Seacoast Mental Health Center

"By openly sharing our experiences and opening our hearts, we hope to make the journey for people like my brother – and their families – a little bit easier to navigate in the future and not be ashamed to openly share the challenges and hope."

The Center is pleased to announce that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Erik Cogswell Memorial Award. Since 2009, the award has been presented annually to recognize an individual for their outstanding contributions to help improve the lives of people living with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses. The award was established in partnership with Ed and Karin Cogswell who lost their son, Erik, to suicide in 1999. Nomination Form: https://lnkd.in/es36wAyQ

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: On Friday, July 26th, our Exeter Office phonelines will be down from 12:00 to 5:00pm. During this time period, please call the Portsmouth Office at 603-431-6703 to reach an SMHC Staff Member. Thank you in advance for your cooperation - please feel free to share this post to help spread the message. For those experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the NH Rapid Response Access Point at 833-710-6477.

Exeter Hospital is conducting its triennial Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and is seeking the input of community members. Share your perspective on current and emerging health needs through an anonymous 15-minute survey administered through Beth Israel Lahey Health that will help to improve patient care and services. Survey Link: https://lnkd.in/e42UyUMt #exeternh #communitymentalhealth

"Looking back, I notice a few things. One, even in the depth of severe psychosis, I thought nothing was wrong with me. This lack of awareness of being ill is very common in schizophrenia and is called “anosognosia.” It prevents many persons with severe hallucinations and delusions from seeking help. It is important to recognize early symptoms of schizophrenia for early intervention and the best outcome."

This morning, Jay Couture, our President & CEO, attended Governor Chris Sununu's 2024 State of the State hosted by the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Cambridge Trust Company & RiverWoods Exeter. During his address, the Governor highlighted the importance of community mental health and addressed a variety of questions related to housing, healthcare, and the economy. Thank you Governor Sununu for your service! We wish you great success in all your future endeavors. #NewHampshire #NHPolitics

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Download Mental Health America’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Toolkit to learn about mental health in BIPOC communities: mhanational.org/july. #MinorityMentalHealthMonth

Our offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4th in observance of the Holiday. We will be operating regular business hours the remainder of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday). Wishing all a safe and healthy Fourth of July. As always, if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact the NH Rapid Response Access Point at 833-710-6477. Remember, you are never alone and help is available.

It is typical for children and adolescents to have a range of reactions after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, an act of violence, or a serious accident. Learn how to support them by visiting, https://lnkd.in/eNv4qktN #ptsdawarenessmonth

Diane Fontneau, Clinical Manager - Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders (ITCOD) was recently featured on the WSCA 106.1 FM Portsmouth Podcast "It Takes A Village" to discuss Seacoast Mental Health Center's substance use disorder services. "It Takes a Village" is a 24-episode podcast series supported by the Greater Portsmouth Recovery Coalition and the Greater Portsmouth Youth Wellness Coalition. Check out Diane's conversation with Mark Lefebvre, Recovery Program Advisor at PINETREE INSTITUTE below.