A recent story on NBC10 Boston featured Michelle Jackson, a Recovery Coach Supervisor at BHN. The story highlights the important role Mass drug courts play in helping individuals dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, which can often lead to persistent criminal behavior.
The winter months are upon us, and with that can bring changes not just in the weather, but in mood as well. Martha Klaczak LMHC, LADC I, Adult Program Director at BHN WellBeing in Westfield, and Frank Shea, LMHC, Program Director at Agawam Counseling Center, discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its effects.
SAD is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes that typically starts and ends around the same time every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms that begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. When the days get shorter, less sunlight means less vitamin D intake, which reduces serotonin. The further north you go, the shorter the winter days are. Conversely, says Shea, “If you were to live in a place such as Mexico or Central America, the odds of having SAD would be much less because the sunlight [there] doesn’t fluctuate as much.”
For many, the holidays are a time of tremendous joy, getting together with family and friends. However, for some the holidays can be a time of anxiety and stress. Managing these emotions can be difficult, but there are healthy ways to cope with less-than-ideal situations.
Behavioral Health Network, Inc. (BHN) has announced that Senior Vice President Rose Evans is the recipient of the Association for Behavioral Healthcare’s (ABH) Salute to Excellence, Scott M. Boch Force for Change Award. Evans accepted her award on October 20 at ABH’s annual Salute to Excellence event in Framingham.
The Scott M. Boch Force for Change Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated devotion to the behavioral health and human services fields, persistent advocacy on behalf of the workforce and individuals served, and successful consensus building among stakeholders.
A recent story on NBC10 Boston featured Michelle Jackson, a Recovery Coach Supervisor at BHN. The story highlights the important role Mass drug courts play in helping individuals dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, which can often lead to persistent criminal behavior.
The winter months are upon us, and with that can bring changes not just in the weather, but in mood as well. Martha Klaczak LMHC, LADC I, Adult Program Director at BHN WellBeing in Westfield, and Frank Shea, LMHC, Program Director at Agawam Counseling Center, discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its effects.
SAD is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes that typically starts and ends around the same time every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms that begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. When the days get shorter, less sunlight means less vitamin D intake, which reduces serotonin. The further north you go, the shorter the winter days are. Conversely, says Shea, “If you were to live in a place such as Mexico or Central America, the odds of having SAD would be much less because the sunlight [there] doesn’t fluctuate as much.”
For many, the holidays are a time of tremendous joy, getting together with family and friends. However, for some the holidays can be a time of anxiety and stress. Managing these emotions can be difficult, but there are healthy ways to cope with less-than-ideal situations.
A recent story on NBC10 Boston featured Michelle Jackson, a Recovery Coach Supervisor at BHN. The story highlights the important role Mass drug courts play in helping individuals dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, which can often lead to persistent criminal behavior.
The winter months are upon us, and with that can bring changes not just in the weather, but in mood as well. Martha Klaczak LMHC, LADC I, Adult Program Director at BHN WellBeing in Westfield, and Frank Shea, LMHC, Program Director at Agawam Counseling Center, discuss Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and its effects.
SAD is a form of depression linked to seasonal changes that typically starts and ends around the same time every year. Most people with SAD experience symptoms that begin in the fall and continue into the winter months. When the days get shorter, less sunlight means less vitamin D intake, which reduces serotonin. The further north you go, the shorter the winter days are. Conversely, says Shea, “If you were to live in a place such as Mexico or Central America, the odds of having SAD would be much less because the sunlight [there] doesn’t fluctuate as much.”
“I have always had big dreams and aspirations, but so far, one of my proudest accomplishments is graduating from the Springfield Drug Court and getting hired as a recovery coach at BHN," said Michael Mcgarry. "Never in a million years did I think a career like this was possible. It’s like every dream and aspiration that I have is attainable, and I feel unstoppable.”
Since graduating from the MISSION-Springfield program and the Springfield Drug Court, Michael now works for BHN’s Recovery Coaching program serving Hampden, Franklin, and western Hampshire counties.
Congratulations to Anthia T. Elliott, who serves as the Program Director for BHN’s Domestic Violence & P.A.T.C.H. Services, who is the recipient of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) Advocate of the Year award. This award recognizes an individual from a community-based agency who has made extraordinary contributions to the lives of victims and survivors.
In recognition of Counseling Awareness Month, BHN is honored to highlight and celebrate our mental health counselors who have dedicated their lives to making a difference. We asked our counselors what they find most fulfilling in this challenging yet life-changing profession and for their advice for aspiring counselors. View their insights.
Sue Hearn joined BHN on April 6, 1994, and this year is celebrating her 30th work anniversary! Although she started working as an administrative professional in nonprofit behavioral health by chance, she has never looked back or considered doing anything else!
Every March, the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and its partners collaborate to lead Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM). The annual campaign aims to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all facets of community life. At BHN, we aim to provide support to individuals, families, and communities to improve the quality of life for those who face developmental and behavioral challenges. We are dedicated to spreading awareness and promoting inclusion in every possible way.
March is National Social Work Month, which is an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions made by social workers at BHN. Social workers contribute their incredible passion and expertise across all programs at BHN - from emergency services and outpatient clinics to in-home services, care management, and helping court-involved individuals and those in recovery. They provide counseling, advocacy, and support services to individuals and families, especially those facing challenges, to help them make positive changes and live fulfilling lives, resulting in stronger and healthier communities for all.