ACMH Twitter ACMH Facebook ACMH YouTube
  • About
  • News
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Membership
Login Log Out

ACMH

ACMH

Phone: 517 372-4016

Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • Importance of Family Voice in Creating Effective Services & Supports
      • Family Driven
      • Youth Guided
    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
    • Youth Blog
  • Contact

Caring for Your Mental Health In May and Everyday

May always brings spring flowers and National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month with events and information to raise awareness about the importance of mental health. If you are visiting our website – you likely already understand that caring for your and your children’s mental health is as important as caring for your physical health. In fact mental health is ESSENTIAL to our overall health and wellness and quality of life.

This year, Awareness Month brought an absolute treasure trove of resources from trusted partners, many of which are shared below.  We hope you find some information, tools and tips you can use to support positive mental health in yourself, your kids, friends and loved ones.

Nature and Outdoors Mental Health America Information Sheet**

Mental Health Action Day is a national movement that began in 2021 which encourages people to take their first steps towards mental health action whether for themselves, their loved ones or to advocate for systemic changes in their communities. They  and share a variety of resources/ tools for people to seek help, learn how to support a friend, or advocate for change:

Do Something For Your Mental Health Today – 18 Tips

Mental Health is Health

Mental Health 101

Supporting a Friend

For Yourself

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
SAMHSA’s 2023 campaign reminds us that we all play active roles in caring for our mental health!
Click here to check out SAMHSA’s Mental Health Awareness Resources and Activities
or download their  Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit

 

Mental Health America’s 2023 campaign is all about encouraging individuals to look around and look within and consider how the world around them effects their mental health. Their 2023 toolkit provides information about how our environment impacts our mental health, suggestions for making changes to improve and maintain mental well-being, as well as, resources to get help if you need it and tips for deciding if you do.

 

ChildMind
 Child Mind Institute-  You Got This Campaign- Struggling with mental health issues along with the everyday stressors of life can sometimes feel overwhelming! Battling mental health issues can often feel isolating and hearing and talking about the challenges we face can help us feel less alone and even encourage us to get the support we need. The You Got This campaign contributors share their real life stories about the mental health disorders, doubts, and confusion they faced when they were young and most importantly, offer an empowering vote of confidence that while things may be hard now #YouGotThis.

 

You Got This Campaign Tip Sheets for Parents & Kids for Talking About Mental Health

Tipsheet for Parents

Tipsheet for Kids

Child Mind Institute Mental Health Awareness Month Parent Resources

Child Mind Institute Family Resource Center

 

 More Tips for Teens For Talking About Mental Health – From Mental Health America

Time To Talk: Tips For Talking About Your Mental Health

Uncomfortable But Important

Talking to Your Parents

 

____________________________________________________________________________

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

It affects how we think, feel, act and relate to others.

We can support positive mental health in ourselves and kids by taking caring of ourselves

and developing skills and strategies to manage everyday stressors and/or mental health challenges.

Resources we hope can are shared below!


Self Care

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. The National Institutes for Mental Health Caring for Your Mental Health page has a wealth of information about self care, when to seek professional help, what to do in a crisis and more.

NIMH Self Care Tips to Help Get You Started

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day.
  • Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
  • Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
  • Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
  • Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
  • Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
  • Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.

Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. For other ideas for healthy practices for your mind, body, surroundings, and relationships, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Wellness Toolkits.

For Youth

The MDHHS StayWell Program Teen Page has a variety of great resources to helping teens and young adults maintain mental wellness. Vist today to discover feel-better tips in videos and brochures; find peer support in their Teen Talk group; and learn coping skills by joining a Stay Well workshop.

 

Mental Health Is Health – Tips to Improve or Protect Your Mental Health 

Prioritize being present

Negative feelings can cause a lot of noise in our minds, so it’s important to find ways to be fully-conscious in the moment. Breathing exercises, meditation, going for a walk, journaling, making a gratitude list—they can all help us refocus on what’s going on inside. The important thing is to be consistent, even if things get chaotic, because that’s when we need self-care the most.

Reflect before you react

Nobody is immune to difficult feelings, overwhelming challenges or the occasional bad day—but we can control how we react to them. In moments of stress, anger or other emotions, It’s important to pause and reflect on the factors that may have influenced those feelings, and the best way to cope with the situation.

Talk about tough feelings

Talking about our struggles almost always helps us start feeling better. Speaking up is a sign of strength, and our friends and family members are usually more understanding and supportive than we thought they’d be. You can start by sharing your feelings with someone you trust or reaching out to a counselor or therapist.

 

Manage Anxiety and Stress – Tips from ADAA

At some point, anxiety and stress affect everyone. It affects different people differently, but there is one thing for certain: there are ways to manage anxiety, even if it feels out of control. Try these when you’re feeling anxious or stressed:

  • Take a time-out – Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from stress or problems helps clear your head.
  • Eat well-balanced meals. Don’t skip any meals. Keep healthy energy-boosting snacks on hand.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
  • Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
  • Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
  • Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
  • Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
  • Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
  • Accept that you cannot control everything.
  • Try to put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
  • Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
  • Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
  • Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
  • Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
  • Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
  • If anxiety is affecting your everyday life and getting in the way of your daily productivity for an extended period, please seek assistance. Find Help

Other Self Care and Wellness Resources

NIH Emotional Wellness Toolkit

NIH Social Wellness Toolkit

MedlinePlus: How to Improve Mental Health

CDC: Care for Yourself

CDC: Coping With Stress

DBSA Wellness Toolbox (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Live Your Life Well (Mental Health America)

Mental Health: Keeping Your Emotional Health (American Academy of Family Physicians)

 

Additional Mental Health Resources

NIMH Suicide Prevention Page

NIMH My Mental Health – Do I Need Help?

NIMH I’m So Stressed Out

Crisis Resources

Additional Resources for Youth & Young Adults

Five young adults are walking together with their arms around each other. The text reads, “Embrace authenticity.” A logo in the bottom right corner reads, “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

Being your authentic self is essential for good mental health. Let’s remind our LGBTQIA+ youth that they are never alone, and that help is available when they need it. If you are feeling distressed or overwhelmed, call, text, or chat 988 for judgment-free support 24/7. #988Lifeline #Together4MH #MHAM2023 #mentalhealthmatters

 

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • Importance of Family Voice in Creating Effective Services & Supports
      • Family Driven
      • Youth Guided
    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
    • Youth Blog
  • Contact
ACMH

Association for Children’s Mental Health

6017 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Suite #200,
Lansing, Michigan 48917
Phone: (517) 372-4016
Fax: (517) 372-4032
Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

All contents and materials © Copyright 2023 Association for Children's Mental Health
Website designed and developed by Web Ascender
Login

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • Importance of Family Voice in Creating Effective Services & Supports
      • Family Driven
      • Youth Guided
    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
    • Youth Blog
  • Contact
  • About
  • News
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Membership
ACMH Twitter ACMH Facebook ACMH YouTube