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FREE Suicide Awareness and prevention training open to all! Learn to recognize the warning signs, how to intervene, and where to refer someone who is in crisis. RSVP @ info@healthymindsct.org or call 203-840-1187.

Fall is upon us… and so are flu clinics. If you get a flu shot every year, you're watching out for your physical health. What a great time to also check in on your mental health! During October, free screenings are available to help you (or someone you're concerned about)…

September was both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month–two sides of a coin (where one side definitely sounds more positive than the other!). Recently, a CAC member forwarded an article,This is the Suicide Story You're Not Hearing, which talks about learning how to prevent suicide by listening to the recovery…

All trainings are appropriate for the general public! Youth Mental Health First Aid – Two Day training in Fairfield, August 27-28, 10am-2pm $75 (See attached flyer for more information and to RSVP) Mental Health First Aid – South Norwalk – Two day Training Sept 10 & 12, 9:30am-2:30pm $75 (register…

The tragic, high-profile suicides of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade this week have drawn a lot of attention to the all-too-common issue of suicide. Currently 45,000 Americans die each year by suicide, and many more attempt. Each suicide has a major impact on 6-12 close family and friends, as well…

Hi all, we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 21st from 3:30-5:30pm in Norwalk. This year's featured topic will be about Ketamine, which has been much in the news lately, from last summer's cover story in Time Magazine to last month's article "Ketamine…

How often do you have family dinner, hang out with your friends, or call your relatives…? Social connectedness (see video above) is essential to wellbeing, but loneliness is being identified as a growing danger at all ages. The UK has even appointed a "Minister of Loneliness" to combat "the sad…

Nutritional psychiatry investigates the relationship of food to mood and mental health. In these 2 short videos, learn about how your diet impacts your mental health and what to eat to support your mental health, or read about what not to eat. The gut-brain connection is complicated, involving the endocrine…

13% of Americans take an antidepressant (NCHS Aug. 2017). That's not surprising, since medical guidelines in the US recommend medication and therapy as the first lines of treatment for depression. But did you know other countries won't even recommend drugs until you've tried exercise? That's right: the free, proven help…

19% of US adults had an anxiety disorder in the past year (NIMH). In 2016, 62% of college students reported overwhelming anxiety–up from 50% just 5 years earlier (NY Times). If you're like most Americans, your life is feeling very stressful. The good news is there are techniques we can…

It's time! Join us for the 2nd annual Fairfield County Walks for Mental Health event! Our walk has 3 goals: raise awareness about mental illness by showing how many of us are affected, directly or indirectly raise awareness of the many programs, services and supports that are available — please…

Tomorrow (3/15/18): The General Law Committee will hear public testimonies on: H.B. No. 5458, which would legalize recreational marijuana for ages 21 and up. S.B. No. 431, which would change drug statutes to prohibit prescribers from prescribing controlled substances for themselves and their families and would enable pharmacists and prescribers…

Last month, our Catchment Area Councils focused on the role of peer employment in behavioral health. Peer support specialists and their supervisors shared about how peers are used in different workplaces, the value of their experience and training, and challenges and future directions. Summary below; full report here. CT Counseling…

On Tuesday, March 6th the Insurance Committee will hear testimony related to Senate Bill 384, An Act Concerning Mental Health Parity, Data Reported by Managed Care Organizations and the All-Payer Claims Database. You can email testimony to INStestimony@cga.ct.gov or testify in person tomorrow at the hearing, which starts at noon.…

Update! Dr. Srihari's slideshow is available here (among our other recent reports and presentations). Last call! Mental health advocates, healthcare providers, and others are invited to this week's special Catchment Area Council meeting at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave., on Thursday 3/1 from 2-4pm to learn about the early…

Hello all, some follow-up on how you can have a voice THIS WEEK if you're concerned about the state's budget for mental health & substance use programs and school-based health centers. The governor's proposed budget adjustments for 2018-19 have been published here. For a summary document showing just the proposed…

Updates: Legislators will hold a special session between Dec. 24-29th to restore $54 Million to the Medicare Savings Program for this fiscal year! Thanks to the many who called and emailed about this planned cut, and to the more than 100 advocates and many legislators who attended yesterday's rally at…

Madness: It's Complicated Friday, January 12, 10:30-12pm, FS Dubois Center, 780 Summer Street, Stamford Click here for flyer Insights into the Voice Hearing Experience: Voices, Visions, and "Extreme States" January 23, 9:30am-4:30pm (snow date Jan. 30) Saugatuck Congregational Church, Westport $75 includes lunch (some scholarships available] 6 CEUs from CCB,…

As investigations continue into the alleged long-term abuses at Whiting Forensic Unit, a part of the CT Valley Hospital (CVH), the legislature's Public Health Committee is holding both an Informational Hearing (for invited guests) followed by a Public Hearing this coming Monday, November 13th to hear community perspectives and determine…

Our annual Wellness Month initiative has begun! Do you get a flu shot each fall to take care of your physical health? This is also a great time to check in on your mental health! Throughout October, look for our tables at community events near you and stop by to…

Did you know that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US? (See current statistics from AFSP here.) Have you ever asked someone if they were considering suicide? Asking that question could be the step that makes the difference. In recognition of suicide awareness month, please consider…

From natural disasters to political stalemates, the news these days isn't good. In this time of stress, it's important to remember the good news: people are resilient. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people do recover–as Ally's story shows: If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health…

NAMI Family to Family Classes begin September 11, 2017 in Stamford & Fairfield! Family to Family is NAMI's FREE signature class that supports family members, significant others and friends better understand and support their loved ones who are struggling with a mental illness. If you haven't taken Family to Family…

UPDATE: Up to 5 Continuing Education credits are now confirmed for social workers & counselors. No cost. This course is now full. Leaders of health & human services organizations: Please join us for a retreat providing an opportunity to reflect on your capacity to serve diverse populations. Through a keynote…

(This post has been updated.) Since the close of the legislative session, Governor Malloy has been reviewing the bills that were passed by the House and Senate. He signed his final bills on July 12th, making a total of 262 signed and 4 vetoed. Below are the 2017 Public Acts…