Ben’s Post

It's National Family Caregivers Month! We offer several free support groups that meet monthly for family members and caregivers of people with mental illness: https://lnkd.in/e2AFYF-R. We have virtual and in-person options, and you can join anytime. Call us at 410–772–9300 with any questions. We also offer Family-to-Family (https://lnkd.in/eemNf_iT), an 8-week free education course, which can be particularly helpful for family members and caregivers. If you'd like to be notified about when registration opens for our next course, please email Kristen at kmoore.namihc@gmail.com. In the meantime check out Caregiver to Caregiver: Mental Health Tips, where caregivers from NAMI talk about taking care of their own mental health (https://lnkd.in/edgj5qaK). Joseline Castaños, PhD, on NAMI Howard County's board of directors, says (at 2.23): "I found a support group and I found a family. I found a place that was safe where I could speak where I wasn't judged. I will never forget that night we talked about self-care and they mentioned how you put on your oxygen mask first before you put it on your child and I had not been doing that." She adds because of this meeting she started running for herself, as a form of self-care. This running has since led her to some marathons. NAMI also offers answers to frequently asked questions (https://lnkd.in/e5ncuz5R) around the role of caregivers, including: What can you do if a family member doesn't want medication or therapy? Could a change in my child's behavior signal a mental illness? #HowardCountyMd #HowardCountyMaryland #Healthcare #MentalHealth #Health #MentalWellness #HealthAndWellness #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters #MentalIllness #MentalHealthRecovery #MentalHealthAdvocate

This month HHSC is highlighting a variety of events, trainings, webinars and resources to raise awareness about mental health. The last webinar of the month is tomorrow! The topic is The Importance of Self-Care While Caregiving. To learn more and register, visit: https://bit.ly/4bk6zW9 #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth

Often cherished, it’s important to keep in mind that, for many, holiday traditions can be stressful, too. Whether this season brings out the best or the worst, building resiliency and prioritizing mental health habits can help you better manage the stresses that often come with this time.    If you need to access #mentalhealth services, check the benefits offered to you through your employer – you might find some assistance through #caregiving support, in-person or virtual counseling or even #financialwellness programs.     To learn more about how you can prioritize your well-being this holiday season, watch the video below:    https://bit.ly/3SI5dhP

This Dementia Action Awareness Week, we're spotlighting the pivotal role of mental health support in the workplace. With the new Carer's Leave Regulations taking effect from 6 April 2024, it’s a step forward for employees who balance their professional life with caring responsibilities. These regulations allow employees caring for dependants with long-term support needs to take up to one week of unpaid leave each year, offering flexibility and support. Were you aware of the upcoming Carer’s Leave Regulations? For more information on the recent regulations visit https://lnkd.in/eRWz3aiA #DementiaActionAwareness #MentalHealthSupport #CarersLeave #InclusiveWorkplace

As we journey through Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to recognize the incredible strength and resilience of professional caregivers who also take on the profound responsibility of caring for their own family members with special needs, chronic illnesses, and end-of-life challenges. In our recent podcast episode, we traveled to #Sweden to meet Caitlin Dwyer, who flew in from #Paris to share her unique insights. Drawing from her professional experience at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and her personal journey with her parent's cancer, Caitlin illuminates the often-unseen realities and emotional toll of caregiving. Professional caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet many juggle their demanding roles with the equally challenging task of caring for loved ones at home. Caitlin’s story is a powerful testament to the need for robust support systems, the importance of self-compassion, and effective coping strategies. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience within each caregiver and the shared strength we can draw from one another. Let's continue to support and uplift those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. #Caregiving #MentalHealth #Resilience #SupportSystems #SelfCare #CaregiverSupport #Balance #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicIllness #ProfessionalCaregivers

Who Cares? A Workshop for Carers on June 12th. Caring can be very rewarding but also stressful which if left unchecked can take a toll on health, relationships, and mental health leading to carer burnout. This happens easily, especially when the carer is stuck in a role they didn’t expect or feel helpless to change the situation. Taking on the responsibilities of caregiving without breaks, often whilst managing other responsibilities can be very difficult and self-care is essential to ensure that caring remains a positive and satisfying experience for all concerned. Looking forward to collaborating with the lovely Laura Lane to bring together a workshop that will include: Well-being support: Learn effective strategies to support your physical and mental health. Connection: Meet and connect with fellow carers who understand your experiences. Shared Experiences: Gain insights and advice from others in similar situations. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in yourself. If you are you a carer or know someone who is looking for support and strategies to maintain physical and mental health whilst caring, join us for this workshop. Let me know in the comments how you manage your caring responsibilities. #CarersSupport #MentalHealth #PhysicalHealth #WellBeing #Caregivers #CarerBurnout #CommunitySupport #WhoCaresWorkshop

By taking care of yourself now, you'll be building resilience and emotional strength for the journey ahead. A healthy and balanced caregiver is better equipped to provide quality care for their loved one, while also fostering their own well-being. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup. So prioritize your mental health – it's an investment in both your present and your future as a caregiver. Help us to care for our caregivers, become a member: https://lnkd.in/gHdvMa2D #Caregiver #MentalHealth #SeniorCare #CareFacilities

Are you feeling stressed or burnt out as a family caregiver? Remember, it's essential to prioritize your mental health. Join our virtual support group where you can connect with other caregivers, share experiences, and gain helpful advice. Together, we can navigate the challenges and find strength in our caregiving journey. #MentalHealthSupport #CaregiverCommunity #VirtualSupportGroup

As we journey through Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to recognize the incredible strength and resilience of professional caregivers who also take on the profound responsibility of caring for their own family members with special needs, chronic illnesses, and end-of-life challenges. In our recent podcast episode, we traveled to hashtag #Sweden to meet Caitlin Dwyer, who flew in from hashtag #Paris to share her unique insights. Drawing from her professional experience at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and her personal journey with her parent's cancer, Caitlin illuminates the often-unseen realities and emotional toll of caregiving. Professional caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system, yet many juggle their demanding roles with the equally challenging task of caring for loved ones at home. Caitlin’s story is a powerful testament to the need for robust support systems, the importance of self-compassion, and effective coping strategies. This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience within each caregiver and the shared strength we can draw from one another. Let's continue to support and uplift those who dedicate their lives to caring for others. #Caregiving #MentalHealth #Resilience #SupportSystems #SelfCare #CaregiverSupport #Balance #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicIllness #ProfessionalCaregivers

This Dementia Action Awareness Week, we're spotlighting the pivotal role of mental health support in the workplace. With the new Carer's Leave Regulations taking effect from 6 April 2024, it’s a step forward for employees who balance their professional life with caring responsibilities. These regulations allow employees caring for dependants with long-term support needs to take up to one week of unpaid leave each year, offering flexibility and support. Were you aware of the upcoming Carer’s Leave Regulations? For more information on the recent regulations visit https://lnkd.in/dhGijudJ #DementiaActionAwareness #MentalHealthSupport #CarersLeave #InclusiveWorkplace