Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

Mental Health Awareness Month 

As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness this May, there are a few things to be thinking about:

• Our mental health may be impacted by life changes that come with aging.

Maintaining involvement is beneficial to mental health, particularly as we age. To feel involved and connected, it might be beneficial to strengthen your relationships with family and friends, join a social club, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. A fresh hobby, learning something new, or pushing oneself with brainteasers are all beneficial ways to maintain mental sharpness. Visit SAHMSA for resources for older adults to learn more.

• Youth can establish a solid foundation for lifetime well-being with the help of resources, communities, and supportive families.

Making an effort to converse and listen to your kids and teenagers can support their healthy mental development. Positive and consistent relationships have a positive impact on a child’s mental health. Make sure to watch out for any changes in your children and teens behavior or social skills. SAMHSA has resources for parents and care givers.

• For those who are pregnant or have recently given birth, pregnancy and childbirth can be memorable but also bring up a range of intense emotions.

While being pregnant is a beautiful thing, it can also be emotionally complex. It’s okay to not feel okay. Anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and mood changes are all common. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone! SAMHSA has resources available to support your mental health journey.

• Everyone deserves to receive respectful and culturally sensitive care.

Mental health is for everyone, and everyone deserves mental health support when they need it. Its important minority groups are getting the proper mental health care that makes sure their values, traditions, and experiences are being supported. SAMHSA has resources for multiple minority groups like tribal communities, Black communities, and resources available in Spanish.

• LGBTQIA+ community members’ mental health can be supported by inclusive families, schools, and societies.

We celebrate #LGBTQIA+ communities throughout Mental Health Awareness Month by reminding them that they belong. You are important. How you feel matters. You are not alone! If you are in crisis, the 988 lifeline is there for you 24/7.

Visit SAMHSA’s Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit for ways to spread awareness! www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit

National Foster Care Awareness Month 

Every May, the United States celebrates National Foster Care Awareness Month. Its a time to honor the people and institutions that support foster parents, social workers, activists and children and youth in foster care, as well as to raise awareness of their experiences. With the goal to positively impact the lives of children and families involved in the foster care system, National Foster Care Awareness month is essential for increasing awareness, encouraging advocacy, and raising support.

Interested in foster care? Visit this link to see some frequently asked questions:

Here are a few ways to get involved, support, and make a difference:

• Spread the Word. Share information about becoming a foster parent in-person and on social media!
• Educate. Educate yourself and others on the foster care system and bills!
• Volunteer. Explore volunteer opportunities that impact youth receiving foster care services!