Connecting, Supporting and Empowering Maryland Families

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Volume 11 Issue 4

December 2021

This month we share:

How to Support a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays

Mental Health Association of Maryland Seeks Input on Mental Health Serivces

Tips for Helping Kids with Social Skills Issues Cope with the Holiday Season

Keeping Our Kids Safe: Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit

Also included: upcoming trainings and events and employment opportunities.

How to Support a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays

As you think about how to support loved ones this holiday season, make sure to give extra conseration to those in recovery from substance or alcohol challenges. This festive period can be epecially stressful for thos committed to maintaining their tecovery from alcohol use.

In a recent survey, 94 percent of respondents in recovery reported feeling overwhelmingly or moderately stressed during the holidays. As people gather with family and friends, the combination of emotions, stress, and the presence of substances like alcohol can put a person at risk of relapse, which runs higher during this time of year.

Read More Online

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Mental Health Association of Maryland Seeks Input on Mental Health Services

Mental health and substance use needs in Maryland are at an all-time high. During the upcoming election, the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD) has the opportunity to raise awareness about these issues among candidates for governor and the Maryland General Assembly, and they want to know what is most important to you.

Please take a few minutes to complete their brief survey. Your answers will help MHAMD to plan their advocacy efforts over the next year and beyond.

Take the Maryland Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Survey

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Tips for Helping Kids with Social Skills Issues Cope With the Holiday Season

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Holiday events are supposed to be fun. But for kids with social skills issues, these events can pose challenges and create stress. Use these eight simple tips to help your child successfully navigate this very social seasson.

Practice hellos and goodbyes. The more you practice, the easier it will be for your child to call up the right words. It doesn't have to be a lot: "Hi, it's nice to see you!" and "Thanks for having me--I had a good time" will usually do it.



Tell your child what to expect. Let your child know how the day will unfold (if you're not sure, ask your hosts in advance). You might say something like "When we get there, the kids will be watching football or playing downstairs. After an hour we'll have dinner. The kids will sit at their own table. Then it's dessert, and we'll go home." Your child may feel more relaed knowing what's going to happen next.

Read More Online

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Keeping Our Kids Safe: Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit

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Preliminary data shows a concerning rise in youth suicide deaths over the past year. The Office of Suicide Prevention has developed a toolkit, "Keeping Our Kids Safe" to address youth suicides. This toolkit has been created primarily for professionals and adults who work with youth, but this comprehensive resource is also appropriate for teens looking to learn more about how to ask for help.

The kit contains fact sheets on the following topics:

Supporting People with Lived Experience

Warning Signs of Suicide

Risk Factors of Suicide

Health Risk Factors of Suicide

Protective Factors of Suicide

Groups at Elevated Risk of Suicide

R.A.C.E. for Suicide Prevention

Lethal Means Safety

Download the Youth Suicide Prevention Toolkit

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Get Connected With Our Online Support Groups

MCF now offers many online support groups

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to provide a safe space for you to learn, share and receive compassionate help. All are facilitated by trained Family Peer Support Specialists who have dealt with similar challenges in their own families. Current groups are available for:

Parents and caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges

Young adults ages 18-26 with behavioral health challenges

Anyone who cares for a person with a substance use issue (alcohol or drugs)

Parents who have lost a child to overdose

Anyone who cares for a person struggling with problem gambling

Groups are free for all participants and are held on different days of the week and different times of day. Find one or more that can work for you and join us soon!

Find a Support Group

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Also online:

Favorite Parenting Books of 2021

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Maryland State Lawmakers to Prioritize Juvenile Justice Legislation in 2022

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How We Built New Traditions During the Pandemic

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Upcoming Trainings & Events:

What's in Your Drugs? A Look at Novel Psychoative Substances and Drug Additives

Join us for this virtual workshop to learn about drugs that are currently being "cut" or counterfeited with harmful substances, the history of novel psychoactive substances as well as harm reduction techniques and prevention strategies. For more info, contact Austin Torsch at 443-276-8115 or [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

When: Thursday, January 6

Time: 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

Register at:

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Baltimore County Virtual Open House for Families Involved With Juvenile Services

Join other families with a youth involved with the Department of Juvenile Services. Learn about the ways MCF can support you and your family and get connected to community resources.

When: Thursday, January 13

Time: 5:00 to 6:30 PM

Where: Online via Zoom

To Register :

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C

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ontact Janet Jones at 443-878-9367 or [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

For a complete list of upcoming workshops and events, please visit our events page.

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MCF Employment Opportunities

MCF is growing, and we have employment opportunities that might be perfect for you or someone you know! We currently have openings in many areas of the state. Please check our website for a complete list of openings.

Statewide/Central Office:

Chief Program Officer

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Program Manager, Mental Health

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Program Manager, Substance Use​​

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Human Resources Generalist

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Click here for a complete list of employment opportunities

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Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF) helps families who care for someone with behavioral health needs. Using personal experience as parents, caregivers, youth and other loved ones, we connect, support and empower Maryland’s families. Our staff provide one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of young people with mental health issues and to any loved one who cares for someone with a substance use or gambling issue.



10632 Little Patuxent Pkwy Suite 234 | Columbia, MD 21044

Toll Free: (888) 607-3637 | Fax: (410) 730-8331

www.mdcoalition.org

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Maryland Coalition of Families

10632 Little Patuxent Parkway

Suite 234

Columbia, MD 21044

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