Each year on October 10th, we celebrate World Mental Health Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues around the globe. It’s a powerful reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that taking care of ourselves emotionally and mentally can lead to better overall well-being.

For individuals, especially pregnant people, parents, and caregivers of young children, maintaining mental health can often feel overwhelming. Navigating the challenges of parenthood, financial stress, health concerns, and balancing the demands of daily life can leave little room for self-care. This is why World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to not only reflect on our own mental well-being but also to seek and share resources that can offer meaningful support.

At Central Jersey Family Health Consortium, we understand how important mental health is, especially for pregnant and parenting individuals. Through various programs like Connecting NJ, Healthy Women, Healthy Families, and more, CJFHC is committed to offering mental health resources and support to families in need.

Mental Health Resources at CJFHC

Connecting NJ
Connecting NJ is a lifeline for pregnant people, parents, and caregivers with young children. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health resources, regardless of background, race, or income level. Connecting NJ links families to free or low-cost wellness resources and connects them to services in their community, including:

• Health insurance and medical providers
• Housing assistance
• Early childhood programs and childcare
• Educational information on prenatal health and parenting
• WIC applications and community programs

With the help of resource specialists, families can identify their individual and family needs and get the right help, from mental health counseling to community support services. This approach improves not only physical health but emotional well-being too, enhancing the overall quality of life for families.

Healthy Women, Healthy Families
Healthy Women, Healthy Families community health workers act as crucial connectors, helping families navigate local resources and services, whether health-related or not. Through this program, we support mental health by:

• Assisting with enrollment into healthcare and social services
• Offering education about mental wellness before, during, and after pregnancy
• Providing individualized case management and support via phone, text, social media, and in-person visits

Mental health issues during pregnancy or postpartum are common, and we are here to offer not just resources, but also ongoing support to ensure that women and families feel empowered and connected.

Perinatal Addiction Prevention Project
For many, mental health struggles can lead to or be worsened by substance use. Our Perinatal Addiction Prevention Project works to prevent addiction and offer support to those affected by alcohol or drug use, particularly during pregnancy. Our team provides:

• Stress management tips
• Strategies for coping with tough emotions and situations
• Education about the effects of drugs and alcohol
• Access to brochures, directories, and other helpful resources

This project provides a safe, supportive environment to help individuals and families navigate addiction and mental health challenges, with the goal of creating healthier futures for all.

NJ Postpartum Resource and Support Network
For new parents, the postpartum period can be a time of intense emotional change. The NJ Postpartum Resource and Support Network is here to help families through these difficult transitions, offering:

• Emotional support and peer groups for new parents
• Information on mental health resources
• Referrals to counseling and therapy services
• Guidance for healthcare providers on how to support their patients struggling with mental health

This program ensures that parents and healthcare providers alike are equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to address postpartum mental health challenges, offering comfort and support to families who need it most.

Why Mental Health Matters for Families

When we care for our mental health, we create stronger, more resilient families. Mental wellness affects everything from our ability to bond with our children to how we cope with stress, communicate with our partners, and manage the challenges of parenthood. This is why CJFHC is dedicated to providing comprehensive support through programs like Connecting NJ, Healthy Women, Healthy Families, and more.

On this World Mental Health Day, let's take the time to check in on our mental health and the well-being of those around us. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. CJFHC’s mental health programs are here to help every step of the way.

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