Mental Health Awareness Month 2023
Contributor: Inclusion-Diversity-Equity- Inclusion-Advocacy (I.D.E.A) Committee
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Month 2023 is “Look Around, Look Within”, according to Mental Health America. Mental health professionals aim is to emphasize the ways that our surroundings affect our mental health (ie.schools, work envionment, safe and stable housing, healthy home lives, neighborhoods, cities, and nature) . Research indicates that one in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. Our mental health is essential to our overall health and well-being. To bring awareness we are encouraging everyone to please wear green on Tuesday, October 3rd.
Start Prioritizing Mental Health
- Consider taking an anonymous Mental Health Screening. It’s a quick, free, and confidential way for someone to assess their mental health and begin finding hope and healing. Click THIS LINK to find a counselor or therapist in Buffalo NY.
- Guidance on Supporting Student Mental Health.
- Erie Path Erie Path Erie County's new smartphone app, a free digital resource connecting parents and caregivers with mental health and behavioral resources for school-age children and families.
- Find available programs and services for children and adolescents
- Access information that explains what their children and adolescents may face
- Explore practical strategies for helping children and adolescents in their care
Erie Path also includes resources for adult mental and behavioral health services, information for housing, employment, childcare, food pantries, medical care, social services and senior services that can benefit adults and caregivers.
Self Care Strategies and Resources
Consistency is key! The more often you use the tools on your high functioning days, the less likely you are to have poor mental health days!
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), some important self-care strategies include the following:
- set aside daily time to relax and reflect on the positives
- create a daily schedule or routine to create structure
- set boundaries to create work/life balance
- stay informed, but limit time listening to the news about a crisis
- strengthen your support networks
- exercise or move your body daily
- manage your sleep
- stay connected to your community (volunteer)
Self Care Resources
- Menu of Self Care Activities for Higher Functioning/ High Motivation Days
- Menu of Self Care Activities for Lower Functioning/Low Motivation Days
- 20 Self Care Activities to Boost your mood
- beginner's guide to meditation
- free meditation eBook.
- Meditation Tools
- Self Care Tools
- Apps: Calm is great for practicing mindfulness, while Headspace is full of tons of guided meditations.
Additional Resources:
Students
Educators
- Student Mental Health Matters: A Toolkit for Educators is available free online and provides more than 50 digital videos addressing topics specific to youth mental health.
- Tips for Educators
Any Adults
Mental Health Uplifting Quotes:
Mental Health Uplifting Quotes
“You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”
— Buddha
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”
— Glenn Close
“We would never tell someone with a broken leg that they should stop wallowing and get it together. We don’t consider taking medication for an ear infection something to be ashamed of. We shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently.”
— Michelle Obama
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.”
— John Greene
Sources:
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