Festivities at the end of the year are meant to inspire classic notions of celebratory warmth, associating holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas with comfort, spirited giving, and family gatherings in time for the colder season.
But NJBIA is aware that such a concept is complicated by reality, where due to conditions such as “mental stress, the loss of a loved one, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), feelings of isolation, or other traumatic events…what is often a merry time [can turn] into one of depression and loneliness,” the organization explains on its website.
In recognition of this, NJBIA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council is hosting the virtual event “Stress, Mental Health, and the Holidays” on Thursday, November 17, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. While council meetings are free to all NJBIA members, the general public must pay $19 to register online at the NJBIA website or njbia.org.
According to the event page, what is “typically a joy-filled season that can provide a break from work, school, and other daily robust routines for most can be very hard for others,” which is where speaker Michael Tozzoli contributes his expertise as an licensed clinical social worker.
Tozzoli is CEO of West Bergen Mental Healthcare, a behavioral health system servicing clients in Ridgewood and Ramsey, who will share further about “the challenges to mental health that holidays can present, and how to advocate for better well-being through mindfulness and professional help.”
