You Matter Shasta

Today, October 8, is National Depression Screening Day - a day to increase awareness of mental health screenings available to you, your loved ones, and the community.

Health screenings save lives. They are tools used to catch an illness before it gets severe and more difficult to treat. We do screenings routinely for our physical health, so it is important we do it for our mental health too.

Learn about the symptoms of depression on nami.org, and if you’re experiencing
them, talk to your health care provider about being assessed for depression.

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Every October, Mental Illness Awareness Week is celebrated to raise awareness, share experiences, and advocate for mental wellness.

We invite you to do something good for your mental health and well-being every day. What feels good will look different for everyone, but we hope that you find what helps you the most. Swipe through for ideas or explore more on Mental Health America’s website!

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/50-self-care-activities-to-do-when-you-dont-know-where-to-start/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUx-TFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMUxMZ1dtMWs0SzBpeDc3UDFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEew-dv-__S_aQlgTpfxrpK_ZV8sYDRHrnloLQ2txkQpejZFr6oB8Wy4LLTMqc_aem_kaRwtCFLGwcc4FJxKKgHJA

Teaching young people about mental health helps them recognize when they or a friend needs support. Plus, talking about mental health normalizes the topic, decreases misconceptions, and empowers people to seek help.

Soluna is a free app for California residents ages 13-25 that provides mental health support through interactive tools or professional coaching.

You can also explore NAMI’s Youth and Young Adult Resources webpage for additional mental health resources to share within your home or classroom. https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/youth-and-young-adult-resources/

And remind young people often that they are not alone and that help is always available. 💙

As September is coming to an end, it is important to remember that su***de prevention is a year-round commitment. Every day is a chance to show up for our loved ones and provide safe spaces to connect and heal.

FindSupport.gov and the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline are there to support you at any time, whether you are supporting someone else or need support yourself.

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We're sending love to anyone who has been impacted by su***de or who may be struggling right now.

Know that you are never alone. 🩵💜

If you or someone you love is struggling, 988 is free and available anytime to help.

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Support and connection heals. Healing doesn’t happen overnight; it is cultivated.

Family, friends, schools, workplaces, and communities all play a role in healing after a su***de attempt or loss. Tell loved ones that it's not a bother to need support. Connect loved ones to FindSupport.gov to find resources for treatment, coping skills, and how to care for yourself while supporting others.

For more urgent support, call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at any time.

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Applications are due a week from today! Submit your art today at https://hopeandjustice.art/contest/monthly-prompt/

Calling all youth artists! Get creative and create a 60-second PSA, original song, TikTok, drawing, painting, or art in any form that reveals what's hidden inside your mind, what keeps you going during tough times, and shows ways that each of us can truly support one’s mental health.

Submit by September 30th for a chance to win up to $300 in gift cards and receive Moxiebox Art kits! This contest is offered by Youth Creating Change. Visit hopeandjustice.art to get started.

Everyone has a role to play in su***de prevention.

Prevention is more than crisis intervention. It includes supportive relationships, practicing self-care, restricting access to lethal means, seeking treatment, and so much more.

What does su***de prevention mean to you?

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Do you know the warning signs of su***de? Some signs are more obvious, such as talking about or making plans for su***de. But others are more subtle.

If you're worried about someone, trust your instincts. Start the conversation and don't hesitate to ask them directly if they are thinking about su***de. It won't put the idea in their head! Instead, it shows them you are comfortable having serious conversations.

Learn more about warning signs and how to support a loved one at https://neverabother.org/

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Mindfulness activities are a simple way to manage stress and support overall health. Take a moment for yourself by trying these two techniques.

Box breathing can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat several times as needed.

The 5-4-3-2-1 technique is a grounding method to decrease feelings of anxiety and bring your mind back to your current surroundings.

Take a moment for yourself. You deserve it, just for being you.

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