Reflecting on Mental Health Month: Strengthening the Community and Nurturing Minds
As mental health month draws to a close, it’s crucial to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this observance. Throughout the month, the community has come together to raise awareness, promote understanding, and destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health. From insightful discussions to a plethora of resources being provided in our MYM Mini- Toolkits, the past few weeks have been a testament to the resilience and compassion within Cobb. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the highlights of Mental health month, shedding light to the invaluable work of local organizations dedicated to supporting and uplifting mental and overall well-being for individuals within the community.
AWAKEN COUNSELING
Awaken Counseling is a group of expert licensed therapists committed to providing the personalized care you deserve.
“Life’s challenges can be scary, but you don’t have to face them alone: We’re here to guide you towards a more fulfilling life and help you create lasting change.
At Awaken Counseling, we value community involvement, connecting with other professionals in our field, and providing beyond-exceptional treatment for clients in Marietta, Roswell, Woodstock, Kennesaw, and the surrounding areas.
Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning, and Purpose Inc. (SDp3)
Self-Discovery: Pain, Positioning and Purpose, Inc. (SDp3)™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization raising awareness on Mental Health and Wellness, Bullying, Substance Use Disorder, Recovery, Suicide Prevention and Awareness.
“SDp3 offers education around Mental Health and Wellness, Substance Use Disorder, Suicide Prevention, and Recovery, Youth/Adult/Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Military, Veterans, and Families Mental Health First Aid Course Offerings. Community Resilience Model (CRM), Whole Health Action Management (WHAM), Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) and Certified MH Peer Specialist. SDp3 has launched our SDp3 Fellows Program is offered in Cobb County Communities, equipping our youth to be Mental Health Experts. Our Visionary and Servant, Lady Venessa is a Sibling-Suicide Survivor and a Fighting Suicide Survivor thriving by connecting with others!
Circles Cobb is a transformative initiative dedicated to helping local families overcome poverty through the power of intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change led by the people closest to the challenge.
“Many of the issues that result in poor mental health are common factors to individuals facing poverty: social isolation or loneliness, experiencing stigma and/or discrimination, social disadvantage, poverty or debt, severe or long-term stress, homelessness or poor housing, domestic violence, as well as significant trauma or abuse as a child and/or adult.
Empowering individuals and families to tackle issues that keep them in poverty through education, mental health awareness, and supportive community helps bring them out of isolation while gaining the connections, knowledge, and skills that will help them become financially stable – while improving their mental health.
For over 25 years, the Circles model has been transforming lives, with proven results in over 80 communities across North America. After 18 months in the program, participants realize a 75% increase in income and a 63% boost in education (on average), along with a broader social support network.”
The mission of Rescuing Hope is to enlighten the public about sex trafficking in America, educate potential victims and first responders, and empower advocates and survivors.
“We stress the importance of mental health with the survivors that we serve, in small and big ways. We introduce them to calming techniques to use when they are triggered; we facilitate a survivor-created curriculum to help them understand the psychological effects of coercion; and we encourage them to see a therapist, covering the cost of the first two visits so they can test out the relationship and make sure it’s a good fit.”
Cumberland Counseling Centers is a non profit which partners with churches and faith organizations to make the same high quality of mental health care, accessible to everyone, regardless of income.
“We also equip faith organizations with fully functioning clinical counseling centers and can have them up and running in as little as 3 weeks.
Thank you to our wonderful partners at these local organizations doing the hard and necessary work in this space!
As mental health month concludes, lets carry forward the momentum of compassion, understanding and support. Remember, mental health is not a one-month issue but an ongoing journey that requires our collective efforts. Let’s continue to advocate, educate, and prioritize mental well-being, ensuring that no one feels alone or misunderstood. Together, we can build communities where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental health.
We’d love for you to check out our 4 Mini-Toolkit’s we released this month if you haven’t yet
done so! In each toolkit, you will find resources that support, educate and encourage you in
your mental health journey. Visit our Link Tree to find the google drive folder Cobb Collaborative has a community offering of the Community Resiliency Model Training Workshop on June 3rd at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Marietta, from 10-12. See more details and register here.
We have partnered with Atlanta Center for Self-Compassion to create a free Mindful Self- Compassion Course, aimed at youth but also relevant to adults. Self-Compassion is a huge factor in taking care of your mental well-being. To learn more details and register for the course, click here.
Lastly, our Mind Your Mind Initiative focuses on improving outcomes for all people and families in our community. This initiative exists to raise awareness, promote resiliency, and reduce stigma around mental health. You can find resources on our MYM webpage and also learn more about training opportunities we provide.
Don’t forget to do something kind for yourself today and mind your mind.