LAPS News:
May is Mental Health Month – a time of year dedicated to raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives.
It is an opportunity to take action toward protecting our own mental health and overall well-being, as well as to advocate for others and for stronger systems of care and support.
This May, Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) is utilizing resources from Mental Health America and focusing our efforts on encouraging everyone in the community to:
- LEARN how modern life affects mental health and about resources that can help us navigate our changing world.
- ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
- ADVOCATE to improve mental health for themselves, the ones they love, and their community.
Finding a sense of calm and focusing on well-being when you or someone you care about is experiencing mental health concerns can be daunting in our fast-paced society. It can be especially challenging to know where to start. Here are a few ideas:
Be Seen in Green on Thursday, May 16. The color green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. You are invited to join us by wearing green to symbolize our collective commitment to mental well-being.
LEARN
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a diagnosable mental health condition this year? Learn more about the symptoms of a mental illness at this link:
ACT
What can we do when it feels like the world is weighing on us? For starters, we can find a support system, set boundaries with technology, get involved in advocacy, and learn healthy coping skills. Check out 4 Things Likely Affecting Your Mental Health, and 4 Things You Can Do About It: https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/MHM/2024/toolkit/4-things-fact-sheet.pdf Find more tools from Mental Health America to get you started here: mhanational.org/may #WhereToStart
ADVOCATE
You’re passionate about mental health, and now you want to do something about it. Not sure where to begin? Start here: https://idontmind.com/advocacy/#yourcommunity
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and are unsure of where to start, take a free, private mental health test at mhascreening.org to determine next steps. If you or someone you care for is in crisis, text 741741, call 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24-hour support. In case of an immediate emergency, dial 911.
In addition, here is a list of resources for specific situations and populations:
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: If you or a child you know is being hurt or doesn’t feel safe at home, you can call or text 1-800-4-ACHILD (1-800-422-4453) or start an online chat at childhelp.org to reach a crisis counselor. They can help you figure out next steps to work through what is happening and stay safe.
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-762-8483. The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST.
- The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to youth in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe, judgment-free person to talk to. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or start an online chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help.
- Trans Lifeline: Dial 877-565-8860 for U.S. support and 877-330-6366 in Canada. Trans Lifeline’s hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Open 24/7, call 1-800-273-8255.
The Los Alamos Public Schools district coordinates a spectrum of prevention activities that are provided by school staff and community partners with funding support from Los Alamos County. The aim of the program is to build protective factors, life skills, and resilience and reduce risk behaviors and harm to children and youth.
For more information or to offer suggestions to the LAPS Prevention Program, Prevention Support Specialist Kristine Coblentz can be reached at k.coblentz@laschools.net or 505.663.2575.
