Mental Health Awareness for May, June, & Beyond
June 28, 2023May was National Mental Health Month and youth involved in quality mentoring relationships experience a number of mental health benefits. Here at MENTOR MD | DC we want to encourage not only mentees but also mentors, and organization/program staff to take care of their mental health. We can all inspire each other and the youth around us to practice self-care. During June, we want to highlight the importance of LGBTQ+ members within our communities taking care of their mental health. The Trevor Project has a resource center and Crisis Helpline: 1-800-850-8078. This is the perfect time to also check out The LGBTQ Supplement to the Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. The supplement addresses extending the reach and quality of mentoring relationships to one of our nation’s most underserved, marginalized, and vulnerable populations—youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ+).
Here are some facts as to why the supplement is important:
- LGBTQ youth who have experienced family rejection are: 8.4 times more likely to report attempting suicide, 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression, and 3.4 times more likely to report illegal drug use.
- Family rejection can lead to long-term challenges including increased psychological distress, housing instability, and systems involvement.
- Many LGBTQ students in Maryland reported discriminatory policies or practices at their school. (50%) have experienced at least one form of anti-LGBTQ discrimination at school during the past year. Source: GLSEN
Other resources:
Supporting Black LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
Supporting LGBTQ Youth of Color
May 2023, the staff at MENTOR MD | DC shared on our social media how we take care of our mental health. We have consolidated the answers and listed them below for you.
Responses
Renee Angelo-Mauk – Operations Manager
“I take care of my mental and physical health by caring for my puppy!! He requires a lot of activity, and it is rewarding for me to oblige because his happiness is contagious. My husband and I go on family walks with our pup every evening before dinner, where we can all get active, catch up, and share what’s on our minds.”
Daon McLarin Johnson- Program Outreach & Support Manager – DC Metro Market
“In this day and age of back-to-back-to-back meetings, zoom calls, chat messages, emails and diminishing lunch breaks, I find that my morning workout, meditation and reflective routine are powerful anchors to the whirlwind of my day. Specifically, my morning gym workout is followed by my daily Calm session with Tamara Levitt or Jay Shetty. I listen to Calm while walking in my neighborhood (emphasizing meditation and deep breathing techniques). Finally, when I return to the house, I sit at the kitchen table and write one page in my journal to ensure that I have retained the nuggets of peace and wisdom that I received.”
Kianna Bermudez – Program Outreach & Support Manager – Greater MD Region
“Physical and mental health go hand-in-hand for me. I make self-care a priority and a part of my daily and weekly routines. Taking care of my mental health looks like: therapy, journaling, silence, and connecting with my community. I care for my physical health through a regular yoga practice, gym routine, trying new healthy recipes, and spending time in nature!”
Andre Forrester – Marketing & Communications Associate
“I like to care for my mental health by taking time for myself, usually reading a book. I also go to the gym to manage my physical health.”
Jeffery Kearney – External Affairs VISTA
“I take care of my physical health by seeking medical treatment when needed, trying to eat smarter than I did when younger, and getting as much outside exercise as possible-usually in the form of long walks. I take care of my mental health by trying to hit refresh at work each day, enjoying my family, enjoying my evenings and weekends, and making sure the latter at times includes doing nothing at all.”
Dakotah Shamblin – Program Outreach Associate
“Physical activity is a difference maker for me but I don’t like to do the same thing every day, so I had to explore and find activities I want to do besides going to the gym, like riding my bike, playing tennis, gardening, and kayaking. All that to say- I had to allow myself the time to explore, learn what I like and don’t like, and most importantly, rest when I need to without guilt. “
Zia Ashraf – Program Outreach & Support AmeriCorps VISTA – Greater Maryland Region
“I usually do work out or do a little prayer.”
Andrew Lolavar – Program Outreach & Support AmeriCorps VISTA – DC Metro Market
“I believe mental and physical health are essential. The way that I take care of my health is by exercising at the gym, doing meditation. (Though I struggle with doing this consistently) As well as watching something very funny on YouTube to give my mind a break. “
Jordan Mitchell – Program Outreach & Support AmeriCorps VISTA – DC Metro Market
“I’ve been taking care of my mental health by going to a counselor. Sometimes I also go on walks and nature sightseeing; they often bring peace of mind to me.”
Mychal-Mali McCaskill – School Based Mentoring Support AmeriCorps VISTA
“My favorite way to take care of my mental health is to make small crafts while watching nature documentaries.”