Township Committeewoman Amalia Duarte, who is the Task Force Chair. “All month, we will be highlighting ways that everyone can prioritize their own mental health and be supportive of family and friends who are facing difficulties.”

Residents are invited to follow and interact with the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force through their Facebook page. You can find the page by searching for @mendhamstigmafree. Look for daily updates, including videos, resources, family activities and more based on a theme that repeats each week.

Saturday Stories, for example, will feature stories of resiliency or recovery. This past Saturday featured stories of how residents are rediscovering forgotten pastimes, reconnecting with old friends and renewing habits like family dinner that can promote positive mental health.

Mindful Mondays will offer links to a mindfulness practice, an inspirational quote or poem. The community will be encouraged to comment, share and post their favorite ways to relax and rejuvenate!

In addition to social media, the Task Force is spreading hope through simple lawn signs spread out all over the community that read: “We Are All in This Together,” “Don’t Give Up,” “You Matter” and other supportive messages.

On May 20, the Task Force will host a Zoom Webinar at 7:30 p.m., featuring Bob Davison, the CEO of the Mental Health Association of Morris & Essex counties. For more information about how to participate in the event, visit the Facebook page or the Mendham Township Stigma-Free Webpage for details.

Mental Health America states that “1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and everyone faces challenges that can impact their mental health.” The good news is there are practical tools that can improve mental health and increase resiliency. Finding what works may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes.

“We encourage everyone to develop their own Tools2Thrive to help cope during this difficult time and in the aftermath, when strong emotions may continue for a long time to come,” said Duarte. “It’s important to make real connections with others to get us through these tough times.”

The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force was launched in 2018 to foster a judgment-free environment around mental health issues and substance abuse and to create inclusion for people with special needs, disabilities and any other “difference” that can make them feel marginalized, sidelined and not accepted.

Mary Kornick serves as the Mendham Borough Task Force liaison. Other members include: Allyson Bush, Hillary Clark, Kathleen Kontely, Laura Montenegro, Kristen Murphy, Trish O’Brien, Ted Rostiac, Stephanie Sabetta, Sue Vorcheimer and Melissa Young. Township Police Chief Ross Johnson and Borough Police Chief John Camoia have been active supporters of the Task Force as well.

The Task Force has organized parent workshops on marijuana, vaping, youth mental health, and autism awareness and hosted speakers from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.

The Task Force also raised nearly $2,000 for the Interfaith Food Pantry to help the increasing number of people and families who are facing food insecurity, during the pandemic. Fundraising continues. You can donate by searching in “Campaigns” for the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force at https://mcifp.harnessapp.com/wv2/donation/one-time.

The goal is to make sure all individuals and families feel included and supported, officials said.

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