Every year around this time, I pause to reflect on the last 12 months– the accomplishments, the challenges, the opportunities – but most importantly, what I’m most grateful for. As CEO, I understand that our mission to provide critical services to the most vulnerable members of the community would not be possible without all of you by our side. To the individuals and families we serve: Thank you for putting your trust in our team. Whether it’s providing addiction services, outpatient counseling, job training, housing or emergency hunger relief, we commit to making a positive impact on the lives of the individuals and families in over 230 programs throughout New Jersey. To our employees and community partners: Thank you [...]

Coping with grief during the holiday season can feel overwhelming. In such a celebratory time of year, known to be spent with loved ones and filled with traditions, feelings of grief and loss can be conflicting and difficult to navigate. Understanding how grief differs for each person and having conversations about loss can help provide balance and find peace in unexpected ways. While grief and mourning are universal responses to loss, there is no predictable timeframe or consistency to each individual’s experience. Due to its personal nature, how each individual navigates grief differs from person to person. Establishing awareness to the symptoms of grief, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping or physical aches, can help you or your loved one [...]

Millions of individuals across the country provide crucial care and assistance to parents, children, siblings and other loved ones every day. November recognizes National Family Caregivers Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges of caregiving and increase the accessibility of support services for caregivers. Navigating life as a family caregiver for an individual living with a mental illness can be both physically and emotionally stressful. When your loved one is diagnosed, finding appropriate medical and psychiatric care becomes your first priority. But as a caregiver, often times YOU need help finding balance in your life. The Oaks Intensive Family Support Services (IFSS) program in Camden and Mercer Counties offers therapeutic support, education and resources for those caring [...]

Veterans and military families embody courage, strength, and resilience. Each November is National Military Families Month, a time to recognize the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans and military families across the country. When it comes to mental health, veterans and military personnel remain one of the most prominent groups impacted by mental health challenges. Life’s transitions can be particularly stressful for veterans and military families, making it difficult to prioritize well-being. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from active-duty service to civilian life. This adjustment along with deployments and frequent geographic moves require veterans and their families to make changes in their lives across multiple domains including relationships, employment, finances, housing, community supports and health. To gain [...]

As we turn back the clocks for Daylight Savings Time this Sunday, keeping general mood changes in mind is important. Making this time adjustment can have many affects on our bodies and our mental health. According to Healthline, changing our clocks twice a year greatly impacts our health, with fall causing a decline in mental health. Entering the winter months causes less sun exposure for our skin, creating a decrease in vitamin D. While Daylight Savings Time does not directly cause mental health conditions, these changes commonly affect those with pre-existing mental health conditions or those more susceptible to anxiety or depression. Seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression, often occurs during this time period. Symptoms of seasonal affective disorder [...]

Stress and anxiety are two of the most significant mental health challenges faced by individuals across the country. Despite their similarities, stress and anxiety can offer different experiences, symptoms and severities. Understanding how to spot the differences can help identify the best course of option for treatment. Almost all individuals experience some degree of stress at some point in their lives. According to the American Psychological Association, people under stress experience “mental and physical symptoms,” including irritability, fatigue, muscle pain, or sleep difficulties. As of 2022, around 75% of Americans reported to the American Institute of Stress about experiencing physical or mental symptoms of stress. Responses to stress can be more or less intense depending on the person and [...]

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, when we are reminded to oppose the harassment or victimization of all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, or identity. As a means to harm another individual through behavior or speech, bullying can have a direct impact on mental health. According to StopBullying.gov, children and youth who are bullied over time are more likely than those not bullied to experience depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. While learning from home during the pandemic, many students relied on devices as their primary form of conversation. L1ght, an organization that tracks online harassment, reported an over 70% increase in cyberbullying in 2020 alone. As of August 2022, 60% of teens report experiencing some sort of cyberbullying. Additionally, 87% [...]

The history of the LGBTQIA+ community revolves around supporting and championing all individuals. Recognized annually on October 11, National Coming Out Day reinforces the belief that accepting differences makes us stronger and knowledge drives out the dangers of hate. In celebration of National Coming Out Day, Oaks’ Development & Communication Assistant Orlando Salas shares insight into his experience coming out and how it can help impact others. Words of Resilience and Acceptance, by Orlando Salas Walking through this world as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community comes with its own set of unique challenges. You may feel like you have to constantly keep your guard up because other people want to hurt you just for existing. But whenever I [...]

Recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, every community. Recognized every September, National Recovery Month promotes substance use treatment and mental health services which support those battling these disorders in leading healthy and rewarding lives. At Oaks, our goal is to offer hope for long-term recovery and a chance to end the revolving door of treatment. Read Chris’ inspiring story of recovery. Chris’ Story Chris first attended an assessment interview at the COPE Center in 2019, after being referred to treatment for assistance with his co-occurring issues and a history of substance use. At the time of the assessment interview, Chris reported a lifelong history of trauma, grief, loss, and mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression. He [...]

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of background. Because of this, suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10-34. September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month, a time to reflect on those impacted by suicide, raise awareness, and share important community resources. Suicide can be prevented. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 80% of those who die by suicide show warning signs. Learning and recognizing the warning signs to help those with suicidal thoughts and feelings is the first step in the process. Common signs include: Expressing self-criticalness or being a burden to others Acting anxious or agitated Withdrawing from loved ones/isolation Discussing death or a lack of will to live [...]