During the month of May, the Keller ISD Counseling Department will be spotlighting Mental Health Awareness Month with some helpful tips and valuable information and counseling resources available to students and families. 

For additional counseling resources for KISD students and families, visit www.KellerISD.net/CounselingResources.

Week One - May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Since its inception in 1949, it has served as an opportunity to focus on or refocus on self-care, acknowledge the importance of mental health, and honor the courage of millions of people affected by mental illness. According to the CDC, mental health issues, such as depression that go untreated can increase the risk for long-term physical health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) mission is to support mental health care. This nonprofit organization is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with a Take the Moment campaign in hopes of destigmatizing mental health by normalizing the practice of taking moments to prioritize mental health care without guilt or shame.

Week Two - Mental Health Conditions Can Affect Anyone
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on our well-being. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, or income level. Our nation is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis among people of all ages and backgrounds, including young children and older adults. To put this into perspective, if you were standing in a room full of people, at least one out of every five of those people likely experienced anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions in the last year. (SAMHSA.org)

Mental Health Action Day is May 16, providing an opportunity to take the next step from awareness to action for yourself, a loved one, or your community. This could be as simple as adopting a positive “mental health habit” like eating a balanced diet, getting a good night’s rest, or exercising, or offering support to a friend or family member who is struggling. Here are some additional strategies to consider on Mental Health Action Day.

• Practice gratitude: Think about what you’re thankful for – like supportive family and friends, a safe home, or even a beautiful day. Or find something to celebrate, like a recent accomplishment. Consciously practicing gratitude may reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
• Volunteer: Participating in community organizations and finding opportunities to help others can provide a positive boost and sense of purpose.
• Engage in random acts of kindness: Buy a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you, hold the door open for a stranger, or make food for a neighbor or colleague. There are many small acts that can brighten someone else’s day.
• Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes to meditate, take a yoga class or do some breathing exercises to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Seek Help: Whether it is for yourself of someone else, seek help through available resources.

For additional resources for Keller ISD students and families, visit www.KellerISD.net/CounselingResources.

Week Three - Out of the Darkness KISD Campus Walk
Saturday, May 18, join us at Cental High School as we partner with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on our Out of the Darkness KISD Campus Walk. This walk is designed to engage youth and young adults in the fight to prevent suicide, the second leading cause of death among people ages 15-24. The Out of the Darkness walk gives people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. Suicide is preventable and mental health is just as important as physical health. Together we can change the conversation and create a world without suicide.

For additional resources, visit www.KellerISD.net/CounselingResources.