September at ASK

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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness on this stigmatized, and often taboo, topic. It is important to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.

Informational Resources

Crisis Resources

  • If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
  • If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Crisis Hotline at 988
  • If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

8 Evidence-Based Tips to Help Teenagers Get Back in the School Routine

(Source: Newport Academy)

Teenagers react to structure in different ways. Many thrive on it and look forward to the start of the school year. For some, letting go of summer’s spontaneity is especially hard. Planning for the transition back to school makes the experience smoother for everyone.

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A Breathing Practice to Reduce School Stress

Doing this practice once a day, or whenever they feel anxious, can be a helpful back-to-school tip for kids of any age.

Square Breathing Exercise

  1. Sit comfortably in a chair, with your feet on the floor and hands in your lap.
  2. Inhale slowly through the nose for a count of four, allowing the air to fill your belly.
  3. Hold the breath in for a count of four.
  4. Exhale slowly through the mouth for a count of four.
  5. As you breathe, visualize a healing blue or white light washing over your body. Finally, hold the breath for a count of four.
  6. Repeat the sequence for four minutes.
  7. Ideally, repeat the exercise for four minutes, four times a day.
  8. Consequently, practicing Square Breathing several times daily will help teens become calmer and more relaxed.

Facts About Fentanyl

A Parent’s Guide For Discussing Fentanyl With Kids

(Heather Hugelmeyer, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health, Northwell Garden City Treatment Center)

Talking with your kids about drugs is a conversation no parent looks forward to having, but it’s also an essential one. And that’s especially true today because of the dangers of fentanyl—an extremely potent synthetic opioid that’s been linked to the majority of overdose drugs in the U.S. today.  Here’s everything you need to know so you can talk to your kids about fentanyl.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at awesome nonprofits throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. To view these opportunities, please check out Volunteer New York!

The John C. Hart Memorial Library in Shrub Oak can always use some volunteers! To find out about their Teen Volunteer Program, click here.

Yorktown Leos Club

Leadership, Experience, Opportunity! The Yorktown Leos are a community service club for people ages 12-25 willing to help others in the community. They host and participate in a variety of fun and collaborative events. The Yorktown Leos Club has been helping the Yorktown community for over 25 years and to learn how to get involved, click here.

Weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups

From our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, weekly Spotlight Family Support Groups, held virtually every Tuesday and Wednesday via Zoom. Spotlight on Recovery is a Family Educational and Support Group for families struggling with a loved one misusing substances. For more information, click here.

September 5 & 19 – Yoga for Resilience

Do you have a loved one struggling with addiction? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Carve out time for yourself so you may respond to your loved one with a clear mind and an open heart. Join us on Zoom and we will come together in a safe space to practice somatic mindfulness, grounding and centering, containment and breath regulation. For more information, click here.   

September 19 – Virtual Naloxone Training 

Naloxone is a prescription medicine that reverses an overdose by blocking heroin or other opioids in the nervous system for 30-90 minutes. Naloxone is administered by injection or intranasal. Following training, participants receive a kit by mail. Presented by our partners at Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Register by email: ssal@drugcrisisinourbackyard.com

November 9 – Invitation to Change Workshop with CRAFT Strategies

CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) presented by Center for Motivation and Change and Drug Crisis in Our Backyard. Learn tools that can give you hope, help a loved one move away from substance use and apply better techniques to help you take care of yourself. Excellent workshop for anyone hoping to influence change in a loved one’s behavior. Register here.

September 9 – Understanding Social Media’s Impact: Influencers, Body Image & Substances

Social media has a powerful grip on almost everyone, especially our kids. That’s why The Mediatrician, Dr. Michael Rich, is going to dive into its profound impact. Register here.

September 10 – Understanding Suicide

There is a common myth that discussing suicide or asking about suicidal thoughts could potentially encourage suicide attempts. The truth is that open and honest conversations about suicide plays a crucial role in prevention. Register here.

September 11- Understanding Family Reactions to Mental Illness

Understanding why people experience things differently can help to ease tension & increase acceptance. Discuss the caregiving experience, the stages of emotional response, and learn how to respond and cope. Register here.

September 26 – Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body Dysmorphic Disorder is defined by negative self-image and misperceptions about appearance. Preoccupation with perceived flaws can result in anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Register here.

October 10 – Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Register here.

NAMI Westchester

The families and members of NAMI Westchester are here to help! They offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. To view their calendar, click here.

Westchester Breathes is an ongoing program offered by the Westchester Library System offering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. These exercises are simple and evidence-based – which is to say …they work! They are free and on Zoom. Register here.