Behavioral health is a term that encompasses both mental health issues, as well as substance abuse. Substance abuse refers to misuse of alcohol, drugs (both illegal and prescription), and tobacco.
Use this page to review data on the built environment, see images and stories about this topic, hear voices from our key informant survey and add your voice to the journey.
The NJHC data committee is collecting data to help us develop shared plans for improving community health. Take a minute and review the indicators, images, stories and resources associated with behavioral health.
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Morris County:
On average, adults in Morris County report only a small number of days within the last month that their mental health was “not good.” Additionally, they self-reported enough social support from family and friends. Although suicide rates are low (meeting the Healthy People 2020 Guidelines), men in Morris County are more than three times more likely than women to die from suicide. Morris County has a higher than average percentage of individuals who report heavy drinking (and that number is trending upwards over the years), and a lower than average percentage of individuals who report smoking cigarettes (and that number is decreasing).
It is generally agreed upon that we do not have adequate data to understand the full spectrum of behavioral health challenges experienced by the diverse populations living within Morris County, nor do we know the unique health needs or substance abuse patterns of those with mental illness. The only direct data we have on mental illness rates in Morris County are on depression within the Medicare population, adults with a depressive disorder, and adults with an anxiety disorder (all of which are better than the national average). Finally, no data is available on youth under the age of 18.
Union County:
On average, adults in Union County report only a small number of days within the last month that their mental health was “not good.” However, almost 1 in 4 adults in Union County report not having enough social support from friends and family. Social support is an important component of both mental and overall health because it helps individuals deal with stress. Although suicide rates are low (meeting the Healthy People 2020 Guidelines), Hispanic individuals are more likely than their non-Hispanic peers to die from suicide. Union County has small and declining levels of individuals who report heavy drinking and individuals who report smoking cigarettes.
It is generally agreed upon that we do not have adequate data to understand the full spectrum of behavioral health challenges experienced by the diverse populations living within Union County, nor do we know the unique health needs or substance abuse patterns of those with mental illness. The only direct data we have on mental illness rates in Union County are on depression within the Medicare population, adults with a depressive disorder, and adults with an anxiety disorder (all of which are better than the national average). Finally, no data is available on youth under the age of 18.
Sussex County:
On average, adults in Sussex County report only a small number of days within the last month that their mental health was “not good.” Additionally, most (about 80%) residents self-reported enough social support from family and friends, although this percentage is less than idea. Of greatest concern is the suicide rate, which is very high. Sussex County has a higher than average percentage of individuals who report heavy drinking (and that number has remained steady over the years), and a lower than average percentage of individuals who report smoking cigarettes (and that number has also remained steady).
It is generally agreed upon that we do not have adequate data to understand the full spectrum of behavioral health challenges experienced by the diverse populations living within Sussex County, nor do we know the unique health needs or substance abuse patterns of those with mental illness. The only direct data we have on mental illness rates in Sussex County are for depression within the Medicare population, adults with a depressive disorder, and adults with an anxiety disorder (all of which are better than the national average). Finally, no data is available on youth under the age of 18.
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NJHC is collecting images, stories and videos that "Show Us What Health Looks Like".Click here to learn more and share your perspective.
"As an asthmatic who does not smoke, I feel that my health is in danger whenever I see ashtrays outside. To me, ashtrays symbolize endorsement for smoking and the cigarettes that physically harm smokers as well as the second hand smoke that harms non-smokers."
"Our lungs are just like flowers, they need to be nurtured to remain alive" -
We asked leaders across North Jersey to share with us their perspective on what is working and what is not in producing healthy communities. Don't see your perspective here yet? Add your voice by answering a few brief questions.
What's Working?
- “A consistent pattern of awareness by all of our staff based on continued education and effective communication among the medical practitioners, patient navigators and the behavioral health department to ensure the patient's needs (not only medical) are met. These efforts result in better health outcomes for this patient.”
- “Educational programs for children regarding drugs etc. Cooperation with local police on that aspect.”
- “[We help] people with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring medical and/or substance abuse problems using a mobile multi-disciplinary support service. This includes specialty treatment professionals including substance abuse treatment and primary care.”
- “I think there is more being offered for children/adolescents with bullying, although I don't believe we are where we need to be. I do think people are coming forward and making change.”
- “[We have] drug prevention programs for parents to attend.”
What Needs to Change
- “I'd like to see more emphasis on emotional health and well-being. For example programs designed to help children (or adults) eat right and exercise, will have a hard time being successful without also addressing underlying emotional reasons that many people overeat.”
- “I'd like to see more peer support programs available for youth. Peer support builds resilience, breaks down barriers, improves communication, develops leadership, and decreases isolation. The peer support model provided by [some local] organizations work beautifully and powerfully for children grieving the loss of a parent or sibling due to death. But the model is also applicable for supporting children dealing with any type of loss and any type of life challenge. As a community-based model it is simple and affordable and yet life-changing and transformative.”
- “Change/limit access to prescription medicine that can be used for abuse ex. Painkillers, etc. Work on substance abuse issues in Sussex county. More collaborations for agencies [on this topic] in regards to combining community events…[it’s] easier for the community.”
- “Decrease the number of underage drinking. Decrease the numbers of drinking and driving. Decrease the numbers of alcohol/drug related incident/calls. Decrease numbers of suicides.”
- “Stress reduction, substance Abuse, sensitivity to those who do not have the resources to live healthfully.”
- “Continue to develop organizational community wide meetings of Community Benefit Organizations with major "other" players in the delivery of healthcare inclusive of Behavioral Healthcare and other supports within our community.”
- “Substance abuse [is] very high.”
- “[We need to address] substance abuse and mental health issues.”
- “There needs to be more funding available to help persons with mental health, homelessness, violence in their lives to successfully live in the community.”
- “Better, more coordinated care between traditional health and mental health clinicians and other health and mental health community resources.”
- “More tobacco education, support groups, free medicine to help individuals quit. Lobby the State of NJ to have $$ put in the budget. NJ is the only state in the Union to have no money in its budget and collects close to a billion in taxes dollars in settlement taxes and $2.70 on every pack.”
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“Though we have progressed a great deal concerning our attitudes toward mental illness, negative stigma and uneducated opinions are still pervasive, specifically in our community. Together with our local organizations and experts the Madison Area YMCA’s Community Mental Health Initiative seeks to eradicate this toxic stigma through educational seminars and community awareness activities. In addition, we seek to provide Mental Health First Aid trainings for both YMCA staff and community members, thus enabling others to provide individuals experiencing a mental health related crisis. The CMHI will target issues that are relevant to our community, such as stress/anxiety related mental illnesses, eating disorders, depression and other mood disorders, and other relevant topics. In collaboration with the North Jersey Collaborative, we can begin to educate our community and surrounding areas on the prevalence of mental illness; which directly correlates to a reduction in negative stigmatization.”
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“We need drug awareness!”
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“Environmental change can help to move the needle in addressing the health of a community. With the current 'opiate epidemic' being seen in our state and in our county, we need to continue a focus on addressing this issue through prevention, education and policy change.”
To download the full Key Informant results, click here. -
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