Online Support Groups Offer Comfort To NJ During COVID-19

Press release from the Mental Health Association in New Jersey:

July 14, 2020

Help is available to New Jersey residents who may be feeling alone or socially isolated during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Mental Health Association in New Jersey (MHANJ), as a part of the New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling program (CCP), is offering a wide variety of free confidential online virtual support and discussion groups that are available to state residents via Zoom (using the most upgraded version of the platform) or phone call.

The virtual online support groups provide emotional health support, addressing a wide range of topic areas for a vast variety of demographic and interest groups in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Comprised of peers from across the state and facilitated by trained members of the community, focus of the groups ranges from general support, to topics for people of specific age groups, professions and areas of interest. Each group is different, and allows the exploration of subjects such as employment, wellness, stress management, peer discussions, recovery, spirituality, family coping, depression support, gratitude, work-life balance and much more.

“Under typical circumstances, many people find support groups to be a helpful tool for dealing with the difficulties in life. During this pandemic, connecting with like-minded, non-judgmental peers in a virtual support group setting can be especially beneficial,” notes Jaime L. Angelini, MA, DRCC, a Director at the MHANJ who is leading the Association’s New Jersey Hope and Healing participation. “The groups are committed to providing a comforting and caring environment, allowing for the sharing of experiences in a safe and confidential setting.”

Participating in a support or discussion group can help improve one’s emotional comfort level and overall state-of-mind. Participants can share stories—as much or as little as they like—and information about their own emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Individuals may feel less isolated when they can relate to others in a similar situation.

“When people are stressed or anxious, sometimes it just helps to talk about their feelings. It can also be very helpful to be reminded that you are not alone, others may be dealing with many of the same concerns and emotions,” said Ms. Angelini.

There is no cost to join any of the MHANJ virtual support groups. A listing of the available groups and the times that they meet is available on the MHANJ www.mhanj.org/njhope or by visiting their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MentalHealthAssociationinNewJerseyInc.

In addition to the virtual support groups, help for coping during the COVID-19 crisis is available through a free, confidential call-in service available through the New Jersey MentalHealthCares Helpline at 866-202-HELP (4357), or by texting NJHOPE to 51684. Through the Helpline and texting features, New Jersey residents can connect and chat with trained specialists who are available to provide support, education, information and referrals daily, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Crisis counseling may also be arranged as necessary.

These services are provided through the New Jersey Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling program (CCP). The Mental Health Association in New Jersey in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, is offering the CCP through a (FEMA/SAMHSA) grant.

This press release was produced by the Mental Health Association in New Jersey. The views expressed here are the author's own.