May Did You Know Campaign: Mental Health Awareness
DID YOU KNOW mental health is essential for overall well-being at every stage of life. Regardless of age, background, or experience, prioritizing mental health strengthens individuals, families, and communities.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It was created to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Increasing awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and providing resources and information helps to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
TASK- the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids, supports our community with prevention and education around substance use. Building a strong foundation for kid’s mental health gives them the tools to cope with conflicted and big feelings. By working with LTUSD to support students with organizing and funding programs like Soul Shoppe at elementary schools, all students have access to programs to practice and build coping /social emotional learning skills. These programs and resources support students’ mental health and help kids lay the groundwork for lifelong well-being. We know teaching coping skills early empowers young people to manage emotions and challenges.
DID YOU KNOW many mental health issues affecting adults start in childhood and adolescence? We all want what is best for our children and you may be concerned or have questions about certain behaviors they exhibit.
DID YOU KNOW mental health issues are on the rise in young people. Pay attention to their social, emotional, and behavioral changes. Early support can help children thrive and adults can play a critical role in knowing when a child may need help? Consult with a school counselor, school nurse, mental health provider, or another health care professional if your child shows one or more of the following behaviors:
- Feeling very sad or withdrawn or easily irritated for more than two weeks
- Seriously trying to harm or kill themselves, or making plans to do so
- Experiencing sudden overwhelming fear for no reason, sometimes with a racing heart or fast breathing
- Getting in many fights or wanting to hurt others
- Showing severe out-of-control behavior that can hurt oneself or others
- Not eating, throwing up, or using laxatives to make themselves lose weight
- Having intense worries or fears that get in the way of daily activities
- Experiencing extreme difficulty controlling behavior, putting themselves in physical danger or causing problems in school
- Using drugs or alcohol
- Having severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
- Showing drastic changes in behavior or personality or a drop in their school performance
Here are a few Easy tips to build mental health and coping skills in kids:
- Teach deep breathing exercises to calm the mind and body during stressful moments.
- Help kids identify and label their emotions using age-appropriate tools.
- Encourage regular physical activity and playtime to release tension and boost mood.
- Maintain a daily routine.
- Teach the importance of engaging and connecting with peers, empathy, and listening to others.
- Empower children to help others.
- Nurture a positive self-view and practice positive self-talk and loving who you are.
988 offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. Call or text it anytime.
TASK- the Tahoe Alliance for Safe Kids, is a local non-profit that addresses topics each month affecting youth with our Did You Know Campaign. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and resources each month around the highlighted DYK Campaign. Visit our website at www.tahoesafekids.org