May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Resources and More

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Resources and More

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. When we think of “awareness,” we are often focused on increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. This month, increase your awareness and understanding of your “Happiness Triggers.” Below is a graphic to help you better understand the brain and the various chemicals that impact mood, motivation, and much more! This graphic was created by Loretta Breuning, PhD, who studies human motivation and is the author of Habits of a Happy Brain.

Throughout the day, consider ways to incorporate activities that activate these “happiness chemicals.” Don’t hesitate to teach children about how their brains work. Research shows that teaching children how their brains work helps them learn better. 

Resources to Support Yourself and Your Children

 
Julia Campion, LICSW, Ed.M., writes about five practical action steps to support students impacted by trauma:
  1. School staff should be trained on best practices.
  2. Create & Provide opportunities for regulation, such as breathing and progressive muscle relaxation
  3. Focus on Relationships. Consider routines such as threshold greetings, check-ins, two-minute relationship building, and co-regulation. 
  4. Organize Classrooms with Trauma-Informed Design
 
  1. Reflection
  2. Regulation
  3. Relaxation
From the Malala Fund, the Assembly’s toolkit provides young women with information and resources to care for themselves while they advocate for others.
  • Your activism is important — but so is taking the time to take care of yourself.
  • Challenges young women activists face that might be affecting their mental health.
  • Identifying what you are experiencing.
  • Ways to protect your mental health and well-being.
  • Resources to support you. (Toolkits, books, articles, positive social media accounts, etc.)

 

LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources

 
The authors explore a variety of Mental Health topics for LGBTQ+ youth, including: 
  1. Helpful tips for managing LGBTQIA+ specific distress and/or challenges. 
  2. How to encourage a friend to get help and support them.
  3. The importance of mental health treatment.
  4. How to find an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist.
  5. Crisis Response Information
 
Author Julio Fonseca, a self-identified out, queer, cisgender, Latinx man writes about how, “I guard my joy and try to protect my mental health.”
  1. Routines
  2. Exercise and Outdoor Activity
  3. Social Media/Media Limits
  4. Productive or Calming Hobbies
  5. Gratitude
  6. Connection
  7. Vacations and Downtime
 
 
Written by Adam Elder, Director of SEL & Counseling
4.29.24
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