May 2024 Mental Health Awareness Month
Contributor: Inclusion-Diversity-Equity- Inclusion-Advocacy (I.D.E.A) Committee
The theme of May Mental Health Awareness Month 2024 is “Where to Start”. National Mental Health Month serves as a platform to raise awareness about stress, burnout, and trauma, shedding light on their profound effects on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities.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. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with Mental Health Resources provided below.
Mental Health Support
- 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.
- Employee Assistance Program
- 24 Hour Crisis Services Hotline
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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.
Apps: Calm is great for practicing mindfulness, while Headspace is full of tons of guided meditations.
Additional Resources:
Students
Guidance on Supporting Student Mental Health.
Educators
SAMHSA Mental Health Awareness Month ToolKit
Any Adults
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:
https://aglearn.usda.gov/mod/forum/discuss.php?d=309