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Anxiety and Depression are Following a Remarkably Similar Curve to Covid-19 Cases
Survey data shows the mental health strain of the pandemic
"Case numbers, positivity rates, deaths, and hospitalizations have become the go-to metrics for tracking the severity of the coronavirus pandemic. But one symptom of the pandemic, impacting both those who’ve had the virus and those who haven’t, has proven more difficult to quantify: deteriorating mental health. Perhaps because of this challenge, it has been largely absent from the messaging and response of public officials.
A close look at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey data shows that one measure of mental health is far more intimately tied to the state of the pandemic than previously imagined. In fact, their trajectories align almost exactly."
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"Looking at these charts, it is clear that our mental health traces the coronavirus curve. And just as rising case numbers have had a crushing impact on our psychological health, whatever has led to periods of decreased viral spread (e.g. masks, distancing, and other smart policies) seems to have improved our mental health. Policymakers should take this finding to heart and respond to the pandemic with the emotional well-being of the public in mind."
Click here for full article |
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Regional Opioid and Other Drug Prevention and Policy Workgroup |
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Kratom
Facts from NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse):
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have mind-altering effects.
Kratom is not currently an illegal substance in CT and is also easy to order on the internet. It is sometimes sold as a green powder in packets labeled "not for human consumption." It sometimes goes by the following names:
- Biak
- Ketum
- Kakuam
- Ithang
- Thom
How do people use kratom?
Most people take kratom as a pill, capsule, or extract. Some people chew kratom leaves or brew the dried or powdered leaves as a tea. Sometimes the leaves are smoked or eaten in food.
How does kratom affect the brain?
Kratom can cause effects similar to both opioids and stimulants. Two compounds in kratom leaves, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing sedation, pleasure, and decreased pain, especially when users consume large amounts of the plant.
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From the FDA: "The FDA is concerned that kratom, which affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, appears to have properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and dependence."
Resources: Fact sheet (right) from CADCA (Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America). Click the image to download.
Information and related links from the
CT Clearinghouse: Click here
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Overdose Prevention
To learn more about the who is at risk for overdose, signs of an overdose, and how to administer Narcan or Naloxone to reverse an overdose,
please consider attending one of our
Narcan Training Webinars offered the following Tuesdays 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Registration links:
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Drug Free Schools Committee
Resources for Youth, Parents and Families
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A sampling of resources from some of our Region 5 partners:
Mountainside is a nationally acclaimed alcohol and drug addiction treatment center with a holistic approach to wellness. We are committed to providing you the quality of treatment and care that we would want for our very own loved ones. We call this our “loved one standard of care.”
Check out their blog, events, and sign up for their newsletter (under resources)
They are offering Virtual Support Groups. Click on the image to download flyer.
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Their web page is chock full of articles addressing topics such as video game addiction, involving teens in family activities, and how to talk to your teen about unhealthy body image. They also offer an A-Z Teen Health Glossery. Check out their Resources page. |
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Our next Teen and Parent Program:
The Power of Excercise
Sign up today!
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31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health
Examples include:
- Coloring
- Laughter
- Dance around your house
- Eat dark chocolate
- Experiment with a new recipe or hobby
For the full list click here
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Region 5 Suicide Advisory Board |
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Survivors of Suicide Attempts (SOSA) Group in Connecticut
Click on image to download the informational letter
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Suicide Prevention Training
We have scheduled new
QPR webinar training
dates in February.
Please join us!
Click on flyer for registration links.
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Surge of Teen Vaping Levels Off,
but Remains High as of Early 2020
According to the 2020 Monitoring the Future Survey data, nicotine and marijuana vaping behaviors did not increase from 2019 to 2020, but use continues to be high. For full report and survey result graphs, click here
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Problem Gambling Awareness |
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Please consider helping us collect data on video game habits:
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40 Developmental Assets Framework |
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The Developmental Assets® are 40 research-based, positive experiences and qualities that influence young people’s development, helping them become caring, responsible, and productive adults.
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External Asset #8 which falls under "Empowerment"
Young people need to feel valued and valuable.
This happens when youth feel safe and respected.
Youth as resources
Young people are given useful roles in the community
Helping young people find their voices is one of the best ways to help them be a positive force in their families, schools, clubs, teams, or neighborhoods. This is good for them—and for your community. Young people have a lot more to contribute when their opinions are respected and their talents are tapped.
How do we build this asset?
- Invite your child to be a part of decision making at home- choosing the dinner menu, or making vacation plans
- Ask young people their opinions about community or school issues and listen to their opinions
- Invite youth to be a part of your coalition. Ask them to use their voice to contact school adminstration or local, state, and federal legislators to share their opinions on issues identified in the community
The 40 Developmental Assets® may be reproduced for educational, non-commercial uses only. Copyright ©1997 Search Institute®, 3001 Broadway Street NE, Suite 310, Minneapolis MN 55413; 800-888-7828; www.searchinstitute.org. All rights reserved.
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Workforce Development
Trainings and opportunities to obtain CEUS!
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