November 2012

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Support Groups:

• Here for Life

1st Tuesday every Month

7:00 PM

• Veterans

Wednesday

7:00 - 8:30PM

• Depression

Thursday

10:30AM - Noon

November 2012

55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of 55 Years of

providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services providing Services

throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout throughout

SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL SWFL

Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness since 1957

Coming Events:

♦ November 1st. 2012 Woman of Character Speaker Series “The Power of a Plan: Woman & Wealth”

Robin Hamilton, Wealth Advisor

♦ November 8th, 2012

Woman of Character Speaker Series “Living Longer and Living Better”

Caroline Cederquist , MD

♦November 15Th, 2012 Woman of Character Speaker Series “ Essential Negotiation tips for Woman “

Rebecca Y. Zung-Clough, Esq

♦ December 14, 2012 55th Annual Meeting Hodges University Science & Tech BLGD 11:30 to 1PM

♦ February 23 , 2013

Hodges University

6th Annual Diversity Festival

Community Advocacy

Mental health is a fundamental social justice issue.

There is no health without mental health.

Concern for the public’s health demands that disparities in treatment and

the disproportionality of the burden of illness be eradicated.

We require change that is commensurate to the enormous magnitude of

behavioral health problems in multiple aspects of our culture, our commu-

nities, our neighborhoods and our families.

MHASWFL represents a growing movement of individuals who promote

mental wellness for the health and well-being of the community. This

movement must engage and involve the general public as well as persons

with mental and substance use conditions in all its aspects.

We emphasize recovery from mental and substance use conditions for all.

MHASWFL confirms its commitment to:

a. Raise its voice for people affected by mental and substance use conditions that

have not had a voice.

b. Diversity and cultural competence in programs, communication, treatment, and re-

lationships.

c. The translation of science into practice.

d. Ensuring that the public’s trust is confirmed through efficient conscientious leader-

ship and stewardship.

Mental Health Matters Page 2

WHO WE ARE: Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida (MHASWFL) is a non-profit, 501(c)3, non-governmental volun-

tary citizen organization whose primary goals are to promote healthy emotional and mental development.

WHAT WE DO:

We Advocate! The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida has been a voice for change for our community since 1957.

We Educate! A primary goal of The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida is to educate the general public about the

realities of mental health, mental illness and mental wellness. We also offer continuing education for local profes-

sionals.

We Serve! We Serve by identifying unmet needs and develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives

of those facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community.

We pride ourselves on being the “link” for mental health and mental wellness, offering a free referral service and

The Directory of Licensed Mental Health Professionals and Community Services.

Our Mission

To Advocate for Mental Wellness through

Education, Prevention, and Support

What We Stand For:

Our message is simple: Good mental health is fundamental to the health and

well-being of every person and of the nation as a whole.

Our agenda is clear.

· We want all people to understand how to protect and improve their mental health, and know when to seek help

for themselves or someone close to them.

· We want our regions schools, businesses, healthcare system and other settings to have the knowledge and re-

sources. they need to respond to the mental health of their constituencies and achieve their missions.

· We want all to have access to high quality, affordable and personalized preventative, early-identification and

treatment services, when and if the need arises.

· We want persons with disabling mental illnesses to receive the support, treatment and services that they need

to recover and live full lives in their communities. We want more research and services focused on prevention,

recovery and cures.

ABOUT THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Page 3 November 2012

We Will Advance our mission by:

· Educating the public about ways to preserve and strengthen its mental health;

· Fighting for access to effective care and an end to discrimination against people

with mental and addictive disorders;

· Fostering innovation in research, practice, services and policy; and Providing information and re-

sources to individuals and families living with mental health and substance use problems.


Become a Supporter Today!

For over half a century, Mental Health Association has been instrumental in reducing barriers

to treatment and services and educating the community about mental illness and recovery. As

a result of our efforts, many individuals with mental disorders have sought care and are now

enjoy fulfilling, productive lives in their communities.

Whether you or someone you know has a mental health condition, or simply care about the

issue of mental health and living a mentally healthier life,

We Can Help, But Only With Your Support!

As a Supporter of our movement, you will help us build on our half century of service and

strengthen our voice as we continue our ground-breaking steps to achieve victory over

mental illness:

• Our Advocacy is a powerful voice for change!

• Education: a primary goal of the MHASWFL is to educate the general public about the

realities of mental health and mental illness.

There is No Health Without Mental Health

The odds are that someone you

know—a family member, one of your

friends, or one of your colleagues

is affected by a mental health or

substance use condition. And that's

why The Mental Health Association

was formed over 55 years ago.

The Mental Health Association

of Southwest Florida

2335 Tamiami Trail N. Ste 404

Naples Fl 34103

239.261.5405 www.mhaswfl.org


Why Our Cause Should Matter to All : Whether we have a mental illness such as depression, know someone who has experienced such a problem or neither, we need to care about the issue of mental health. After all, we all have ‘mental health.’ We may not think much about our ‘mental health’ or even use that phrase, but it’s a common element in all our lives. Some people define it as a “state of mind.” Others view it as “being content with life” or “feeling good about yourself.” ‘ Mental health’ is perhaps best explained as how well we cope with daily life and the challenges it brings. When our ‘mental health’ is good, we can deal better with what comes our way -- at home, at work, in life. When our ‘mental health’ is poor, it can be difficult to function in our daily lives. It is a fluid state with disability and untreated illness at one end, and recovery and complete wellness at the other end. Most of us live and move within the middle range of the spectrum. However, most of us take our ‘mental health’ for granted. After all, since it’s such a basic, yet unseen, part of who we are, it doesn’t seem to merit a lot of thought compared to everything else going on in our lives or in the world. But the reality is that ‘mental health’ is a major factor in all aspects of each of our lives. We see it play out in our relationships, in our performance at work or school and in health issues. Today, protecting and strengthening our ‘mental health’ couldn’t be more important. With our fast paced, 24/7 culture, we face more stress from our daily lives than ever before. Many of us work extended hours or multiple jobs, and take less vacation. In fact, one in three American employees is chronically overworked. The line between work and home life is often blurred, so home is no longer a place of rest. Sleep and exercise feel like luxuries. We are eating poorly more often. We are constantly bombarded with information. We are also more disconnected from family, friends and neighbors, and less engaged in our communities than we used to be. Trust in one another has steadily declined over the last 30 years. Kids aren’t immune either; many are racing from one activity to another without any downtime. All of us live with these daily threats to our ‘mental health.’ Many of us also face additional challenges that test us and put our mental health at risk. For some of us, it is the stress of caregiving or divorce or losing a loved one. Or losing a job. Or living with a disease such as diabetes, cancer or hypertension. Or an addiction to alcohol or drugs. Or a major illness such as depression or schizophrenia. Or surviving domestic abuse, a street crime or a disaster like Hurricane Katrina. Whatever the source of the threat, how able we are to deal with these challenges can positively or negatively impact our ‘mental health,’ overall health and well-being. When considering all the ways it can affect each of us and our society, the issue of ‘mental health’ amounts to the largest public health and economic concern in the country.

"© copyright Mental Health America"



Howard Aurelius is a shining example of a Senior Peer Volunteer. Howard is one of the most giving, loving individuals you will ever meet.

On July 27, 1919 Howard was born in Troy, NY but spend most of his adult life in the Philadelphia area. He was blessed to have loving and supportive parents that provided a peaceful home. After school he played football, basketball and baseball.

He grew up during the difficult times of the depression, but remembers all the love and fun he had as a youngster. Every night after he had completed his homework he played table tennis with his Dad. His mother worked at the once popular cafeteria chain, Horn & Hardart’s. Every Thursday night, he and his parents and brother and sister attended the movies at the Mastbaum Thea-tre, a luxury movie house.

After graduating high school Howard attended Drexel University for tress semesters before being drafter. However, a hernia kept him out of the service. He later earned an associate’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Pa. He also studied union arbitration at St. Joseph’s University.

Howard married in 1941 and fathered three daughters, two of whom live in Naples.

At age 21 he went to work for General Electra and enjoyed a 47-year career there, serving in various capacities.

One of the most events in his life was participating in the building of the first vehicle that ever re-entered the atmosphere without burn-ing up. He eventually became manager of the plant, which built the re-entry vehicle that carried the bomb.

Although Howard retired in 1984 he went back to work as a consultant in 1986. He “retired” again in 1988 and has devoted much of his time to volunteer work as a Literacy Volunteer, a Guardian ad Litem and for the past several years, as a senior peer counselor.

Howard describes his work as a peer counselor as “very gratifying” and that it “makes me feel good to know that I might have helped someone else to feel good.”

At our weekly supervision, the entire group “feels good” just by Howard’s presence. His warmth, compassion and sharp problem-solving abilities make him a fantastic peer counselor.

Reprinted Article by Margot Escott, LCSW



Self-Care Healing Day for Mental Health and Medical Professionals at Monarch Therapy, Monarch Therapy, Monarch Therapy, Monarch Therapy, LLCLLCLLCLLC

"Give your stress wings and let it fly away." ~Terri Guillemets

Research continues to validate that therapeutic approaches connecting mind, body, and spirit

and accessing right and left hemispheres of the brain, as well as full brain integration, allow for

more comprehensive long-lasting healing. Such expressive holistic therapies complement traditional talk

therapy and also provide healthy release of stress.

Monarch Therapy, LLC is offering a Self-Care Healing Day specifically for mental health and medical profes-

sionals on Saturday, December 1, 9am-5:30pm. The event is no cost, though RSVP is required by Wednesday,

November 28th

due to limited space. Various workshops focus on holistic healing of mind, body, and spirit.

Practitioners will be offering therapeutic modalities that access the subconscious to release emotional block-

ages and alleviate stress.

Workshops include:

• Transformational Breath® with Carrie Sopko

ο "Clear the subconscious and open to higher levels of consciousness and awareness which you can integrate into

your everyday life. Release suppressions, repressions and old patterns permanently at a cellular level."

• Laughter Yoga with Gigi Felicetta

(www.LaughterYoga.org):

~Strengthens Immune System

~Increases Oxygen Supply to Blood Cells

~Improves Blood Circulation

~Balances Emotions through Healthy Release

~Fun Cardio Work-out: Exercise is #1 way to fight symptoms of Depression and Stress

• Sand Tray Therapy with Kimberly Rodgers, LCSW, RPT-S

ο Build a visual tangible world by placing miniatures in a tray of sand to gain a different perspective of circumstances.

Sand tray offers a safe and contained space for the creator to find aspects within one’s control that can be changed, or

explore healthy ways to cope with life stressors.

• Quantum De-Stress with Peggy Sealfon

ο Quantum Breath Meditation and Integrative Relaxation in Amrit Method ~ Yoga Nidra

ο "Nurture your body and mind and release stress from the source. Find solutions where before you may have seen

only problems. Renew, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your true self. Feel refreshed and empowered to tackle life’s

challenges."

Discussion and Wrap-Up

Call (239) 325-9210 or visit our website for more information: www.MonarchTherapy.com.

4500 Executive Drive, Suite 100, Naples 34119

To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education,

Prevention, and Support

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and

develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those

facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community.

If you are interested in becoming a Supporter, e-mail us at [email protected] Or Simply fill out the application and mail a check

payable to MHASWFL or donate online using a credit card. Your contribution is tax-deductible and crucial to helping us continue

our work. If you have any questions please contact our office by phone at (239) 261-5405

or mail The Mental Association of Southwest Florida 2335 Tamaimi Trail N, Ste 404, Naples FL 34103.

November 2012 Page 10 Mental Health Matters

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November 2012