The Paterson Diocese in New Jersey will host The Mental Health Association of New Jersey (MHA-NJ) for “Mental Health Matters”, an interactive workshop to provide people who work with or accompany others a clear, accessible introduction to mental health in a short, impactful format. The presentation will be on Thursday, March 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes, N.J.
Attendees of the workshop will gain clarity with a basic understanding of mental-health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and the impact of trauma. They will learn to be confident in ways to support those who might be experiencing these challenges.
Adults of all backgrounds and professions are welcome, including clergy, religious, parish and school staff, catechists, youth and young adult ministers, community leaders, parents, or anyone who supports the mental health of others.
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“The workshop will help people who serve others to recognize those who might be struggling with mental illness and how to direct them to get proper treatment,” said John Cammarata, executive director of St. Paul Inside the Walls Evangelization Center in Madison, N.J., and director of diocesan Youth Ministry. He is coordinating the diocese’s event with Salesian Sister Theresa Lee, the diocesan chancellor and delegate for religious.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney will be present and will give the opening prayer for the workshop.
Four presenters from MHA-NJ will provide real-world examples and simple, actionable guidance to demystify mental health. They will cover a basic understanding of key mental health concepts, early warning signs and symptoms of mental-health challenges to watch for, strategies for offering supportive, non-judgmental conversations, and steps for connecting individuals to appropriate resources when needed.
The workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer period with the MHA-NJ speakers.
The MHA-NJ has a rich history of improving the lives of people with mental illness and substance use disorders. This statewide non-profit organization strives for children and adults to achieve victory over mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training, and services.
St. Mary’s Church has plenty of parking for the “Mental Health Matters” workshop.
To register for free, visit https://rcdop.org/mental-health-matters.
