A WELL-BEING REVOLUTION

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.

Mental health is not just about our emotions but also encompasses our psychological and social well-being. Our surroundings play an important role in shaping our mental health, and it is important to acknowledge that various factors - from our genetics to our zip code - can impact our mental health and well-being.

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 supports you on your well-being journey.

JOIN IN

We’re excited to offer a variety of events and activities this month that promote mental health awareness and well-being for all.

Digital Detox - Disconnect to Reconnect Take a break from the digital world and focus on what truly matters. Join our bingo challenge and make small steps towards unplugging and disconnecting from screen time. Download to get started.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training  Join YMCA Youth & Family Services for Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings on May 9 at Toby Wells Family YMCA and May 17 at Jackie Robinson Family YMCA. Learn how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among teens, gain the skills and confidence to provide initial support, and connect them to appropriate help. For more information, email Brittany Vetter.

 

 

Building Strong Communities, One Child at a Time – ACT Raising Safe Kids Program for Parents and Caregivers  YMCA Childcare Resource Service is here to help you navigate this parenthood journey with their interactive 9-week virtual parenting program. Join other caregivers in discovering effective strategies to support your child's growth, and learn about the vital role that adults and the community play in the process.   Register now.

Parent & Caregiver Connection Groups Join our FREE parenting classes and connection groups this month! Learn about positive discipline, responding to challenging behaviors, and building strong connections with your young children. The next topic is: "Making Meaning of My Child's Behavior" on May 10 and May 17 at Copley-Price Family YMCA. Child care is provided. Space is limited. Register now.

Resources

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.

 

In the Community
San Diego County Mobile Crisis Response Team
888-724-7240
UCSD Center for Mindfulness UCSD Center for Mindfulness
National/General Resources
Inward Bound Mindfulness Education - Mindfulness Retreats for Teens and Young Adults

Free 24/7 Resources

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.

Crisis Text Line: If you prefer texting to talking on the phone, text MHA to 741-741 to be connected with a crisis counselor who will help you get through your emotions.

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. 

Call for Connection: 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.

Creating a Calm and Quiet Space: A great way to help your brain turn off the worries is to have a quiet and calm space to regain control over high-stress situations and redirect to a calm, focused activity.

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.

The Y's Role

As a committed community mental and behavioral health provider for more than 50 years, we use the latest and best evidence to inform interventions, innovate services, and enhance programs to create a meaningful and lasting impact. We understand there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to our mental health. That’s why we offer a continuum of specialized programs and therapeutic supports responsive to our community’s unique circumstances and needs.

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

Youth programs such as sports, preschool, afterschool programs, and camp can deeply impact childhood development and social-emotional learning. By infusing Positive Youth Development practices across our youth programs, we foster positive relationships and create meaningful experiences that promote positive mental health and well-being among children and youth.

Concrete Supports

Concrete supports such as housing, food security, child care, and financial assistance can reduce stress and improve individuals' and families' mental health and well-being. Our community can thrive by increasing equitable access to resources and supports through programs and community partnerships.

Mental and Behavioral Health Services

We focus on mental health and well-being from the inside out. YMCA Youth & Family Services’ clinical teams have extensive experience providing mental health services to individuals, couples, families, children, and teens, covering various topics.

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

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!