Courtesy/YMCA

YMCA News:

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, The Family YMCA is encouraging community members to join the conversation about mental health.

“We can all play a role in supporting each other’s mental health – at the Y and in our communities,” YMCA Wellness Coordinator Ethan Corriss said. “The first step is to start talking in our communities about what mental health really is.”

Mental health is how we think, feel and act, Corriss said. He said the Y recognizes that we all have mental health, and mental health is an important part of our physical health and social-emotional well-being, as well as a core component of our identity.

Corriss said that people can get the conversation going about mental health this Mental Health Awareness Month by sharing these facts with your friends and family:

FACT: We all have mental health, not just those who live with a mental illness. Everyone faces challenges in their life that can impact our mental health.

FACT: There are many things we can do each day to positively impact our mental health.

A few examples include:

• Moving, fueling and resting our bodies;
• Being mindful of how we’re feeling and what’s going on around us;
• Connecting with others; and
• Asking for help when needed.

FACT: In addition to biological and environmental factors, mental health is influenced by health inequities that can be attributed to systemic racism, the social determinants of health and exposure to trauma. Ys and community organizations can support mental health by addressing barriers that prevent marginalized communities from having access to the support they need. The Family YMCA collaborates with other organizations at regular monthly meetings of the Youth Resiliency Subcommittee in conjunction with the Los Alamos County Health Council.  

FACT: Mental health and physical health are interconnected, and both can impact your overall well-being. For example, research shows that exercise can alleviate long-term depression.1 

FACT: Positive mental health can be supported in community settings, like the Y, in addition to traditional clinical settings. The Y supports the mental health of individuals and communities in all of the work we do to help people reach their full potential—whether that’s in teen centers with mentors, exercise classes, through shared participation in programs that support conversations, or by supporting youth in our summer camps, the Y aims to help people achieve their best physical health.

FACT: We all can support the mental health of our community through bringing empathy, compassion and kindness to our interactions with others. Something as simple as intentionally asking “how are you?” and encouraging honest answers can provide us an opportunity to normalize mental health and help others when they need it. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, know that help is available. Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for a list of resources.

For immediate help 24-hours a day, call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.