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As   summer   continues   to  be  a busy season for
people, the  Community  Support  Program  is keeping busy as well. As of the end of July, we have four support groups going. The PTSD group meets promptly at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the parsonage of Pastor Barone, located at 939 Alexandria Street, Carthage. The REACH group meets promptly at 7:00 p.m. on the first and third Monday of every month at the United Methodist Church, Alexandria Bay. The Mood Disorders group meets promptly at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the Sackets Harbor Library. The Parents with Psychiatric Illnesses group meets promptly at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of every month here at the MHA.

If you are interested in the agency holding more of these groups throughout Jefferson County, please contact Katina LaSalle, Outreach Coordinator at (315) 788-0970 or email at: <klasalle@mhajc.org>.

Katina LaSalle--Outreach Coordinator

Quick Tips on How to Be Assertive


Often people don't quite know what assertiveness is. It is definitely not being passive, but neither is it being aggressive. It's right in the middle. It's being able to effectively advocate for your needs and rights in a manner that gets results. When one is either passive or aggressive, one is not an effective advocate.

Everyone needs to be assertive, but when one has a mental illness, it is even more important. Everyone needs to learn these skills in order to effectively communicate (with family, doctors, landlords, or case managers), convey ideas, negotiate different options, or assert one's own needs and rights. These tips will help anyone to stand up for what you want and to take control of your life and health.

  1. Limit yourself to one or two topics and discuss them one at a time. It is very important to stay on task and stick to the issue you are discussing.
  2. Be assertive through your body language! Use direct eye contact and use good posture. Body language should say "I'm Open"- No folded arms.
  3. Ask Questions! Be clear (use language everyone understands) and ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer.
  4. Encourage others to ask questions or give their point of view.
  1. Accept Criticism as feedback--not a personal attack. If you disagree, state why you disagree clearly and calmly. It is especially