Video Shares Mental Health Resources Available To Somerset County Residents

Press release from the Somerset County Government:

12/16/2022 11:26 AM

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ – The holidays are a joyful time for many people, but the season can also evoke feelings of sadness and loneliness, as well as exacerbate mental health challenges for those who are already struggling. To help residents cope with depression and isolation, the Somerset County Board of Commissioners and the Human Services Department have collaborated to create a public service announcement (PSA) that provides mental health resources available to residents.

The new PSA video features county staff who advocate and manage mental health and substance use services as well as support for seniors, and people with disabilities. The video provides two important resources for people who need emotional support. They can contact the county’s Human Services Department at 908-704-6300 or the national suicide and crisis hotline at 9-8-8.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 3 in 5 Americans feel their mental health is adversely affected during the holidays. To address these challenges, NAMI recommends practicing healthy habits, such as eating a nutritious diet, exercising, meditating and contacting a mental health professional.

“Often people are negatively impacted by the holidays for many reasons, such as the stress of financial burdens, and painful memories due to the loss of a loved one and dealing with loneliness,” said Somerset County Director of Human Services Michael Frost. “Our Human Services Department offers expert mental health counseling and a wide array of free resources for residents who need emotional support.”

During the holidays, loneliness can be even more pervasive in the aging population and can affect a person’s health as well as shorten one’s life span, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA). To help treat depression during the holidays, the NCOA suggests that senior citizens can find activities through local organizations such as senior centers.

“Senior citizens who may have lost loved ones or live alone may find the holiday season particularly difficult and may even be struggling with depression,” said Somerset County Commissioner Paul M. Drake, Human Services liaison. “For folks struggling, our senior centers offer a comforting environment. They are free to join, and are a great place for seniors to socialize, exercise and learn.”

For more information about mental health support in Somerset County, watch the PSA.

Somerset County Is Stigma Free
Somerset County advocates for Stigma Free communities. Some community members live with mental health and/or substance use disorder, and some do not, but Somerset County believes that stigma is harmful. Embracing a stigma-free culture encourages dignity and respect for the residents of Somerset County, reduces fear of judgment as a barrier, and celebrates the differences that make our communities diverse and multi-faceted.

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This press release was produced by the Somerset County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.