Advocacy E-news April 25, 2016
April 25, 2016
SUICIDE PROBLEM ACUTE IN NEW JERSEY
For many years New Jersey had the lowest suicide rate of any state in the nation. But that distinction has ebbed recently, just as the nation’s rate of suicide rose to the highest level in three decades, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report by the CDC confirmed what experts in New Jersey and across the U.S. had long suspected, that suicide is becoming more common across broad swaths of American society and in nearly every demographic group.
IMPROVING THE LOT OF NEW JERSEY’S MOST-OVERLOOKED CITIZENS
People with severe mental illness suffer a disproportionate burden of chronic physical conditions such as heart failure and diabetes. In fact, some medications to treat disabling mental-health conditions can have side effects that make chronic physical illnesses worse. Treating the whole person — both the mind and the body — is vital for people with severe mental illness. The Behavioral Health Homes and Housing First initiatives are an important step but they will not likely meet all need for such services.
SHA ANNOUNCES NEW HOUSING GUIDE
This housing guide was designed specifically for individuals with disabilities and their families with a concentration on those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides information, advice and guidance about community housing and supports.
MUST A MENTAL ILLNESS BE REVEALED ON A FIRST DATE?
I have struggled with mental illness, off and on, for most of my life. I also have extensive scarring on my arms from self-harm episodes. But I have a successful career and fully support myself; most people who know me have no idea that I am mentally ill. After ending a decade-long relationship, I am now thinking of dating again. My question is: At what point do I disclose my mental illness, its history and its effects?
See the NY Times Ethicist’s reply
GIVE MENTAL-HEALTH AGENCIES TIME TO ADAPT TO NEW FUNDING
I’m concerned that people with serious mental illness may lose access to the safety net under the state’s plan to overhaul funding of the behavioral health care system. Dozens of service providers will lose between $800,000 and $6 million a year under the change, which is slated to take full effect in January.
FIND YOUR LOCAL NAMI
