Community Hope Gets the Spirit for Mental Health Wellness Fair

Part of the nonprofit group Community Hope's mission is to educate the public on issues important to the groups it serves: homeless veterans, military families and people with mental illness. Each year, the Parsippany organization hosts a free event with the Mental Health Association of Morris County that puts a spotlight on mental health issues.

Wellness and recovery will be the focus of this year's Mental Health Learning and Wellness Fair, which takes place Thursday, May 16 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy at 500 W. Hanover Ave. in Parsippany.

The fair's purpose is in its title: Community Hope and MHA say they want to present information to a vast audience, including health care professionals, people with mental illness, family members, caregivers—in fact, everyone. The forum is open to the general public.

The 2013 theme is “Putting the Pieces Together: Spirit." Giving the keynote address will be Eric Arauz, president of Arauz Inspirational Enterprises, who speaks on mental health topics ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to suicide assessment and prevention.

More learning opportunities exist in the form of interactive workshops held throughout the day. Professionals will facilitate the sessions, which will emphasize the "Eight Dimensions of Wellness."

These eight dimensions come from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association, which calls them "a holistic guide to whole-person wellness."

1. Emotional—Coping effectively with life and creating satisfying relationships
2. Environmental—Good health by occupying pleasant, stimulating environments that support well-being
3. Financial–Satisfaction with current and future financial situations
4. Intellectual—Recognizing creative abilities and finding ways to expand knowledge and skills
5. Occupational—Personal satisfaction and enrichment from one’s work
6. Physical—Recognizing the need for physical activity, healthy foods and sleep
7. Social—Developing a sense of connection, belonging, and a well-developed support system
8. Spiritual—Expanding our sense of purpose and meaning in life

At the May 16 workshop, facilitators will use those eight dimensions in addressing topics including healthy telationships, Feng Shui, creative arts, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, peer recovery, tobacco awareness and how to prevent identity fraud.

The fair also features what's called the Expo Resource Hall, in which more than 40 vendors will offer information on services pertaining to wellness and recovery.

If you are involved in the health care field and wish to get information on becoming a vendor or participant, visit the events page of Community Hope’s website. You may also contact Terry Carlson at Community Hope, 973-463-9600, ext. 318, or Tracy Cappiecille at the MHA at 973-334-3496, ext. 112.