Mental Health Awareness

Making intentional steps towards mental wellness and addressing concerns before you are struggling is a fantastic goal to focus on in the new year.

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If your mental and physical state is affecting your daily living, please reach out to a mental health professional or your family doctor.

Self-harm is not a mental illness, but a behavior that indicates a need for better coping skills. Several illnesses can be associated with it, including borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, anxiety or post-traumatic distress disorder.

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Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness that causes unusual shifts in mood, ranging from extreme highs to lows. These drastic behavior changes usually cause concern among friends and family.  Everyone’s experience with bipolar disorder is different, and the signs and symptoms vary.

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Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

•When a person has a manic episode, they feel overly excited, productive, and even invincible.

•When a person has a depressive episode, they feel extremely sad, hopeless, and tired.

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Care for Your Whole Self

You cannot separate mental health from physical health. They are equally important and deeply connected. Our sleep, stress, relationships, nutrition, environment, and other health conditions all impact- and are impacted by -our mental health.

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Reflection

Stop believing you are the way you feel,

that you are the way you behave,

that you are your past,

that you are what other people have called you.

When you believe who God says you are, you can align yourself with God’s truth about you.

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This is who you are in Christ:

You are accepted

You are secure

You are significant

You are forgiven

You have purpose

You have hope

You are not alone

You are safe

Experiencing racism and discrimination can contribute to higher levels of stress and trauma among

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

Over time, these experiences may increase the risk of mental health challenges and negatively

affect overall well-being.

It’s ok to talk about suicide – it is a difficult topic and it is a reality that we must talk through.

There are people who will help – to listen, to counsel those in ideation and support those who have been affected by suicide.

Many different factors come into play with depression that can include a mix of environmental, genetic, psychological, and biological /biochemical components.

Not everyone experiences depression in the same way, but it can affect anyone at any time. So, it is important to take that next step and seek out professional help and be screened if you or someone you care about feels they may be depressed.

 Depression is a highly treatable condition with many different options available; professional help will determine the best course of action for you.

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Better Sleep for Better Mental Health

The Bible recognizes rest not as weakness but as wisdom. Scripture portrays rest as both a human necessity and a spiritual practice. Sleep reflects trust, restoration, and the acceptance of human limits.

Talking about mental health in communities of color means uplifting cultural strengths,

honoring healing traditions, and recognizing how resilience is shaped by lived experiences.

Every June, shines a spotlight on Men’s wellness.

This national observance encourages men to speak up, seek help, and prioritize their mental well-being.

Just as the body needs care , so does emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Men are much less likely to ask for help than women.

How you can help:

-Remove stigma around men seeking help

-Create male-specific support spaces

-Encourage open dialogue at workplaces and schools

-Start a simple conversation - check in with the men in your lives

Teenagers today face unprecedented pressures, academic stress, social media comparison and emotional development.

Ways to support:​

•Listen without judgment – Create safe spaces for conversation.

•Educate on coping strategies – Journaling, meditation, or art can help process emotions.

•Professional support isn’t just for crises—it’s a proactive tool for wellness.

Let’s break the stigma around

mental health.

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National Grief Awareness Day - Aug 30​

Heavenly Father, We lift up all who are carrying sorrow, grief or loneliness. Please surround them with Your comfort, strength and peace. Help us trust that Your love is greater than any burden we face today. Amen

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Seasonal affective disorder can be

incredibly debilitating. 

A doctor or mental health professional may recommend these activities as potential treatment options for your symptoms. Staying involved – whether it is school, work or church activities – can surround you with supportive friends and family.