By Vicki Phillips, Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Atlantic County
The local nonprofit that increased services for mental health supports during the pandemic is again expanding its outreach to the community with additional virtual groups, training, and workshops.
“Mental health challenges have existed over the decades, but not quite like what we’ve experienced through the pandemic.” said Vicki Phillips, Executive Director of The Mental Health Association in Atlantic County. “Isolation, long term stress, anxiety and depression have impacted a record number of people.”
The agency currently provides virtual support and discussion groups as well as wellness workshops which help people find support, connect online and develop coping skills. Some programs offer a call-in option for those who do not have access to a computer.
A year ago in March, the agency’s traditional in-person groups for anxiety, depression, bipolar support, and family support groups – designed for those with an ill family member – all transitioned to being offered virtually. At the same time, new groups such as Baby Boomers, meditation, gratitude, coping skills, a book club and others were offered to provide wellness tools to both existing attendees and new ones.
Across the state, the agency’s umbrella organization, The Mental Health Association in New Jersey, has been providing virtual support to those in occupations severely impacted by COVID, such as school nurses, teachers, and health care providers.
Phillips said the number of groups and number of people utilizing groups has multiplied exponentially during the past year both locally and statewide. In 2020 the Atlantic County office reports a 140 percent increase in individuals using services offered through their wellness center in comparison to the year prior to the pandemic.
In addition to offering groups, the Mental Health Association and affiliate offices are providing Community Education Workshops on topics much as mental health during COVID, LGBTQ+, nutrition and mental health, suicide, mental health and dating, others.
“Today you turn on the TV and you hear newscaster talking about mental health, especially for the elderly and children, parents,” said Phillips. “There is less stigma and more awareness as a result of the pandemic. It’s become acceptable to talk about it.”
Another way the agency is impacting the local community is through partnering with local law enforcement, mental health providers and EMT’s to offer Crisis Intervention Training. This evidence-based model trains in ways to safely and compassionately de-escalate a person in a mental health crisis, explained Phillips.
She said the April class graduated 40 police from Atlantic City, Brigantine, Pleasantville, Galloway, Margate as well as those working in casino gaming and at Stockton university. Community partners including AtlantiCare, Caring, Crossroads Behavioral, Jewish Family Services and Legacy also participated.
Virtual groups are offered daily, both weekday and weekends, on a variety of topics. Local meetings and workshops can be found on www.mhaac.info, Facebook or by calling 609-652-3800. Services offered statewide, including meetings, workshops and a call line can be found on www.MHANJ.org
The next community education workshop “Taking Care of Your Mental Health” is scheduled for 12 pm on Friday, May 21, but a recording will be made available on their website.
