December 2023 I Volume 9

Welcome to the Latest Edition of the New Jersey Self-Help Clearinghouse Newsletter!

Let us begin by wishing you a very happy and healthy holiday season filled with love, light, fun, connection, wellness and recovery!!

A Time for Mindful Navigation

‘Tis the season for a myriad of holiday celebrations. Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, The Winter Solstice, Christmas, the change of season, New Year's, and/or Festivus for the Rest of Us, keep in mind that while this is time of year brings joy to many people, it can also be a very difficult and challenging time as well. 

To best navigate the holiday season we offer these resources, suggestions and of course, self-help support groups!!

Support During the Holidays

Many of us use our vacation time during the holidays, and some may need to step away from groups they facilitate for family commitments or travel. For those working in peer support and self-help, where support is given to others' mental, emotional, and physical healing journeys, taking time off is essential for our own self-care wellness.

Staying connected with our supports and supporters in one of the best ways to navigate this time of year. While some organizations and programs continue with all usual programming or scheduled meetings, others are closed or not running their regular schedules.

Here we offer you a wide range of support groups that do indeed meet over the holidays or have specialized holiday programming. One that is very notable is United by Wellness.

• A virtual wellness center by The Mental Health Association in New Jersey.
• Offering 60+ groups from December 23rd to January 2nd, including special holiday events.
• Groups include addiction recovery, mental and emotional health support, social wellness, and special events like Festivus for the Rest of Us and a New Year's Eve Extrava-game-za.  
• To sign up for virtual support groups, click here.
• Click here or see below for the UBW December Calendar https://www.mhaac.info/ubw-schedule.html 
• For more information call 609-652-3800 or visit https://www.mhaac.info/ubw.html

Taking Care of Yourself During the Holidays

A sign of strength is knowing what you need to take care of yourself and protect your wellness and/or recovery. Even the most diligent in self-care may find themselves burdened with holiday expectations, both internal and external, which can be unreasonable and unattainable.

Here are some suggestions:

• Just say “No” – others “will get over it” if you skip an event.
• Create a new family tradition that suits your wellness.
• Attend an online support group.
• Limit your commitments.
• Do what works for you – have fun!!
• Plan time with your “Family of Choice”
• Bring a friend a recovery when attending an event that serves alcohol.
• Create action plans so you know what you will do if certain events or circumstances arise.

Remember to have fun!

Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect "Hallmark Holiday”. It is crucial to keep your sense of humor this time of year. In the spirit of laughter – which many believe is the best medicine – we share with you some of our favorite SNL skits:

Perhaps our best message is to wish you a REAL holiday. Do your best to enjoy and remember that there will be another holiday season in 2024.

Let's approach this season with compassion, understanding, and support for one another.

Wishing you peace, joy, and wellness during the holidays.

Flyers Shared by our Community Partners

Additional Resources and Support  

Upcoming Clearinghouse Happenings

NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse Overview

Meet the NJ Self-Help Group Clearinghouse staff and learn about this invaluable program!

Wednesday January 31st @ 10am

Group Facilitation

Peer Specialists often find that in addition to using their lived experience to provide hope and support to individuals pursuing recovery, one of the most common job duties is group facilitation. While peers often enter the job armed with strong experience both participating in and facilitating groups, honing these skills is a common request of peer specialists. Join us for this exciting workshop presented by the New Jersey Self-Help Clearinghouse!

Note: This is a 2-part webinar that will be presented over the course of 2 consecutive Wednesdays. The sessions will be from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and will utilize the same Zoom link (to be provided after registration).

Wednesday February 28th @ 10am

and

Wednesday March 6th @ 10am

MHANJ Call Lines