When you think about wellness it is important to consider mental health as an overall indicator of health and well being for ourselves and for our children. We have made strides in supporting mental health and in reducing the stigmas that many individuals, families or children may face. However, we do need to continue working together at home, in our schools and larger communities to create spaces where young people can thrive amidst all the struggles that they may face. The month of May is designated as a National Mental Health Month and there are quite a few resources available virtually through social media or websites that can be used by individuals, families and the community for education, information and monitoring. One campaign that is trending in California is entitled Each Mind Matters and has resources on their website for families, professionals, and children. The Each Mind Matters campaign is using TikTok as a way to reach diverse audiences, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic and their website has multiple resources showcasing simple activities that can be done within a home environment.
Today’s blog has additional resources from organizations that support mental health and also includes the social media link for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; there are many articles, individual stories along with a caring community of prevention that can be found within all of the websites showcased.
Each Mind Matters on TikToK.
Each Mind Matters is now on TikTok! Follow us @EachMindMatters and participate in our #ManySidesToMyStory challenge. Create a TikTok that expresses the real you and shares a side of you that people may not see. Visit the ManySidesToMyStory website (https://manysidestomystory.com/) to learn more and checkout the hashtag on TikTok to see other people participating.
(Source: https://www.eachmindmatters.org/may2020/)
Explore a very informative video on Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness
https://www.eachmindmatters.org/mental-health/
Tips for Parents to Explore when Monitoring or Talking with Children:
This web page from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides a list of signs that a child may be facing a mental health challenge and tips for how to start a conversation with a child about mental health.
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Recently, SAMHSA along with a variety of mental health and suicide prevention organizations and experts released a consensus version of youth warning signs. The website organizes the information or parents, youth, and health care providers.
https://www.samhsa.gov/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline FB
https://www.facebook.com/800273talk/
This post was brought to you by:
Melissa C Schroeder
Youth and Family Program Director
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schuyler County
mcs35@cornell.edu
