By: Rita M. Rivera – AU PsyD Student, Student Learning Assistant – Title V Student Success
During the month of May, organizations and individuals across the world join the movement to raise awareness about mental health.
Amidst the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, all of us must prioritize mental health. Together, we can raise awareness and fight stigma. Our Albizu family is Strong!
I encourage you to use the resources below to learn more about the different initiatives taking place across the United States. You can also use this information to support yourself and your loved ones.
- Mental Health America (MHA): They are offering a free Mental Health Month Toolkit that contains printable handouts, infographics, and articles. You can download it here: https://www.mhanational.org/mental-health-month
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Their May 2020 campaign is titled “You are Not Alone.” You can read more about it and download free graphics and messages here: https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Month
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): This year, ADAA mission is to #BreakTheStigma. You can read inspirational stories of those living with anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring disorders. You can also share your own story and inspire others to break the stigma: https://adaa.org/mental-health-awareness-month
- American Hospital Association: This organization is dedicated to support the role that hospitals and health systems play in providing behavioral health care. It advocates for these institutions and their website contains many resources, such as podcasts, webinars, and articles: https://www.aha.org/mental-health-awareness-month
- Active Minds: Their resources are tailored to the current coronavirus pandemic. Their website contains articles that are also focused on student populations: https://www.activeminds.org/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): They have devoted the week of May 10-16 as National Prevention Week. SAMSHA is raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. Their website contains free webinars, downloadable guides for clinicians and information about community events around the country: https://www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week#
You can also join Albizu-sponsored events this month:
- Psychology Practice During Covid-19: Sponsored by AU Psychology Clubs, the Students Advocate for Youth (SAY) Club, the Neuropsychology Club, and the Health Psychology Club. Join guest speaker Dr. Christine Blanco-Olair and faculty moderator Dr. Karen Feuerman on Wednesday May 13, 2020 at 6:30pm.
- Mental Health Awareness Webinar: Hosted by the Masters in Psychology Program on May 27th from 5:00pm-9:00pm.
You can also celebrate Psychology Day on Wednesday 27th with the United Nations. Their theme this year is The Multilateralism We Want: Psychological Contributions to Building Bridges Among and Within Nations. You can join the virtual event from 11am to 1pm for free and register at: https://www.unpsychologyday.com/ Registration is limited so make sure to secure your spot!
Remember: this situation will soon pass. We got this! #AlbizuStrong