After yet more snow arriving late last week, many of us are feeling the winter blues. But for some, it’s much more than that. They began feeling a depression setting in by early fall, and will stay with them until spring. It’s a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder.
WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is to normalize the conversation about mental illness by bringing this issue from the shadows into everyday light. This two-year project will provide in-depth coverage of mental health issues and help to build the mental health literacy of our community.
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.
Western New Yorkers dealing with things like suicidal thoughts or addiction can now text Crisis Services in addition to calling their 24/7 hotline. The agency has launched a text and chat hotline, which runs from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Friday
New York State plans to open 24-hour mental health urgent care facilities. Spectrum Health, who currently operates as Erie County’s only "Urgent Mental Health and Addiction Care Clinic," has seen the need for services rise since opening.
Buffalo-based mental health advocate Karl Shallowhorn has launched a new podcast dedicated to discussing the relationship music has with mental health. He spoke with his first guest, his daughter Sarah Shallowhorn, to kick off season one of ‘Mental Health Verses’.
Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
May – National Mental Health Awareness Month – is dedicated to providing the public with educational and support resources they can use to better understand mental illness, find support or seek help. Buffalo Toronto Public Media understands that mental health is a key part of your day-to-day life and we want to take a deeper dive into mental health awareness and provide programs and resources.
WBFO's Mental Health Initiative YouTube and Facebook Live events are an engaging way to connect with the community through social media. Each event is focused on a singular topic and brings different experiences and perspectives together into one conversation.
Join WBFO Managing Editor, Brigid Jaipaul-Valenza, as she discusses mental healthcare professional well-being and burnout with Dr. Wendy Guyker, Clinical Associate Professor, University at Buffalo and Marijke Kemble, Life Coach, Career Mentor & Mindfulness Teacher.
Our conversations have focused on mental health challenges for new American, the ways in which the pandemic and related economic and social factors have heightened situations of relationship abuse, the changes in mental health treatment over the years, the stressors related to the reintegration of students and faculty into in-person learning, exploring issues that contribute to stress and negative impacts on LGBTQ+ youth, mental health and policing, availability and accessibility of housing for people living with mental illness, mental health during COVID-19, the New York State mandate for teaching mental health, how inside Crisis Services hotlines respond to citizens in need, personal experiences of living with mental illness, and how mental illness is portrayed in pop culture. Watch them online now.
Watch Online Now
Buffalo Toronto Public Media YouTube Channel
Grasping the Dream: Mental Health Challenges for New Americans | WATCH
In partnership with the International Institute of Buffalo, BTPM presents Grasping the Dream: Mental Health Challenges for New Americans, a virtual community conversation. Refugees, immigrants, and asylum-seekers experience a number of stressors and trauma from war, political violence, armed conflict, and various related threats. These populations often experience high amounts of stress and major life adjustments that can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Many new Americans will not receive the mental health care they need due to barriers in services and cultural stigma.
Host Lynne Bader explored topics including refugee-related trauma and mental health issues, resettlement challenges and access to proper care, and culturally sensitive resources for service providers and the community.
Watch Now
Relationship Abuse | The Pandemic Within COVID
While the pandemic has not caused abuse, it has exacerbated abusive situations. Measures to keep the community safe, including shut downs and stay-at-home orders, have worsened vulnerabilities of individuals and families in violent and abusive situations.
In partnership with the Family Justice Center, Buffalo Toronto Public Media hosted a virtual community conversation. Discussion topics included ways in which the pandemic and related economic and social factors have heightened situations of relationship abuse as it relates to mental health, as well as exploring regional and national resources available.
Growing evidence shows that intimate partner violence has increased during the pandemic. It is important to note that intimate partner violence does not only impact women in heterosexual relationships. Intimate partner violence occurs in same-sex couples at rates equal to or higher than the rates in opposite sex partners. Communities of color are affected more severely as well, with systemic inequities often meaning lower income and less access to necessary services.
WAtch Now
Back to School: Navigating a New Normal | Elementary & Middle School
As part of WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative, Buffalo Toronto Public Media presents a three-part virtual series exploring the stressors and available resources for students, teachers, and faculty returning to in-person classrooms in the fall. This first discussion focused on elementary and middle school students. Academic transitions present a number of challenges for students, teachers, and parents and these pressures are heightened by new routines under the pandemic. Increased isolation has been difficult for many families, especially children. Effects of the pandemic can be associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
This virtual discussion series explores topics related to the reintegration of students and faculty into in-person learning. Topics include mental health and behavioral supports in schools, resources for parents, caregivers and families, and support and training for faculty and staff.
WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.
Moderated by Dave Debo, WBFO News Director Panelists: Jill Glowniak, LCSW, Family Support Center in Amherst Central School District Anne Landrigan, M.Sp.Ed., Coordinator for Student Services, Elmwood Village Charter School Amanda Robert, Parent
WAtch Now
Back to School: Navigating a New Normal | High School
As part of WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative, Buffalo Toronto Public Media presents a three-part virtual series exploring the stressors and available resources for students, teachers, and faculty returning to in-person classrooms in the fall. This second discussion focused on high school students. Academic transitions present a number of challenges for students, teachers, and parents and these pressures are heightened by new routines under the pandemic. Increased isolation has been difficult for many families, especially children. Effects of the pandemic can be associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
This virtual discussion series explores topics related to the reintegration of students and faculty into in-person learning. Topics include mental health and behavioral supports in schools, resources for parents, caregivers and families, and support and training for faculty and staff.
WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.
Moderated by Dave Debo, WBFO News Director Panelists: Celia Spacone, Ph.D., Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County Coordinator Douglas Hahn, Youth Peer Advocate Coordinator, Mental Health Advocates of WNY Peg Barrett, LCSW-R, School Advocate, Mental Health Advocates of WNY
Watch Now
Back to School: Navigating a New Normal | University & Higher Education
As part of WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative, Buffalo Toronto Public Media presents a three-part virtual series exploring the stressors and available resources for students, teachers, and faculty returning to in-person classrooms in the fall. This third discussion focused on University and Higher Education. Academic transitions present a number of challenges for students, teachers, and parents and these pressures are heightened by new routines under the pandemic. Increased isolation has been difficult for many families, especially children. Effects of the pandemic can be associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.
This virtual discussion series explores topics related to the reintegration of students and faculty into in-person learning. Topics include mental health and behavioral supports in schools, resources for parents, caregivers and families, and support and training for faculty and staff.
WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation.
Moderated by Dave Debo, WBFO News Director Panelists: Eileen Niland, LMHC (she/her), Counseling Center Director, Canisius College Sarah Young, Buffalo State College Jéan Michel Jr., third year law school student
WATCH NOW
LGBTQ + Mental Health: What We Need to Know
Being LGBTQ+ is NOT a mental health challenge. However, LGBTQ+ youth often face external forces and stressors that can impact mental health. Stigma, discrimination, bullying, and hate speech are often reported experiences from LGBTQ+ youth and can be traumatic events that significantly influence a young person’s life and mental wellbeing. Buffalo Toronto Public Media partnered with GLYS to host a community conversation and panel discussion exploring issues that contribute to stress and negative impacts on LGBTQ+ youth on September 23, 2021.
Robert DiGangi-Roush, Executive Director of GLYS, served as host and moderator for LGBTQ+ Mental Health: What We All Need to Know. The panel discussed some challenges LGBTQ+ youth experience and how the intersection of social class, accessibility, religion, age, race, ethnicity, and more can impact mental wellness. The panel offered information for parents, caregivers, peers and the community on access to mental health care and services for LGBTQ+ youth.
ABOUT THE MODERATOR AND PANELISTS:
Dr. Robert DiGangi-Roush (he/him & they/them), Executive Director of GLYS Western New York, Inc. has their undergraduate and Master's Degrees from The State University of NY at Buffalo, where their graduate work was in non-profit Administration. Their PhD is in Alternative and Complementary Healthcare from Westbrook University. Their dissertation is still used internationally as a textbook for creating a complementary and alternative healthcare clinic. In it, they used the same service wraparound concept that is now part of GLYS's Youth Gender Affirmation Program.
Vivian D. Logan (she/her/hers), LMSW, APC; Outreach and Engagement Specialist with Horizon Health Services has worked in the Human Service field and in the field of social work for 20 years as a Licensed Masters Social Worker, prior to that she obtained an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Her MSW program at SUNY Buffalo entailed a program concentration in Families and Children and Mental Health. She has completed her doctorial course work, and currently preparing to conduct her research and complete her dissertation with UOP’s-online program in Educational Leadership and Administration. Her dissertation focuses on the leadership perspective of culturally responsive teaching practices as a method to engage and enhance the academic standards of ethnically and racially diverse students. As she believes a need exists for leaders to be culturally competent, understand the various theories of how people learn, and why factors such as “race, power, legitimacy, cultural capital, poverty, disability, ethnicity, gender, age, and language” can affect learning styles and skill development. In 2022, she will begin her quest to become a life coach, focusing on all areas of well-being.
Andrea (Andi) Binner (she/they) has worked in the Human Service field since they received their 1st Master’s Degree in Education/Counseling Psychology from St. Bonaventure University. Andrea also has a Masters’ degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo. She started in the field working on a psychiatric unit/Emergency Room and then a Partial Hospitalization Program in Jamestown, NY. Andrea has enjoyed a mix of assisting both adult, teens and children throughout her 29-year career thus far. Andrea was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and conducted research on HIV at SUNY – Binghamton where she earned her BA in Psychology. She also volunteered in helping individuals to grow safer, related to risk for HIV and other STI’s by assisting students, professors and anyone that wanted to learn about how to help make sex fun and consensual, while learning to have more agency over their sexual health. She continued this work at Evergreen and the Pride Center in 2015-2016. This is where she co-facilitated a Trauma Informed Psychoeducation group for people who identified themselves and Transgender/Non-Binary or Gender Expansive. Andrea has been in Private Practice full-time since 2016 in Buffalo, NY.
Jennifer Parrack has a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and has been living and working in Western New York for the past 11 years. She is currently employed by New York State. She is a certified Our Whole Lives instructor, a comprehensive sex education curriculum that spans all ages. She is passionate about combatting bias in health care and the legal system (and life in general), from racism and transphobia to ableism and fat phobia. Jennifer is mom to two other panelists, 17-year-old, Allie (she/ her pronouns) and 14-year-old and Rin(they/ them pronouns).
Thank you to GLYS partners: Dr. Robert DiGangi-Roush, Executive Director and Rev. Susan Frawley, Community and Parent Outreach Coordinator and Pastor of the Hamburg Unitarian Universalist Church.
1 In 3 COVID-19 Survivors Are Diagnosed With Mental Health Conditions
How You're Doing: The Pandemic's Impact On Mental Health
PBS NewsHour
How social distancing can impact mental health
7:12
Published:
How social distancing can impact mental health
PBS NewsHour
The ominous impact of COVID-19 on American mental health
9:28
Published:
The ominous consequences of COVID-19 for American mental health
COVID-19
1 / 4
Videos
PBS NewsHour
The ominous impact of COVID-19 on American mental health
Amanpour and Company
The Mental Health Fallout of COVID-19
PBS NewsHour
Mental health advice from a New York psychiatrist
PBS NewsHour
Can fostering pets help mental health during the pandemic?
Yeah No, I'm Not Ok –
A new podcast from LAist Studios and Diane Guerrero about mental health, healing, and the conversations we should all be having about addiction, depression, anxiety, suicide, radical self love, and much more.
Who is Diane Guerrero and why is she talking about mental health? In this episode, we learn more about Diane’s personal experience and her commitment to making mental health a priority in communities nationwide, especially communities of color.
Karla shot to fame when she wrote an essay about being an undocumented student at Harvard. But instead of book deals, she looked for more meaning in writing and exploring her identity.
Dascha and Diane talk about what it meant to come up together as actors and Latinx artists. They also discuss their personal experiences with body image and what it means to continuously choose to embrace what is uniquely yours.
Diane and Eric talk about therapy, meditation and making sure that you put your mental health first.
Demi is revisiting her nearly fatal overdose in a new documentary, Dancing With The Devil, telling the story on her own terms. She tells us what gets her up in the morning and explains the importance of self-care and how it might also help you.
René Pérez Joglar AKA Residente tells Diane how he stays centered and creative during even the hardest of times.
The Black Lives Matter International Ambassador on the power of trusting that you are doing the thing that's right over doing the thing that’s popular.
Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein
The Intersection of Physical & Mental Health
26:47
Published:
Expires: 2022-02-13
Rating: TV-G
Experts share their experiences working on the forefront of health care integration.
Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein
Minority Issues in Mental Health Care
27:01
Published:
Expires: 2022-02-06
Rating: TV-G
Explore issues many minority communities face in seeking help for mental health issues.
Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein
Youth Mental Wellness
27:01
Published:
Expires: 2022-01-02
Rating: TV-G
Explore how school, teachers and parents can help normalize mental health issues.
Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein
Stem Cell Research & Mental Health
26:47
Published:
Expires: 2022-01-09
Rating: TV-G
Scientists can re-program adult skin and blood cells to advance the detection of diseases.
FRONTLINE
Right to Fail
54:48
Published:
Investigating the NY effort to let those with severe mental illnesses live on their own.
On Point |
ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Shares Her Story Of 'Life After Suicide'
The national suicide epidemic hits home for ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton. Her new book is "Life After Suicide."
PBS NewsHour
Why we can’t ‘arrest ourselves out of’ mental illness
3:59
Published:
Mental illness ‘is not a problem that we can arrest ourselves out of’
PBS NewsHour
Why mental illness 'should never be a crime'
7:14
Published:
A mother's story of why mental illness 'should never be a crime'
PBS NewsHour
In Liberia, mental illness is the new health crisis
6:21
Published:
In Liberia, survivors of Ebola and civil war now struggle with mental illness
PBS NewsHour
New generation faces mental ‘wounds of war’
7:58
Published:
New generation faces mental ‘wounds of war’
PBS NewsHour
Journalist's journey guided by her father's illness
6:16
Published:
A journalist's journey, guided by curiosity for her father's illness
PBS NewsHour
Crisis team helps those with mental health issues avoid jail
10:06
Published:
An estimated 2 million people suffering from mental illness are booked into county jails.
PBS NewsHour
'Portraits of Resilience' destigmatize depression at MIT
6:42
Published:
Students at MIT are now part of a project to give a face and voice to a growing crisis.
PBS NewsHour
What it’s like to be arrested while suffering mental illness
3:10
Published:
Rating: NR
Paton Blough uses his experiences to help train police officers in crisis management.
PBS NewsHour
Treating mental illness with medicine and religion in India
7:26
Published:
Rating: NR
Treating mental illness with medicine and religion in India
PBS NewsHour
Mental illness consumed my marriage -- until this epiphany
3:27
Published:
Why we should redefine how we cope with illnesses to include the voice of caregivers.
PBS NewsHour
Refugees in need of mental health help flounder on Lesbos
8:23
Published:
Middle Eastern refugees are in need of mental health help on the island of Lesbos.
PBS NewsHour
Kids and smartphones: What's the mental health impact?
6:50
Published:
Smartphones have changed the way kids live and interact, prompting growing concerns.
PBS NewsHour
More on smartphones
8:05
Published:
An increasingly wireless world is taking a toll on an entire generation's mental health.
PBS NewsHour
The devastating, underdiagnosed toll of toxic stress on kids
3:20
Published:
The devastating, underdiagnosed toll of toxic stress on kids
Local, USA
Kids in Crisis: You're Not Alone
27:46
Published:
Expires: 2022-09-29
Rating: TV-PG
The mental health journeys of four young people, told entirely in their own words.
Above The Noise
Survival Guide: How to Handle Family Stress
8:11
Published:
You’re likely spending more time at home these days - which can lead to family tension.
For general support, help finding a counselor or mental health resource in in Erie County, contact The Mental Health Advocates of WNY at 716-886-1242 Link: http://www.eriemha.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En Español 1-888-628-9454 The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889.
Crisis Text Line Text “HELLO” to 741741 The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any type of crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Veterans Crisis Line Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255 The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that connects veterans 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a trained responder. The service is available to all veterans, even if not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA healthcare. Veterans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have hearing loss can call 1-800-799-4889.
Disaster Distress Helpline Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 The disaster distress helpline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The helpline is free, multilingual, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Hotline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
A free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
How to Have Your Just Tell One Conversation On Mental Health
Telling one person about a mental health or addiction issue is a simple concept, but that doesn't make it easy. Youth and professionals explain the steps to starting the conversation.
PBS NewsHour
How students who struggle with mental illness can find help
These three high-achieving students at one of the world's most prestigious universities have also suffered crippling depression and been through years of therapy and medication. In the second part of his report, Jeffrey Brown hears how they got help with debilitating illness, then learns more about student mental health challenges and solutions from Alfiee Breland-Noble of Georgetown University.
Video/Audio from WBFO's Mental Health Initiative
WBFO
Dan & George; One man treats his depression by giving ba
It is estimated that 300-million people suffer from depression across the world. Experts say it's important to take action to deal with it. As part of our Mental Health Initiative, WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says a local attorney found a way to help others as a way of enhancing his own mood.
Erie County & Suicide prevention leaders kicked Suicide Prevention Week Tuesday. A yellow 'Flag of Hope' was hoisted up the flag pole in front of the county Rath Building in downtown Buffalo. Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.buckley/videos/10155776108183441/
A woman who escaped domestic violence and conquered alcoholism is sharing her story to offer hope for others. Jillian James who says a women's shelter and food assistance saved her life. Link: https://www.facebook.com/eileen.buckley/videos/10155690438383441
These classroom resources explore answers to depression, anxiety, toxic stress, and suicide through the lens of experts, educators, parents, and youth.
The focus of WBFO’s Mental Health Initiative is to normalize the conversation about mental illness by bringing this issue from the shadows into everyday light. This two-year project will provide in-depth coverage of mental health issues and help to build the mental health literacy of our community. WBFO's Mental Health Initiative is funded by the Patrick P. Lee Foundation
