Take Care of Yourself as you Take Care of Others

 

While the holiday season is a time of joy for many people, it is also a difficult time for many others. Just as NJAMHAA members are dedicated to helping individuals throughout the state to cope with holiday blues, as well as chronic depression and other behavioral health challenges, NJAMHAA is committed to supporting members through the challenges of the many changes that the behavioral healthcare system is undergoing.

We always take charge and are constantly working on your behalf. As there is a lot to be concerned about and advocate for, we are at the forefront. For example, we are actively representing NJAMHAA members on Governor-elect Phil Murphy’s Transition Team’s Healthcare Committee and the Department of Health’s Integrated Health Advisory Council.

With so much in policy being in flux and unpredictable, it is natural to feel stressed and anxious. You may want to consider adapting these tips for coping with holiday blues in your efforts to manage the changes in the behavioral healthcare system:

▪       Acknowledge your feelings: You are not alone and you should not suppress anxiety you may be feeling.

▪       Reach out: Building on the previous point, reach out to your coworkers and colleagues in other agencies to share concerns.

o   I strongly encourage all of you to participate in Practice Groups and Membership Meetings to gain and share innovative ideas and collaborate on advocacy strategies.

▪       Plan ahead: Make the most of NJAMHAA’s training opportunities to plan for major changes that will be taking place, such as value-based purchasing, and explore potential partnerships to ensure your agencies’ ongoing viability.      

All of us at NJAMHAA thank you for your commitment to improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of people, and we wish all of you enjoyable holidays and a wonderful New Year.