With today, October 10th, being World Mental
Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5th-12th)
nearing its close, it is important to reinforce that wellness should not be
defined solely by the absence of illness, and everyone should focus on all
aspects of their health every day.
Balance is key, and the EightDimensions of Wellness, which were created by Dr. Margaret “Peggy”
Swarbrick, Wellness Institute Director at Collaborative Support Programs of New
Jersey, help individuals strive for it. All of these aspects of wellbeing are
essential. They are physical, emotional, spiritual (seeking meaning and purpose
in life; may or may not include religion); intellectual (engage in creative and
stimulating activities), environmental, financial, occupational (personal
satisfaction in our work lives) and social.
There are many resources available for individuals to
strengthen their mental health. For example, the Rutgers University Center of
Alcohol and Substance Use Studies’ Wellness inRecovery Program provides information and tools for creating lifestyles
that foster good health. These include a Wellness Inventory, Journey to
Wellness and Wellness Training Learning Collaborative. Dr. Swarbrick also
shares her expertise and leadership for the development of these and other resources as the Center’s Associate Director.
“I am proud to work in partnership with many individuals and
organizations both within and outside of the NJAMHAA membership in ongoing
efforts to increase access to clinical and support services. The many success
stories of recovery from mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and the
achievement of many other goals as a result, serve as incredibly inspiring
proof that all types of care are tremendously effective and reinforce the
critical need to ensure that everyone has access to these highly effective
services,” said Debra L. Wentz, PhD, President and CEO of NJAMHAA and Executive
Director of the New Jersey Mental Health Institute.
In addition to the behavioral healthcare workforce shortage,
limited funding and restrictions in insurance coverage, “stigma is one of the
greatest barriers to seeking and receiving behavioral health care,” said Dr.
Wentz, who is also the Chair of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental
Health Stigma. “Education and advocacy are critical for continuing progress
toward eliminating this harmful obstacle.”
Please click here
to read Stopping Stigma, the Governor’s Council’s newsletter. This
current issue features insights and recommendations from clinical specialists,
as well as individuals’ personal experiences, as sharing successes is a powerful
strategy for eliminating stigma.
Everyone experiences depression and anxiety. If they are
short-term and incidents that trigger them can be overcome, those are signs of
strong mental health. On the contrary, if any symptoms last for longer than two
weeks and interfere with school or work, motivation and relationships, a formal
assessment may be warranted to determine if any clinical interventions are
needed.
“Remember, seeking help for mental health struggles is a
strength, not a weakness. By taking care of our mental health — and all aspects
of our health — we are much more likely to lead fulfilling lives and be able to
support our friends and family members,” Dr. Wentz stressed.
