Welcome to summer! When we think of summer we often think about having a break and being able to relax from the pressures of daily life. Although that is true, it has also been found that cortisol, our stress hormone, is higher in the summer months than in the winter months. In the summer our daily schedules often change in addition to the added stressor of heat. This is why it is crucial to maintain our mental health in the summer months, and here are some ways that you can do that! Exercise Exercising is so important not only for physical health, but also for mental health too. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make such a large impact on stress and overall well being. The best exercises to do to lower cortisol levels are low impact workouts like walking, Pilates, and yoga.  Go outside The best part of the summer is that we can finally get outside after being indoors in the winter. Being in green spaces greatly helps in lowering cortisol levels which is why it is so important to be in nature. A great activity is taking a walk in a park or on a trail which will help with relaxing and decompressing.  Sleep Summer is a great time to catch up on sleep because of the change in daily schedule and not having to wake up early for school. Not only does getting 7-9 hours of sleep lower cortisol levels, but creating an atmosphere and time to wind down before bed is crucial in lowering stress levels. The best way to do this is to limit screen time before bed and wind down by reading a book or doing self care activities like skin care and warm baths.  Do things that make you happy Having free time in the summer gives us an opportunity to do the different things that we can get too busy to do during the year. Spending time with friends and family, playing games, going on adventures, etc., all help in reducing stress and filling our days with fun rather than work.  Practice mindfulness Practicing mindfulness is a great way to reduce cortisol levels and manage everyday stressors. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness like journaling, mediation, and more. There are guided meditations online and on music platforms like Spotify and Apple music. If guided meditation is not for you, deep breathing is always a good practice that you can do anywhere at any time. A popular deep breathing exercise is 4-7-8 in which you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out for 8 seconds.  Seek professional help if needed If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or anything other issue you need to talk to someone about, consider seeking professional help. Professionals will be able to help with navigating stressful situations and giving different techniques to help you manage whatever you are struggling with.  Positive directions is here for you If you or someone you know could use some support, please reach out to us by calling 203-227-7644. We accept most major commercial and public insurances and offer sliding scale fees. We will work with anyone regardless of their means to make sure treatment is received. Our services include:  Individual and family counseling for adults and adolescents Free 1:1 peer support with a trained Peer Support Specialist Free support groups include: In-person weekly Alternatives To Suicide Group for 18+ (no registration required) Virtual weekly High School Support Group (during the school year) Virtual bi-weekly Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group Virtual weekly SMART Recovery Groups for Adults and Family & Friends (no registration required) Virtual Queers & Peers Group (no registration required) You can register directly and find Zoom links for these support groups on our website at   https://www.positivedirections.org/support-groups Other Resources If you need immediate help, here are some warmlines, hotlines, and text lines you can use for support. Crisis Text Line:  text “HOME” to 741741 to access Mental Health America’s 24/7 free text line and connect with trained crisis counselors. HERO Warm Line for First Responders: dial 844-833-4376 from 8 a.m. to midnight ET daily to speak with fellow first responders trained to offer peer support and an empathetic ear. 988 - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: dial 800-273-8255 anytime to receive free and confidential support or prevention and crisis resources. 211: 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people to essential health and human services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, online and over the phone.

Together with Rhone, the Positive Directions team and 125 guests gathered at the Westport Woman's Club on May 30th for An Evening of Mental Fitness. The evening was designed to raise awareness and critical funds for Positive Directions' prevention and counseling programs that support the community's mental health. Vanessa Wilson (Positive Directions), Zac Clark (Release Recovery), Kate Sweeney (Rhone), Nate Checketts (Rhone), David Goldshore (Staples High School), Jennifer Tooker (First Selectwoman, Westport) Nate Checketts, CEO of Rhone, kicked off the event with a powerful keynote about the important connection between mental wellness and physical fitness. He reminded us that a weekly two minute check-in with family and friends can make all the difference when someone is struggling with their mental health. Joined by panelists Zac Clark, Co-Founder of the Release Foundation and CEO of Release Recovery; Vanessa Wilson, Executive Director of Positive Directions; and David Goldshore, Staples High School Basketball Coach, the vital need for mental health and substance misuse services for adults and youth was emphasized. Guests were then called to task by participating in Rhone's signature Mind & Muscle Event run by Eric Johnson, local Celebrity Trainer and Co-Founder of HOMAGE. This physical movement set the stage for open and intimate group discussions where transformative connections were made. Positive Directions raised close to $30,000 through ticket sales, private donations, a silent auction, and a donation of 10% of Rhone's Westport sales over the weekend. These funds will ensure that mental health and substance misuse services remain accessible and affordable to all who need them. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the event successful, especially our event sponsors! To learn more about Positive Directions, visit our website here, and stay tuned for more news and events.

O Our TurningPointCT.org project is offering a FREE virtual Recovery Coach Academy course for individuals in Connecticut ages 16-29! Classes are on Zoom starting June 24th until June 28th from 2pm-6:30pm each day. Participants will learn how to guide, mentor, and support folks who would like to enter into or sustain recovery from an addiction to alcohol or other substances. Interested in applying? Visit tinyurl.com/2024RCA-YA and fill out the application form by Wednesday, June 12th! Questions? Email turningpointct@positivedirections.org

As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s essential to recognize and address the unique mental health challenges and substance misuse issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride is a time of celebration and visibility, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the struggles and resilience of this vibrant community. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community often face higher rates of mental health issues compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Discrimination, social stigma, and internalized homophobia or transphobia contribute significantly to these challenges and can even act as barriers to the help that they may need. The stress and trauma associated with these experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. In 2021, the Trevor Project conducted a national survey of nearly 35,000 LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-24. They found that the overwhelming majority of survey respondents had experienced both similar and different experiences regarding mental illness. When compared to other data samples, formally a control group, they noticed an obvious correlation between both increased mental illness in the LGBTQIA+ community and also increased mental illness between people of color. Despite the alarming data collected, more than 80% of LGBTQIA+ youth, regardless of ethnicity, deemed a LGBTQ youth crisis hotline very important. This shows that it is understood in the community that mental illness is far more rampant than its counterpart, but also that it is extremely important to offer help to the youth, who may not be able to access it in other forms. Substance misuse is another significant concern within the LGBTQIA+ community. Many individuals turn to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs as coping mechanisms to deal with the stress, rejection, and other psychosocial pressures they encounter. This increased vulnerability makes it essential to address mental health and substance misuse in a holistic and inclusive manner. To effectively support the mental health and substance misuse needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, services must be inclusive, affirming, and culturally competent. Creating safe and affirming spaces where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel respected is essential. Developing and offering programs specifically designed to address the mental health and substance misuse needs of the LGBTQIA+ community is vital. These programs should consider the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and provide peer support opportunities. Additionally, actively advocating for policies that support LGBTQIA+ mental health and substance misuse treatment, and engaging in community outreach to raise awareness and reduce stigma, are crucial steps toward creating lasting change. Positive Directions offers a FREE Peers and Queers support group for LGBTQIA+ teens run by Quinn on Friday nights, with the link to sign up: https://www.positivedirections.org/event-details/queers-peers-high-school-support-group-2024-05-31-18-30 Here are some additional resources: CT LGBTQIA Equality Triangle Community Center (Norwalk) CT Department of Children and Families Kids in Crisis The Hub The Trevor Project GLSEN GLADD CDC Youth Resources American Psychological Association Glossary of LGBTQIA terms The Gender Unicorn (Great for kids, youth and families!) What does the scholarly research say about the link between family acceptance and LGBT youth well-being?

An Evening of Mental Fitness Join Positive Directions and Rhone for an enlightening event designed to educate, inform, and inspire. Our panel of speakers will tackle thought-provoking topics, followed by an engaging and active mental fitness experience, with breakout sessions where guests can challenge themselves physically and mentally. Your presence and generosity will help us raise crucial funds for Positive Directions, enabling them to continue their essential work in mental health and substance misuse management. Programming Hear from inspiring speakers, including a keynote from Nate Checketts, CEO of Rhone Zac Clark - Mental Health & Addiction Recovery Advocate, Founder of Release Recovery Speakers from Positive Directions sharing program impacts and testimonials David Goldshore - Boys Basketball Coach, Staples High School Participate in Rhone's signature Mind & Muscle led by local trainer Eric Johnson Mind & Muscle events combine dynamic workouts with enlightening mental health discussions, fostering an environment where physical and mental well-being converge. Please come dressed for a light workout Shop and support Exciting silent auction beginning May 20th online and at the event Shop Rhone at their Westport retail location between May 31st and June 2nd and they will donate 10% of proceeds from all purchases to Positive Directions. In partnership with The Connecticut Edit

Westport, CT- On behalf of the Westport Police Department, Westport Center for Senior Activities and Positive Directions, First Selectwomen Jennifer Tooker announces a new addition to the Town’s 2024 Annual Drug Takeback Day to include a Wellness Fair sponsored by Positive Directions. WHEN:  Saturday, April 27th from 10 am to 2 pm WHERE: Westport Center for Senior Activities (27 Imperial Avenue) The DEA and the Westport Police Department will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. A clear and present public health issue, drug overdose is an epidemic in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, a total of 100,105 people died from drug overdoses in 2022, an all-time high. Organizers say the National Prescription Drug Takeback Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 8,950 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. Residents are encouraged to bring their expired and unwanted medications to the Senior Center on Saturday for safe disposal by the Westport Police Department, and to stay for some Wellness fun afterwards. For the first time in Westport, Drug Takeback Day will be offering a variety of wellness activities and resources. Residents are encouraged to get their “check up from the neck up” (free behavioral health screening) as well as check on their blood pressure. Visitors can also enjoy a sensory table for relaxation and get nutrition tips and tidbits. Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention tips, and gambling awareness materials. In recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, a non-alcoholic beverage tasting will be available courtesy of Athletic Brewing. The Town gladly recognizes the following agencies for providing resources at this wellness fair: Positive Directions, Westport Police, Westport Human Services and Westport’s Center for Senior Activities, Aspetuck Health District, The Hub, Liberation Programs, High Focus Centers, Michele Didner, Waveny Care Center, and the Westport Prevention Coalition. ### For over 50 years, Positive Directions–an established nonprofit 501(c)(3)--has served Fairfield County & Connecticut as a leading authority in behavioral health, including counseling and prevention services. Our core purpose is to support individuals & families in need and improve our communities by creating a healthy and positive environment that fosters mental wellbeing. In partnership with Westport Human Services, Positive Directions coordinates the Westport Prevention Coalition, which works to prevent substance misuse across the lifespan through educational and environmental initiatives. To learn more about the Westport Prevention Coalition: https://www.westporttogether.org/prevention-coalition To learn more about Positive Directions visit: www.positivedirections.org

We are thrilled to announce that our team is growing. Help us give a warm welcome to... Nicole Merlo-White, Therapist Nicole is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 20 years of experience in the field. She works with all age groups, from early childhood to older adults. Her clinical approach is nonjudgmental, integrative, and 'you' focused. Nicole strives to provide a safe place for her clients to share, explore, heal, and progress in their journey. Nicole is available for individual, couples, and family therapy appointments in person at Positive Directions. Destiny Sammut, Therapist Destiny is a Licensed Master's Social Worker who first started her journey with Positive Directions in 2020 as a Clinical Intern. She graduated with her master's in social work from Fairfield University and has worked in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Destiny has experience working with both adults and adolescents struggling with substance use and/or mood disorders. Her therapeutic approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. To schedule a consultation with one of our new clinicians, please contact Emily at 203-227-7644 or via email at info@positivedirections.org. Hiba Nbou, Prevention Corps Member Hiba is 18 years old and currently attending UConn as a freshman majoring in physiology and neurobiology on the pre-med track. She looks forward to playing a role in the behind the scenes work of prevention as well as being an advocate for mental health awareness. Prevention Corps is an AmeriCorps program through RYASAP that is raising awareness about the opioid crisis and changing the way our communities respond to it. She plays an active role in her religious community. Through this experience as a Prevention Corps member, she hopes to reduce the stigma around mental health and substance misuse and help create an environment where people are comfortable speaking about these topics in places of worship. Meghan Betsch, Marketing Intern Meghan is from Long Island, NY, and is in her fourth year at Sacred Heart University completing her Bachelor's Degree in marketing. She is most passionate about spreading information to help others and creating awareness of topics others may feel uncomfortable talking about. Meghan is eager to contribute fresh new ideas, to gain experience and knowledge. Madeleine Pralea, Clinical Intern Madi is completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in management at Sacred Heart University. She is passionate about psychology and learning about people. She cares about promoting mental health and its role in wellness. At school, she is a global ambassador and a mentor at a local middle school. She hopes to further her education in business and psychology. Madeleine is from Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Madi loves to read, journal, spend time with friends, and exercise outdoors in her free time! She will be helping Positive Directions by assisting with the administration of Clinic and answering calls from the front desk. To read our staff's full bios, click here and click on "read more". About Positive Directions Positive Directions has been providing mental health and substance use counseling and prevention services to Westport for more than 50 years. Positive Directions has an established state-licensed outpatient treatment clinic that provides counseling to adults and adolescents and accepts all insurances. In addition to the outpatient treatment clinic, they have established partnerships with the towns of Westport, Weston and Wilton on the Counseling Assistance Program, which provides barrier-free referrals to town residents. Positive Directions co-facilitates the Westport Prevention Coalition and The Norwalk Partnership prevention coalitions with the goal of preventing substance misuse among youth. Positive Directions’ vision is all individuals and families will have the skills, support, and resources they need to live a healthy life and contribute to a strong community. To that end, its mission is to provide leadership in the community with the aim of improving the lives and health of individuals and families through both comprehensive behavioral healthcare, including addictive behaviors, and prevention leadership.

Positive Directions is offering 2 free opportunities for families to gain life-saving information about avoiding or responding to an overdose. We encourage students, families, and businesses to educate themselves, since accidental overdoses now kill 2.5 times more people in the US each year than car crashes. Narcan training for Westport residents: On behalf of the Westport Prevention Coalition, our Prevention Director, Margaret Watt, will provide an awareness training and free Narcan kits at Toquet Hall on April 10th from 7-8pm. Learn about the evolution of the overdose crisis, how to recognize an opioid overdose, and how to use Narcan(™) to potentially save a life. 30 Narcan kits will be available to Westport residents over 18. Please pre-register here Free Streaming of Short Film: From April through June, Positive Directions is making the 35-minute documentary "If They Had Known" available for streaming to anyone in our local communities. The film was made by the college friends and family of Clay Soper, a college student who died after mixing alcohol and Xanax. The film brings light to the dangers of combining alcohol with commonly prescribed drugs such as antidepressants or ADHD meds. Clay's friends talk honestly about the impact on them and what they would have done differently. To receive the streaming link via email, please sign up here.

Positive Directions is happy to welcome Kathleen Sweeney & Jessica Branson to the board of directors, bringing the organization's number of board members to 15. Kate Sweeney, Chief Operating and Financial Officer at Rhone Apparel “I’m excited to join the Board of Positive Directions and help to contribute to the strategic planning and program development. I moved to Westport two years ago to lead the Finance and Operations of Rhone Apparel after 25+ years in consumer apparel and footwear, primarily in Boston. Rhone’s mission focused on mental health and wellness made the opportunity at Positive Directions a natural choice." Kate and her husband Chris have two grown children. Kate is already actively involved in several board committees and is sharing her knowledge, expertise, and connections to benefit Positive Directions. "The Board is delighted to welcome Kate to the team; her affiliation with a company that has prioritized mental health and wellness makes her an excellent match.  Kate brings a disciplined strategic background and 25+ years of leadership experience, combined with enthusiasm and problem solving skills" --- Wendy Bentivegna, Board Chair Jessica Branson, Branson Growth Consulting Jessica joins the Positive Directions Board of Directors as an experienced Growth Marketer. Her personal and professional life is all about growth. Growth of businesses, brands, people, and causes & community efforts. She has proudly built a 22-year career in the media, marketing and advertising world with a “for profit” model while leveraging her “non for profit” skills and strategic approach. "Jessica is another welcome addition to the board. She's got 20+ years experience in media, marketing and advertising, a passion for enriching the lives of others and a people first approach, all of which she is excited to share with us. The combined skills of our newest members will be invaluable to Positive Directions." --- Wendy Bentivegna, Board Chair About Positive Directions Positive Directions has been providing mental health and substance use counseling and prevention services to Westport for more than 50 years. Positive Directions has an established state-licensed outpatient treatment clinic that provides counseling to adults and adolescents and accepts all insurances. In addition to the outpatient treatment clinic, they have established partnerships with the towns of Westport, Weston and Wilton on the Counseling Assistance Program, which provides barrier-free referrals to town residents. Positive Directions co-facilitates the Westport Prevention Coalition and The Norwalk Partnership prevention coalitions with the goal of preventing substance use among youth. Positive Directions’ vision is all individuals and families will have the skills, support, and resources they need to live a healthy life and contribute to a strong community. To that end, our mission is to provide leadership in the community with the aim of improving the lives and health of individuals and families through both comprehensive behavioral healthcare, including addictive behaviors, and prevention leadership.

Do YOU know how to recognize and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders? This training allows anyone (aged 16+) to be certified as a mental health first aider for 3 years! Why Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Positive Directions is offering two FREE Mental Health First Aid Trainings: Tuesday, February 20th 9am-3pm (Virtual, pre-work required) Wednesday, March 27th 9am-5pm (In person, location TBD) To sign up for one of these trainings, CLICK HERE To learn more about Mental Health First Aid, CLICK HERE Funding for this free training is provided by the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust  (https://amblertrust.org/)

Wondering how you can make a difference? Consider donating to Positive Directions - The Center for Prevention and Counseling on this year's GivingTuesday on November 28th, 2023. To donate to Positive Directions, CLICK HERE which will bring you to our PayPal. History of GivingTuesday GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. GivingTuesday is now an independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. GivingTuesday recognizes that we each can drive an enormous amount of positive change by rooting our everyday actions, decisions, and behavior in radical generosity—the concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering. Radical generosity invites people in to give what they can to create systemic change. Positive Directions Positive Directions - The Center for Prevention and Counseling is participating in this year's GivingTuesday on November 28th to raise money for our organization and help inspire our community to get into the giving spirit. Giving isn't always a monetary donation; sometimes, it is a kind act of volunteering your time or helping a neighbor. With all that's happening globally, we can bring together our community through generosity. Here at Positive Directions, we have many different programs you can donate to including a Treatment Fund established to help those struggling to afford their treatment; community prevention and education programming; support groups; and/or a teen & young adult online resource: TurningPointCT.org. We encourage everyone to celebrate GivingTuesday and every Tuesday to participate in kindness and giving. While we hope you choose Positive Directions as your charity on the 28th, here are some other ideas for how you can make a difference on GivingTuesday, https://www.givingtuesday.org/united-states/ideas/ To donate to Positive Directions, CLICK HERE which will bring you to our PayPal.

Please consider donating to Positive Directions as your charity of choice this year. Your generous support is what helps us make a difference in other's lives. Please take the time to read our Annual Appeal Letter & 2023 Impact Report to learn about how we are supporting our community and how you can help! Dear Supporter, I want to thank you for being a part of our Positive Directions family. We rely on supporters, like you, who share our vision that all individuals and families will have the skills, support, and resources they need to live a healthy life and contribute to a strong community. With your financial gifts, we help individuals recover their mental health through the prevention, treatment, and support we provide. In FY22-23, we served close to 800 individuals through counseling, medication management, and support groups in our outpatient treatment clinic. Your contributions helped us provide free and subsidized treatment to those most in need through our Treatment Fund so that healing could take center stage. Even with insurance, our average client’s co-pay is $100 per session, so the need for our treatment fund is as imperative as ever. Most don’t know that Positive Directions is the backbone behind many community initiatives, such as: • Counseling Assistance Program, a partnership with Westport, Wilton, and Weston to provide barrier-free counseling to town residents; • Youth Surveys in Norwalk and Westport that equip communities with data to develop strategies for improving the behavioral health of teens; • Teacher Support Groups in partnership with the CT Education Association; • Teen Nights Out, sober social activities for Norwalk teens through The Norwalk Partnership; and more But with your increased financial contribution, we can do even more! We are counting on our loyal donors to help us make counseling more accessible to anyone looking for help, while providing continued support and programs in our community. Donations can be made on our website and checks can be sent to Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06880. Please consider us for your company’s corporate matching program. Thank you for being in our circle of supporters who make this work possible! Sincerely, Vanessa Wilson, LMFT Executive Director To make a donation on our website, click HERE to be directed to our PayPal account. Read about the impact of our Prevention, Treatment, and Support in the community. Thank you to our new and loyal donors. We could not do this work without your support!