Janine Monico, Author at Healthy Minds Philly®

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The campaign theme for 2019 is I Ask – a theme that champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions. Sexual Assault and Mental Health Sexual assault is not only a physical trauma, but a mental one that can have both short- and long-term effects on a victim’s mental health. According to RAINN (the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization), victims of sexual assault are at an increased risk for developing: Depression Substance use disorders Eating disorders Anxiety Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Many survivors experience flashbacks of their assault, and feelings of shame, isolation, shock, and guilt. People who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to use drugs. Events Join the movement by attending Sexual Assault Awareness Events in Philadelphia: 4/11/2019: Teal Day Press Conference 4/14/2019: Benefit Concert 4/26/2019: Hands Around City Hall Consent When someone gives consent, they give their permission for something to happen, or they agree to do something. Consent means they know what they’re agreeing to. It’s not just about asking for consent, but also about listening and accepting the answer. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center offers resources on consent: Asking for Consent Asking [...]

Janine Monico2021-01-04T20:34:48-05:00April 1st, 2019|Domestic Violence, Trauma, Women's Health|

Certified Peer Specialist Training- Now Accepting Applications!

Do you know someone who has a lived mental health experience and would be an excellent candidate for the Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) profession? For the latest application window for the Certified Peer Specialist Training Program, check this page. In addition, all applicants must attend a Story-Telling training in order to apply for the CPS training. See our calendar for upcoming training dates. Story Telling Training is a FREE resilience and recovery-oriented training recognizing that the stories of individuals, their recovery processes and the experiences of their family members are critical tools in moving system transformation forward. Story Telling Training offers many helpful tools for sharing personal and challenging experiences in an inspiring, resilience and recovery-oriented way. Story Telling Training is a gateway for those who want to become active stakeholders and change agents throughout the behavioral health system and in their communities at large.

Janine Monico2021-01-04T21:11:41-05:00March 29th, 2019|Training|

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

2019's Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) theme is “Awareness + Action” #AwarenessPlusAction To help raise awareness of problem gambling, we're sharing some Frequently Asked Questions from the National Council on Problem Gambling: WHAT IS PROBLEM GAMBLING? Problem gambling–or gambling addiction–includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family or vocational pursuits. The essential features are increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. In extreme cases, problem gambling can result in financial ruin, legal problems, loss of career and family, or even suicide. ISN'T PROBLEM GAMBLING JUST A FINANCIAL PROBLEM? No. Problem gambling is an emotional problem that has financial consequences. If you pay all of a problem gambler’s debts, the person will still be a problem gambler. The real problem is that they have an uncontrollable obsession with gambling. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE BECOME PROBLEM GAMBLERS? Anyone who gambles can develop problems if they are not aware of the risks and do not gamble responsibly. When gambling behavior interferes with finances, relationships and the workplace, a serious problem already exists. HOW CAN A PERSON BE ADDICTED TO SOMETHING THAT ISN'T A SUBSTANCE? Although no substance [...]

Janine Monico2021-01-02T19:47:33-05:00March 6th, 2019|Addiction & Recovery|

Avoiding the Social Pressure to Drink

Upcoming holidays like Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day, that are often associated with alcohol, can pose a challenge to people in recovery, as well as to those who are avoiding alcohol for a variety of reasons (i.e., diabetes, depression, pregnancy, taking medication.) With alcohol and tobacco use being the two most common substance use and addictive disorders, it is important to recognize that events celebrated with alcohol can potentially affect health and well-being. For some people in recovery, environmental triggers - such as being around people who they would typically drink with, or being in a place where they used to drink or other people are drinking - can be quite a challenge. Both direct pressure (someone offering you a drink) and indirect pressure (just being around other people who are drinking) can contribute to the tension of celebrating these famous holidays. Thoughts of ‘having just one’ or, ‘a drink will ease my anxiety’ are not uncommon thoughts, and if not managed, impulsive behavior can lead to excessive drinking, and a lapse in sobriety or avoidance of alcohol. Here are some ways to manage events such as Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day often associated with alcohol: Avoid it. In some situations, particularly these upcoming holidays where events are often centered around drinking, your best strategy may be [...]

Janine Monico2021-01-04T21:09:28-05:00March 4th, 2019|Addiction & Recovery, Holidays|

About Janine Monico

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Certified Peer Specialist Training- Now Accepting Applications!

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month

Avoiding the Social Pressure to Drink