I kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month by volunteering at an event at my son Tyson’s elementary school. The affair featured an 'Awesome Station', where students spun a wellness wheel with various emoji faces and corresponding wellbeing prizes. Other activities included the 'Zen Station', where Tyson and his classmates learned about meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises; an 'Empathy Station', where they wrote positive affirmations; and a 'Pet Station', where they met a support dog and learned about emotional support animals. The event made it clear: mental health impacts us all-- old, young, and in-between. In May, and throughout the year, it’s important to seek ways to nourish our own emotional wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of the people we care about.
As an advocate for youth health equity, I try my hardest to lead by example in my own life. I go to therapy to support and maintain my wellbeing. I read about mental health. I talk about mental health. I make it a habit to engage in intentional self-care. My favorite coping mechanisms and wellness habits are gardening, working and relaxing outside during the warm months, as well as exercising, spending quality time with my husband and son, and nice dinners with friends and family. I also treat myself to manicures and pedicures every two weeks. No step is too small to foster a positive relationship with one’s own physical and mental health.
Life can be hectic, and by intentionally deepening my breath and slowing down, I can relieve stress, gain a more centered perspective, and show up as a more present me. I encourage young people to learn and practice techniques to manage stress and other difficult emotions. I want young people to understand that everyone goes through challenges in life, and no matter how long you've had something on your mind, it's important to talk to someone you trust about it. This could be a peer, parent, family member, physician, teacher, school counselor, spiritual leader or another trusted adult. If you notice a friend or family member struggling with their mental health, it’s important to encourage them to seek help from a trusted source. Through education, sharing resources and raising awareness, we can all actively reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
To explore resources and video storytelling on topics such as mental health, sexual health, identity, school, substance use, and more, visit selfsea.org.