Black Veterans For Social Justice, Inc.

"We Served This Country, Too"

MENTAL HEALTH

Are Stress and Anxiety Getting to Be Too Much For You?

Don't go through it alone. Let us at Black Veterans for Social Justice show you the way to help.

Maybe it's more then the loud noise from your children or maybe its even more than your boss having something to say about your coming in late this morning.

Everyday Stress should not overwhelm you. there are some simple steps that you can take to fight back stress.

These should be temporary, and you can help yourself by following the instructions listed under Stress Busters. If the symptoms persist, then you should come to us so that we can help you find counseling.

STRESS BUSTERS

Avoid stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate and nicotine, and depressants such as alcohol.
Seek out comfortable, familiar surroundings and avoid spending too much time alone.
Share your thoughts and feelings with those who are supportive and helpful. It helps to talk about them. And, feel free to avoid contact with people who have not been helpful in the past.
Don't compare or measure your reactions to those of other people, each individual's experience is unique and personal

For most people, these strategies will help to combat overwhelming stress. If you find that you are still continually feeling overwhelmed, then we are here to help you.

TRAUMATIC STRESS

If you have ever walked into a room, smelled a familiar smell and in your mind been immediately taken back through time to being in a 5 year old in your Grandmother's kitchen?

Heard an Oldies tune and become 16 again at that jam?

Our brains constantly make associations that we are not aware of, but that impact how we think, feel and behave.

An example is the Blackout that occurred this August 14th, nearly everyone immediately associated it with the September 11th terrorist attacks. As we waited trapped in elevators, subways, tunnels and in the dark at work, home or an airport. Many of us felt the powerlessness and vulnerability the same as we did on 9/11. Everyone wondered if this was another terrorist attack, leading to taking steps for the safety of one's self and loved ones. For those who suffered more difficult symptoms such as anxiety, panic, insomnia or diminished concentration, you should not be afraid of these symptoms. These are normal reactions to an abnormal event.

FAMILY STRESS

If emotional stress exhibited by your child causing chaos in your family life?

All children experience difficult emotions, like "the blues" from time to time, but a child who struggles with several forms of stress may have an emotional problem that needs professional attention.

If your young child shows a marked decline in school work, is regularly worried or anxious, has difficulty going to sleep, shows persistent disobedience or aggression, trouble paying attention, concentrating or getting organized, then you may need family counseling.

And, if your adolescent shows any of the above symptoms or frequent outbursts of anger, physical complaints, threats to harm self or others, threats to run away , marked change in sleeping habits, a persistent bad mood, problems with authority figures, truancy, theft, vandalism or consistent violation of the rights of others.

Please take the time to know your child. Talk often, ask questions and listen to what your child has to say. If you believe your child is having trouble, take action. consult with other adults in your child's life, such as teachers.

If you need extra help, it's okay to ask for it. We are now staffed to help you in referrals to counseling. It can make all the difference in your child's life, as well as in your family life.

MENTAL HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND PARENTING SERVICE REFERRALS

Brooklyn
Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc.
Prevention Services
Intensive/Supportive Case Management Program
665 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Telephone: (718) 852-6004

Phoenix House of New York
Youth Mentoring Services
55 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11202
Telephone: (718) 858-2462

Bridge Back to Life Center, Inc.
6823 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11220
Telephone:(718)680-22910

Center for Family Life In Sunset Park
Parenting & Youth Services
345 43rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Telephone: (718) 788-3500

Queens
Creedmoor Psychiatric Center
Substance Abuse & Psychiatry
80-45 Winchester Boulevard
Queens Village, NY 11427
Telephone (718) 464-7500

Psychiatric and Addictions Recovery Services (PARS)
9229 Queens Blvd. - Ste. 2E
Rego Park, NY 11374
Telephone: (718) 997-8726 Bronx
Lincoln Medical/Mental Health Center
Substance Abuse & Mental Services
349 East 140th Street
Bronx, NY 10454
Telephone: (718) 993-3100

Alternatives
(Children & Families Together)
Family Counseling & Substance Abuse Treatment
528 Morris Avenue
Bronx, NY 10455
Telephone: (718) 402-900

Manhattan
Room to Grow
Parenting & Youth Services
54 West 21st Street
New York, NY 10010
Telephone: (718) 620-7800

Cornerstone of Medical Arts
Substance Abuse/Mental Health Treatment/Referrals
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Program
57 West 57th Street
New York, NY 10019
Telephone: (212) 755-0200

665 Willoughby Street, Brooklyn, New York 11206
Phone: (718) 852-6004 Fax: (718) 852-4805
Contact Us