August 3, 2017
Are smartphones destroying this generation’s mental health?
Smartphones can be found everywhere in today’s society. According to a study conducted by Jean M. Twenge, “a 2017 survey of more than 5,000 American teens found that three out of four owned an iPhone.” The smartphone era is creating several changes in behaviors and attitudes when comparing generations. Reliability on multiple applications for talking/texting, dating, and driving is… View Article
July 20, 2017
A Good Place To Live Is Critical for Older Adults With Psychiatric Disabilities
MHA-NYC President & CEO, Kimberly Williams, alongside Lisa Furst, MHA-NYC’s Assistant Vice President, Michael B. Friedman, Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University, Paul S. Nestadt, Johns Hopkins supervising psychiatrist and post-doctoral fellow, and Lina M. Rodriguez, Columbia University research assistant, have co-authored an article on the importance of proper housing for older individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. “Not so many years… View Article
July 12, 2017
In Texas, People With Mental Illness Are Finding Work Helping Peers
Peer support groups, much like the Alcoholics Anonymous programs, are becoming more prevalent in the mental health community. In places like Texas, paid-peer support counselors are helping to improve the lives of individuals living with mental illness while filling the supply gap among mental health professionals. Many of these counselors live with mental illness themselves…. View Article
June 20, 2017
Leading the Way in Innovation
On June 14, 2017, MHA-NYC was awarded Mental Health America’s 2017 Innovation in Programming award at the Mental Health America Conference in Washington, D.C. The award recognizes MHA-NYC’s groundbreaking efforts to offer internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy with live telephone, text, and chat support. The programs can be accessed by computer, tablet, or phone. In collaboration… View Article
June 20, 2017
Changing the Conversation with Music
On April 28, 2017, rap artist Logic released his suicide prevention anthem, “1-800-273-8255,” ahead of the release of his album Everybody. The song is named after the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s national phone number, and encourages individuals in crisis to reach out. The song, which features Alessia Cara and Khalid, details the story of a… View Article
June 20, 2017
“Just Talk About It” for Mental Health
On June 7, 2017, MHA-NYC hosted its 25th Annual Gala celebration, “Just Talk About It: Stories of Recovery and Success” at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. The benefit focused on the power of ‘just talking about’ mental health and celebrated those who, through public words and deeds, have helped thousands find hope and care. The gala… View Article
June 9, 2017
Pride Month: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Crisis Center Staff and Remembering Pulse, One Year Later
By Christian Burgess, Director, Disaster Distress Helpline, MHA-NYC “…Always interested in making a positive impact on people’s lives and in the community…” “…Wouldn’t want anyone to spread hate for her; she’d rather they spread more love, keep friends and family close, and have a good time doing it…” “…A proud and fierce advocate for her… View Article
June 7, 2017
U.S. Drug Overdose on the Rise
“Drug overdose deaths in 2016 most likely exceeded 59,000, the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States, according to preliminary data compiled by The New York Times.” The drug overdose epidemic has been on the rise since the early 2000’s but is now classified as the leading cause of death among Americans under 50. Further… View Article
June 5, 2017
The Millennial Divide in Self Care Practices
“Why is there a generational divide in taking care of yourself?” It is important to not only practice self care, but self awareness as well. “Self-care plus self-awareness equals self-love.” With the internet being one of the biggest social influences in the world, it’s clear why millennials are leading the way in self-care practices such… View Article