It’s May, and hopefully, many of you are recognizing the signs of spring as an opportunity to spend more time outside, to pause, reflect, and find moments of joy as the days get warmer and growth is all around us. May is Mental Health Awareness and also an important time to also pause, and reflect on the impact that mental health challenges have on the lives of so many people and their families throughout the year.
Our team at Jefferson Center works throughout the year to engage with our community and address various mental health topics, both in-person and virtually, and this month we are especially busy and happy to be so. Our Community Engagement team is visiting libraries, hospitals, and other community centers to conduct weekly meditations, and wellness fairs, and present information on topics like burnout, anticipatory grief, supporting youth/older adult mental health, and more. Several members of our team have attended City Council and Board of County Commissioner meetings to accept Mental Health Month Proclamations from Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek County as well as the cities of Wheat Ridge, Golden, Arvada, Edgewater, and Westminster.
If you would like Jefferson Center to visit your organization and discuss various resources and information about mental health topics, please contact our team at SpeakersBureau@jcmh.org.
Wondering how you specifically can get involved with mental health month? I’ve compiled a list of resources and actions you can take to bring awareness and boost your own mental health knowledge:
1) Take a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) class. You will learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of a range of mental health and substance use disorders, and you will build the skills needed to help someone in crisis. Learn more by scrolling below and registering for classes in May or June here.
2) Partake in Cupcake Therapy. We’re continuing our partnership with Rheinlander Bakery in Arvada for Mental Health Month! Treat yourself to one of their delicious specialty cupcakes, and one dollar from each purchase will be donated to Jefferson Center.
3)Take a QPR class. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer: three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Learn more by scrolling below and registering for the next class on June 29th here.
4) Update your Zoom background. We have crafted several Zoom backgrounds in support of Mental Health Month. Download one of our images here, available with and without the Jefferson Center logo, to show your support as well!
5) Talk to a loved one. While mental health disorders are not only confined to one month of the year, May is a good reminder to increase your awareness and check in on yourself and others.
Lastly, please use Mental Health Awareness Month as a reminder to be kind to yourself. Practice self-care by granting yourself some extra rest, participating in your favorite activities you don’t normally make time for, spending time with family and friends, or even indulging in a cupcake or two. Your well-being matters, and taking care of yourself is the first step in being fully present and engaged with others.
– Kiara Kuenzler, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, President and CEO