P.A.C.E.S.

P.A.C.E.S.

man with fireworks
Photo by Rakicevic Nenad on Pexels.com

It’s the festive season and we are inundated with images of cheer, warmth, fun, love, and companionship. Yet for some of us it’s the most awful time of the year, with the loss of loved ones by death, divorce, and estrangement, loneliness, anxiety (especially social), depression, food and money insufficiency, homelessness, job loss, fear etc.

How do we navigate these deep waters without drowning? And if we are already submerged, how do we resurface?

P.A.C.E.S

Pause, inhale slowly-hold it for 2 seconds-exhale slowly (repeat until you feel relaxed).

Acknowledge your pain, don’t deny or ignore it.

Choose to find something to appreciate in yourself and around you.

Express your need for help to those around you and when necessary, seek professional help.

Share your resources with others, this includes your time, talent and treasure.

May you find the strength to navigate this season with grace, and to rekindle your joy.

Season’s Greetings!!

Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Class

Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Class

Join us for an engaging and informative online event, the Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification! Taking place on Sat Oct 28 2023 at 09:00 AM ET, this event is designed to equip parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, coaches, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring adults with the essential skills to support youth (12-18 years) facing mental health challenges. 

The class is led by an expert trainer in the mental health field, certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Register now and be prepared to make a difference!

Cost: FREE, sponsored by the Howard County Health Department Includes 3-year certification (like CPR)

Format: Virtual Instructor-led group videoconference*.

Date: Saturday October 28, 2023

Time: 9:00am – 3:00pm

Register now, seats are limited 

https://bit.ly/3Zv5XbH

<strong>More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Parents, Teachers & Youth Workers</strong>

More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Parents, Teachers & Youth Workers

May 7-13, 2023 is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week!
More Than A Phase LLC, a Children’s Mental Health Matters! Community Champion in partnership with Jesus House Elkridge present

More Than Sad: Suicide Prevention Education for Parents, Teachers & Youth Workers
Developed by the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention, this training series teaches parents/teachers/youth workers how to recognize signs of depression and other mental health problems, initiate a conversation with their child, and get them help.

– National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that mental illness is common: nearly 1 in 5 (19%) U.S. youth
experiences some form of mental illness in a given year.
– ½ of all mental illness begins by age 14 and ¾ by age 24.
– 9 out of every 10 people who attempt suicide have an underlying mental health illness.
– In 2020, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14, and the 3rd leading cause of death
for ages 15-24 nationwide

Together we can create a culture that’s smart about mental health. We’ll save lives, and vastly improve the lives of many more.

Date: Friday May 12, 2023
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Venue: Jesus House Elkridge
             100 Scott Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Cost: Free
 
Register today at https://more_than_sad.eventbrite.com
 
It is Ok to Ask for Help

It is Ok to Ask for Help

I implore you, I beseech you, I earnestly plead with you not to buy into either false narrative that needing assistance signifies weakness, or that being strong means you have no need of external aid or support!!!

Neither is correct!!! As humans we are communal beings, no one is an island. We are also a sum of many intricately interwoven parts which influence one another, take our overall well-being for instance, our emotional health impacts both our mental and physical health.

Practice mindfulness, pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and behavior and recognize your triggers. Check up on those around you, don’t assume, ask direct questions.

Reach out for help, ask for assistance if overwhelmed by responsibilities, seek professional help if you’re thinking of harming or killing yourself. In the US dial 988 for the Crisis & Suicide Lifeline, or go to the nearest ER. Research available resources wherever you are.

There is help and there is hope, don’t suffer in silence.
<strong>Virtual Guiding Good Choices Class</strong>

Virtual Guiding Good Choices Class

Register today for Virtual Guiding Good Choices Class (series of 5 classes). Parents/Guardians must register before registration closes to receive zoom link for free online classes!
 
Guiding Good Choices is an evidence-based, interactive prevention program that provides families with the skills and knowledge to reduce the risk that their children will use drugs and alcohol or engage in other dangerous behaviors.
 
This series of 5 Zoom classes is for parents/guardians of youth ages 9 – 15 years. *Parent/guardian or child must live in Howard County.
 
Class Dates: Fridays January 6, 13 & 20, February 3, 10, 2023 (No class on January 27)
*Parents/guardians are expected to attend all 5 sessions, youth will attend one session.
 
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
 
Register at:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GGC_02

Sponsored by Howard County Health Department