COMMUNITY WELL-BEING & BELONGING
A Healthy Community is a Connected Community – Many factors contribute to our mental health. Connections to resources and relationships are how we build a healthier, more resilient, and more fulfilled future.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! At the Y, we understand that mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being, and we believe that everyone should have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
All people, no matter where they are on their mental health journey, deserve support, resources, fulfillment, and a community that cares. Whether you want to exercise, build community, or access mental health services, the Y is here to support you on your well-being journey.
QUICK LINKS
FEATURED | SPECIAL EVENTS | Y'S ROLE | YMCA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES | COMMUNITY RESOURCES | DOWNLOAD THIS
THIS IS US : About TIDES
Did you know that YMCA school counselors are supporting schools all over San Diego County? Check out our candid conversations with some of the mental health professionals supporting young people in our neighborhoods.
SPECIAL EVENTS
We’re excited to offer a variety of events and activities this month that promote well-being and belonging for all.
PARENT & CAREGIVER CONNECTION GROUPS
Join us this month for conversation and connection groups related to the journey of parenting and caring for young children. This is a welcoming space where parents, caregivers, staff, and community members can gather to share their experiences, build social connections, and strengthen their overall well-being and resilience.
For Parents and Caregivers of Children Ages 0-5
- Wednesday, May 15 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- Location TBD
- *Free dinner and childcare will be provided
For Parents and Caregivers of Teens Ages 12-17
- Wednesday, May 22 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
- Copley-Price Family YMCA
- *Free dinner and childcare will be provided
THE Y'S ROLE
For over 50 years, we've been supporting mental and behavioral health within our community. We're committed to staying at the forefront of our nation’s youth mental health crisis, using the latest evidence to shape our interventions and improve our services. We understand that mental health isn't one-size-fits-all, which is why we offer a range of specialized programs and therapeutic supports tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.
Physical Fitness
Our mental health and physical health are deeply connected. Through regular exercise at one of our state-of-the-art fitness centers, swimming pools, or group exercise classes, members can improve their mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing brain function, and boosting self-esteem.
Positive Youth Development
Childhood experiences profoundly shape our mental well-being. That's why many of our youth programs, including summer camp and after school programs focus on Positive Youth Development. By providing supportive relationships and meaningful experiences in safe, nurturing environments, we can promote healthy social-emotional learning and mental well-being among children and youth.
Concrete Supports
Concrete supports such as housing, food security, childcare, and financial assistance can reduce stress and improve the mental health and well-being of individuals and families. By increasing equitable access to resources and supports through programs and community partnerships, our community can thrive.
Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Navigating mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At YMCA Youth & Family Services, we offer compassionate care and evidence-based interventions tailored to individuals of all ages and family units. Our clinical teams specialize in addressing a diverse range of topics, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, among others. Whether you're a child, youth, adult, or part of a family seeking support, we're here to help reduce stress and promote well-being. Discover more about our services and how we can support you.
YMCA MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Mental Health Awareness Month provides a perfect opportunity for the Y to shine a spotlight on spreading helpful mental health resources and information on local programs or initiatives.
At the Y
COUNSELING SERVICES
YMCA Counseling and Teletherapy Services: In-person and virtual counseling services to community members on an income-based sliding scale (San Diego County).
YMCA School-Based Counseling Services: On-site school-based counseling services to students in participating school districts.
PARENTING SUPPORT
YMCA Child Behavior Consultation Services: Behavior consultations with parents and caregivers of children ages 0-12 experiencing challenging behaviors (San Diego County).
YMCA Call for Connection Warm Line: Through phone-based support, we offer a listening and empathetic ear to problem-solve challenges with parenting, support in coping with the current stressors, and guidance in helping children understand what is going on. These brief consultations are free and confidential. Call 619-521-3055 or email [email protected] to get started.
MINDFULNESS AND MENTAL WELLNESS RESOURCES
Y Be Well Podcast: Conversations in mindfulness designed to provide guidance on how to live a vibrant, fulfilling life relevant to our times.
Free 24/7 Mental Health Resources in the Community
San Diego County Mobile Crisis Response Team: Call 1-888-724-7240 for immediate in-person support to anyone, anywhere experiencing a mental health, drug, or alcohol-related crisis. MCRT dispatches behavioral health experts to emergency calls instead of law enforcement, when appropriate, with teams made up of clinicians, case managers, and peer support specialists.
California Coalition for Youth’s Crisis Line for Teens: Call 1-800-843-5200 or access the online chat here to connect with a compassionate crisis counselor who can help navigate a range of issues including suicide, homelessness, assault, bullying, running away, and more.
MHA Screening: Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in distress – you don’t need to be suicidal to reach out. Call 1-800-273-8255 to be connected with a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors who speak Spanish are available at 1-888-628-9454.
988 Textline: When you text 988, you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in a crisis center who will answer the text, provide support, and share resources if needed.
The Trevor Project Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth: The Trevor Lifeline has trained counselors who understand the challenges LGBTQ young people face and offer free and confidential support 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
Download This
Bouncing Forward: Activities to Foster Resilience: We made this journal as a special way for you to think, write, and draw about your thoughts and feelings.
Buffering the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences: This is a guide to Protective Factors: Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development, Concrete Supports in Times of Need, and Social & Emotional Competence of Children.
How to Self-CAAVE: COMPASSION. AWARENESS. ACCEPTANCE. VALIDATION. EMPOWERMENT. Applying these traits to ourselves can help you connect with yourself in a caring and nurturing way.
Be Part of the Solution
Give
The Y has dozens of programs focused on improving our community’s mental health and overall well-being. If this is an issue that you care about, please consider donating to the cause. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and appreciated. Give today!
Partner
We are actively looking to partner with companies, foundations, and community philanthropists to support comprehensive programming designed to promote well-being for the spirit, mind, and body. Reach out here!