May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

Since 1949, National Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May to increase awareness surrounding the importance of mental health and wellness. Mental health is defined as emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

As we continue to adjust to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Sereno thought it would be helpful to share resources to support you, and your loved ones, if you are feeling alone, or in need of ways to reach out for healthy conversation during this challenging time.

The pandemic has radically shaken our world. Please do not underestimate this fact. With so much uncertainty swirling around our communities, now is the time to be gentle, reach out to anyone you think might need help, and even make the vulnerable call to ask for help for yourself.

Everyone here at Sereno is committed to supporting our communities during this extraordinary time. Here are some resources and organizations that might spark ideas and offer assistance:

Momentum for Health offers adults, adolescents, and families a vast array of high-quality programs and services that promote a healthier, independent future. The organization focuses on the delivery of comprehensive behavioral health services that are accessible, integrated, effective, and engaging.

Seize the Awkward has some wonderful ideas for beginning those somewhat awkward conversations.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) has all kinds of resources for reaching out to help those around you. A global threat, like this pandemic, touches all of us. Now, more than ever, we are being called upon to make a difference and together we can show people that they are not alone.

The TREVOR Project is full of ideas to support LGBTQ communities and provides valuable resources to young people nationwide who may not have anywhere else to turn to for help. Thanks to Trevor’s programs, LGBTQ youth are not alone.

The National Council for Behavioral Health is full of resources and ideas to support yourself and your community.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting BC2M to 741741.

#MentalHealthMonth