April 2023 News!
It’s finally SPRING.
Hello everyone. What a difference a few weeks can make from the last newsletter! We are noticing an overwhelming appearance and sense of “light”—whether that’s in regard to the actual sunshine and daylight, or to our spirits, or a combination of both. Whatever it may be, we are certainly embracing the feelings that accompany the season upon us.
Below we’ve shared information on upcoming community events (outdoors, no less!) and resources that you can use to help you spread the word and awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. There’s a really nice toolkit that makes it easy to convey your messages, no matter your audience.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” —Matthew 5:16
Reyne & Scott Roeder
Fun in the Sun
Join the effort on Earth Day and participate in this year’s Let the Sun Shine Run in Cold Spring on Saturday April 22nd.
The race was established to honor the memory of Jonathon James Robbins, who died by suicide in 2010 after a dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and depression. He was 22 years old. The event is bright and bold on purpose; Jonathon’s family will always remember their boy as a ray of light and pure warmth. It also acts as a beacon for those who want to help in the efforts to prevent suicide and spread the message of mental health support.
Race registration is here.
Proceeds from the event go directly to the Brain & Behavior Research Fund which raises necessary capital to fund research committed to alleviating suffering caused by mental illness. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $440 million to fund more than 6,400 grants since its inception in 1987.
Counseling Awareness Month
April Recognizes Mental Health Providers
National Counseling Awareness Month, founded and supported by the American Counseling Association (ACA) is dedicated to recognizing the thousands of professional counselors and therapists who work day in and day out in the trenches of mental health. The career of a counselor or therapist can be treacherous and without thanks as individuals in those roles show up on behalf of others, most often those who are vulnerable, hurting, scared, confused, and alone.
This is the definition of the helping profession.
Hannah Hippe from Nystrom & Associates wrote the following on behalf of National Counseling Awareness Month:
April is Counseling Awareness Month, a time to recognize the valuable role that counselors play in promoting mental health and well-being. Counseling is a form of therapy that involves a trained professional helping clients overcome personal challenges and achieve their goals. Counselors provide support and guidance to people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Their work has a significant impact on society. Keep reading to learn just some of the benefits of counseling.
The Benefits of Counseling
Counseling is Confidential
One of the primary benefits of counseling is that it provides a safe and confidential space for you to express your thoughts and emotions. Counselors are trained to listen actively and non-judgmentally, helping you explore your feelings and gain new insights into your life. Through this process, you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
Counseling Helps Develop Coping Skills
Counselors also help you to develop coping skills and strategies for dealing with difficult situations. Whether it’s managing stress, navigating a relationship, or coping with a major life change, counselors can provide practical tools and techniques that help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. These skills can have a lasting impact, enabling you to lead more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Counseling Addresses Mental Health Issues
Moreover, counselors play a critical role in addressing mental health issues. Mental illness affects millions of people worldwide, and 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year.
Counselors are trained to provide evidence-based treatments for a range of conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Substance use disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- And many more
By offering personalized care and support, counselors can help those struggling to manage their symptoms, reduce their distress, and improve their overall quality of life.
Mental Health Toolkit
Next month is Mental Health Awareness Month!
To that, we felt it beneficial to include messaging resources ahead of the observation. Oftentimes, we wish we knew how to help, or what to say regarding mental health and suicide prevention.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) creates an annual Mental Health Awareness Toolkit designed specifically for that purpose. While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters. It takes a village, and this toolkit is for that purpose. It exists for anyone to use—individuals, schools, organizations, nonprofits, and communities.
MDH encourage users to edit the content to best suit the intended community.
How to Use the Toolkit:
This year’s toolkit includes ideas and resources on what you can do throughout the month to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention. It includes key messages that can be used for emails, newsletter content, social media posts, images, as well as additional resources that can be used supplementary to what you might already use.
The toolkit’s messaging has been designed to fit four core themes, including:
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Week 1: Mental Health Matters
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Week 2: Self Care
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Week 3: Finding Help
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Week 4: Social Connection/Helping Others
To download your free toolkit, visit MDH Suicide Prevention.
Resources & Can't-Miss:
Central Minnesota ‘Difference Maker’ Grant
Grant from The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) is designed to bring about a positive changes in mental health and racial equity for Central Minnesota. CMCF is looking to build partnerships during the grant period, which ends April 30th at 11:59pm.
Mental Health Walk at Lake George
Race sponsored by NAMI, the annual event features door prizes, games, silent auction, music, and family fun. Doors open at 9am, event starts at 11am. Saturday, 5/6 at Lake George Pavilion in St. Cloud.
Kids in Crisis: A Push for Better Access
Story from The Colorado Sun detailing how a shortage of treatment options for adolescence in mental health crisis led to changing legislation, and expanded offerings for service are on the horizon.
Strides Against Stigma Family 5k
Race sponsored by the Beautiful Mind Project and partner ISD 742, the event features local vendors, food and beverages, games, petting zoo, obstacle course, and plenty of entertainment. Event begins at SCSU’s National Hockey Center at 8am Saturday, 5/20.
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988.