Beat the Winter Blues Party! 

Sunday, 2/25, 2:00-5:00 pm

Want to meet friendly therapy dogs, try your hand at trivia or warm up with homemade chili or hot cocoa? Then, join friends and neighbors on Sunday, February 25, for a free afternoon of fun at the first “Beat the Winter Blues Party,” hosted by the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force.

This mid-winter celebration is open to everyone -- kids, families and seniors from across the Mendhams -- for a chance to see old friends and meet new neighbors. The Stigma-Free Task Force is eager to offer a bright spot of community connection, during these dark days of winter!

The party takes place at the Brookside Community Club, from 2 pm. – 5 p.m., with trivia, creative arts & crafts, kids' games, a make-your-own hot chocolate bar, therapy pups, tasty vegetarian chili, a magician and music!

RSVP for the party at Beating the Winter Blues Event.

This is a new event for the Task Force, and they hope the community embraces it!

Wondering about the winter blues? Many people suffer from the “winter blues,” becoming gloomy, irritable and sluggish this time of year. The winter months, especially after the holidays, can trigger those feelings and sometimes more serious mood changes known as "seasonal affective disorder," or SAD. This is a clinical diagnosis that’s more common in northern parts of the United States. Light therapy treatment helps many who suffer from it.

Tips to beating the winter blues:

Exercise and movement releases endorphins, which make you feel mentally and physically better.

Getting plenty of sleep increases energy levels and elevates our mood.

Spending time in sunlight and nature releases serotonin which makes us feel calmer and happier.

A healthy diet can both boost our mood and increase our energy levels.

Spending time around family, friends or someone we enjoy helps us feel happy and connected.

Spending time doing an activity we love decreased stress levels, keeps our mind busy and makes us feel joy!

The Mendhams Stigma Free Task Force is a group of volunteers across Mendham Township and Mendham Borough, including mental health professionals. The goal is to foster a judgment-free environment around mental health issues and substance use and to create an atmosphere of inclusion for everyone in the Mendhams. The Task Force partners with school officials, police, clergy and outside professional and nonprofit organizations to reach that goal. Contact Committeewoman Amalia Duarte with questions or to volunteer for the Task Force at aduarte@mendhamtownship.org.

Resources:

If you, a family member or friend are experiencing an urgent mental health crisis, call 988.

More resources are available on the Stigma-Free Task Force Webpage

Follow the The Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force on Facebook