Mental Health MattersMental Health Matters O C T O B E R 2 0 1 1 C O M I N G E V E N T S :

• October 8th, 2011

Putting Children First

• October 22th, 2011

Putting Children First

• October 28th, 2011

Naples Princess

Bone Voyage

• November 5, 2011

Veterans Appreciation

Dinner

• November 5, 2011

Putting Children First

• November 14, 2011

Swing for the Kids

Golf Tournament

• November 19, 2011

Putting Children First

Here for Life

1st Tuesday every

Month 7:00 PM

Veterans

Wednesday

7:00 - 8:30PM

Depression

Thursday

10:30AM - Noon

S U P P O R T

G R O U P S :

Educating Southwest Florida on Mental Wellness since 1957

Larry LedbetterLarry LedbetterLarry LedbetterLarry LedbetterLarry LedbetterLarry LedbetterLarry LedbetterLarry Ledbetter Broker RealtorBroker RealtorBroker RealtorBroker RealtorBroker RealtorBroker RealtorBroker RealtorBroker Realtor

Life Time of Knowledge of Naples

ABR-CRS-GRI

239239--403403--07770777

There is no health without mental health…….

If each of us knows that the vast majority of mental health conditions are treatable,

we can, no matter how challenging the mental health obstacle we face, always chart a

course back to wellness. The three states of wellness are:

Wellness and Prevention (green, the combination of blue and yellow) - Wellness is a

state of being in which an individual is able to participate in

all areas of life. It encompasses the notion of balance in

one’s life among the mental, physical, and spiritual

elements of wellness. A person who has achieved this

sense of wellness, this balance, can be fully engaged in

their family and community. Personal resilience to stress or

trauma helps to prevent individuals from becoming ill.

Treatment (blue) - Treatment seeks to resolve or mitigate the harmful

effects of a mental or substance-use condition.

When someone becomes ill, a wide variety of treatments

and supports are effective in returning them to wellness.

Pharmaceuticals, psycho-therapies, rehabilitation, and

supports are key elements of treatment.

Recovery (yellow) - Recovery is a deeply personal process of changing

one’s attitudes, values, feelings, goals, skills, and roles. It is a

way of living a satisfying, hopeful, and contributing life with or

without limitations caused by illness. (Anthony, et.al., 2002)

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M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Once again it is time for our annual Professional Membership Drive Once again it is time for our annual Professional Membership Drive

Whether you are in private practice, part of a group, or an agency we believe you will find your membership

in MHASWFL to be a professional asset. We currently maintain the strong support of many members of the

professional mental health community and look forward to being able to support you in the achievement of

your professional goals, as well.

In 2011, we have improved our referral network and web site information which lists the complete Directory

of Mental Health Professionals in Southwest Florida. This has greatly increased participants exposure. Over

4,000 Directories have been distributed throughout Southwest Florida including physician’s offices, the

school system, the jail and legal system, the health care system as well as community service organizations.

Our programs have been revised to be community and time sensitive. We have offered many CEU programs

and again plan to expand our diversity of subjects in the upcoming year.

The MHASWFL hopes you will join us in our ongoing commitment to Mental Health. We rely on your support

to achieve our mission to provide broad based programs of education, prevention, advocacy, information

and referral, client services, community services and social action. Membership is your “vote” for the work

of the Mental Health Association of SWFL. Our Members are our Most Valuable Partners in fulfilling our mis-

sion knowing your sponsorship helps support our work right here in our community.

The annual membership donation is $150 for licensed professionals and $75 for interns. If you would like a

complimentary half page listing in our Professional Directory 2012, available in print and on line, please fill

out the Directory Form, if not you will be listed as a supporting member. Applications and payment can eas-

ily be made on line. Refer to our web-site www.mhaswfl.org for current listings. The MHASWFL is a 501c3

charitable organization, thus your contribution is tax-deductible. Please make your check payable to

MHASWFL, Visa & Master Card accepted by phone. The Mental Health Association would like to THANK YOU

in advance for participating in this very important service to our community. If you have any questions about

professional membership or other services, please contact our offices at 261-5404.

Deadline for Directory Listing: November 17, 2011

“We Are Making Difference” Educating SWFL Since 1957

P A G E 3 M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Join us in Celebrating 55 Years of Service to

Southwest Florida!!

The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and

develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those

facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community. We pride ourselves

on being the “link” for mental health and mental wellness.

“We’re Making A Difference”“We’re Making A Difference”“We’re Making A Difference”“We’re Making A Difference”

P A G E 4 M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Thank you Dr. DeutschmanThank you Dr. Deutschman

We were honored to have Dr. Deutschman, MD speak on “Delirium/Dementia Diagnosis & Treatment” on September 22nd. He practices addiction psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and psychiatry here in Naples. His office is located at 1415 Panther Lane #219 and he is on staff at both NCH and Physicians Regional.

P A G E 5 M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Ticket Price: $50 includes: Complementary glass of champagne,

hors d’oeuvres and entertainment/Cash Bar available

Boarding at 5pm Return 7:30pm Contact our offices at 261-5405 or email bfollweiler@mhaswfl.org

for further information or to register.

A Real “Treat” for Halloween Join us on the Naples Princess

for a Spooktacular Sunset

Cruise

“Bone Voyage” Friday, October 28th

Sponsored by the MHA of Southwest Florida

Live Entertainment/ Costume Optional

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M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Gollee’s Tip Bullying: What to Do About It

Bullying: What to Do About It

Although it’s always been around, bullying should never be accepted as normal behavior. The feel-ings experienced by victims of bullying are painful and lasting. Bullies, if not stopped, can progress to more serious, antisocial behavior. Recent incidents of school violence show that bullying can have tragic consequences for individuals, families, schools, and entire communities.

Recognize It (for what it is)

Bullying is aggressive behavior. A child is targeted by one or more youths with repeated negative ac-tions over a period of time. These are intentional attempts to cause discomfort or injury and can in-clude name-calling, making faces, obscene gestur-ing, malicious teasing, threats, rumors, physical

hitting, kicking, pushing, and choking. More subtle is simply excluding a child from the

group. Generally, bullying occurs when there’s an imbalance of power favoring the bully. Victims usually feel they don’t have the strength to defend themselves. Make no mistake, bullying is a form of violence that shouldn’t be tolerated.

Stop

bullying

when you

see it!!!!

P A G E 7 M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

P A G E 8

M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Proudly Honoring All Who Served…..

Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner

November 5, 2011 at 6:30 pm

RSVP Required by November 1st 2011. Limited Seating We are inviting all Veterans / Military currently serving and

their families to join us for a free dinner at the

VFW Golden Gate Post 7721, 800 Neffs Way, Naples FL 34119

To register or for more information please contact the

MHASWFL offices at 261-5405

or by email bfollweiler@mhaswfl.org

Coming In NovemberComing In NovemberComing In NovemberComing In November

P A G E 9

M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Coping with the Stress of Ongoing Military Operations: Information for Military Families

Whether you’re a reservist or full-time military person, you return from war. As our service men and women continue to carry out missions in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere, their families, friends and significant others continue to ex-perience varying amounts of worry and fear. This stress can be due to concerns about a loved one’s safety, eco-nomic hardship, the challenges of coping as a single parent, or simply missing a partner.

In the face of this anxiety, you or someone you know may be experiencing some of the following signs of the emo-tional impact of stress, or these symptoms may arise over the coming weeks and months:

In the face of stress, some people will maintain their routines to achieve a sense of control and to distract them-selves, and others will have difficulty focusing for some time. Both reactions are common responses to this situation. Because everybody experiences stress differently, don’t compare your “progress” with those around you or judge other people’s reactions and emotions.

Here are some tips for coping during these difficult times.

•••• Talk about it. By talking with others, particularly other military spouses, you will reduce your stress and realize that others share your feelings. Support groups exist at most military installa-tions. If there’s one available to you, join; if not, consider starting one.

•••• Take care of your physical health. Get plenty of rest and exercise, avoid excessive drinking and drugs, and eat properly.

•••• Limit your exposure to the news media. The images, rumors and speculation can be damaging to your sense of well-being.

•••• Engage in activities you find relaxing. Plant flowers, attend a concert, visit an art gallery, or take a long bath. Be kind to yourself.

•••• Do something positive. Contact community volunteer organizations to see how you can help. Give blood, prepare “care packages” for ser-vice men and women, or support a friend or neighbor who is having trouble coping.

•••• Take care of your children. Acknowledge their worries and uncertainties. Reassure them that their feelings are normal. Maintain your family rou-tines and keep the lines of communication open.

•••• Seek help. It's not a sign of weakness. If you have strong feelings that won't go away or are troubled for more than four to six weeks, you may want to seek professional help.

• Difficulty completing tasks • Extreme hunger or lack of appetite • Trouble concentrating • Difficulty making decisions • Fear and anxiety about the future • Crying for “no apparent reason” • Apathy and emotional numbing

• Headaches or stomach problems • Irritability and anger • Difficulty sleeping • Sadness and depression • Excessive drinking or drug use • Feeling powerless • Feeling withdrawn

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M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

Grab your clubs and join us

Monday, November 14, 2011 This charity Golf Tournament will benefit the Children’s Mental Wellness

Program of The MHA of Southwest Florida to be held at:

The TwinEagles Club.

For more information and sponsorship op-

portunities contact:

Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida

2335 Tamaimi Trail N. Ste 404

Naples, Fl, 34103 (239)261-5405

www.mhaswfl.org

Swing for the Kids MHA of Southwest Florida Golf Tournament

Registration and Breakfast: 7:15 am

Shotgun Start: 9 am Award Reception & Auction following play Cost - $150 per person

Sign up deadline: October 31, 2011

Hole-In-One Contest: Win a 2012 Ford Fusion!

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M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

M E N T A L H E A L T H M A T T E R S

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Our Mission

To Advocate for Mental Wellness through Education,

Prevention, and Support The Mental Health Association of Southwest Florida identifies unmet needs and develops culturally sensitive services and programs to improve the lives of those

facing the many challenges of today’s world in our community. We pride ourselves on being the “link” for mental health and mental wellness.

If you are interested in becoming a member, e-mail us at info@mhaswfl.org Or Simply fill out the application and mail a check

payable to MHASWFL or donate online using a credit card. Your contribution is tax-deductible and crucial to helping us continue

our work. If you have any questions about Membership please contact our office by phone at (239) 261-5405

or mail The Mental Association of Southwest Florida 2335 Tamaimi Trail N, Ste 404, Naples FL 34103.