May - Mental Health Month
Stomp on Stigma Virtual 5K Run/Walk - May 1-31. Support mental health by participating in the 8th annual CMHS Stomp on Stigma Run/Walk. Click here for a paper registration form.
Beginning May 19, we will offer our Family Support Group via ZOOM starting at 5:00 pm. If you want to participate, contact Mark Hager at gr.mn.nami@gmail.com or (218) 999-7658.
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"Staying Mentally Well in Times Like These"
Week One (May 1 - 7) - Checking Your Mental Wellness
In an average year, one in five people will be dealing with a mental illness. 2020 is NOT average! People are working at difficult jobs, becoming unemployed, dealing with loss, stressing about money and food, home schooling, isolating from others, wearing masks, etc. etc. MANY of us are now facing challenges with our mental health.
So…what are some things we can do to check on our mental wellness?
Resources:
Week Two (May 8-14) - Stress and Boredom
There are times when we all feel stressed and/or bored, especially now! Here are some resources for exploring ways to help reduce those feelings.
Resources for Stress:
Week Three (May 15 - 21) - Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety disorder (including general anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder) is the most common mental illness affecting 19.1% of adults and 31.9% of adolescents in the U.S. Major depression affects 7.1% of adults. In our current environment of uncertainly and stay-at-home, it is easy to see how these can increase and also cause spikes in substance use/abuse. Stay connected, stay well!
Anxiety resources:
Week Four (May 22 - 31) - Parenting Challenges
This is a challenging time for parents and caregivers.
Documents:
Beginning May 19, we will offer our Family Support Group via ZOOM starting at 5:00 pm. If you want to participate, contact Mark Hager at gr.mn.nami@gmail.com or (218) 999-7658.
*************************************************************************************
"Staying Mentally Well in Times Like These"
Week One (May 1 - 7) - Checking Your Mental Wellness
In an average year, one in five people will be dealing with a mental illness. 2020 is NOT average! People are working at difficult jobs, becoming unemployed, dealing with loss, stressing about money and food, home schooling, isolating from others, wearing masks, etc. etc. MANY of us are now facing challenges with our mental health.
So…what are some things we can do to check on our mental wellness?
Resources:
- Take a mental health screening
- Begin week one of the 31-Day Mental Health Month Challenge
- Make It OK to talk about mental illness – call 3 people each day to connect
- Join an online support group
- Community connections for all the ups, downs and in-betweens
- Ways to Focus on Your Mental Health during COVID-19
Week Two (May 8-14) - Stress and Boredom
There are times when we all feel stressed and/or bored, especially now! Here are some resources for exploring ways to help reduce those feelings.
Resources for Stress:
- Take the Cigna Health Stress Quiz
- Promoting Student Mental Health
- Stress Management for College Students
- Free relaxation apps through Google Play or Apple
- “Calm”
- “Relax Melodies”
- “Headspace Meditation and Sleep”
- “Free Guided Meditation, Sleep and Relaxation”
- “The Mindfulness App: relax, calm, focus, and sleep”
- Boredom – Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
- 217 Fun Things to Do When You Are Bored. Boredom puts you at risk for developing bad habits. The best way to deal with a dull moment is to fill it with meaningful activities.
- Participate in the “Stomp on Stigma Virtual 5K Run/Walk”. Support mental health by participating in the 8th annual CMHS event, anytime between May 1-31.
Week Three (May 15 - 21) - Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety disorder (including general anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder) is the most common mental illness affecting 19.1% of adults and 31.9% of adolescents in the U.S. Major depression affects 7.1% of adults. In our current environment of uncertainly and stay-at-home, it is easy to see how these can increase and also cause spikes in substance use/abuse. Stay connected, stay well!
Anxiety resources:
- How to Manage Anxiety Around the Coronavirus (attached)
- Ted Talk with Jordan Raskopoulos - “How I Live with High Functioning Anxiety”
- Sleeping Well During COVID-19 (attached)
- “The Hilarious World of Depression” podcasts
- The Mental Health Channel episodes on depression
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment options
- Crisis Response Team – 326-8565 or 2-1-1
Week Four (May 22 - 31) - Parenting Challenges
This is a challenging time for parents and caregivers.
- Kids are home....
- Kids need to complete schoolwork....
- Kids need to communicate with their friends but must social distance....
- Kids need to exercise....
- Kids need to have activities they can do alone....
- Kids need family activities....
- Kids need time with you....
- YOU need ME time!
Documents:
- Help for Parents and Caregivers During the Time of Coronavirus
- Supporting Your Child with Additional Needs During COVID-19
- Fun Activities Families Can Do with their Children
- PBS Kids
- PBS for Parents
- The Crayon Initiative Coloring Pages
- Podcast - Julie's Library: Story Time with Julie Andrews
- YMCA Workout Videos for All Ages
- Food Network - Cooking with Kids
- Spark and Stitch Institute