MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
Established in 1949, the goal of Mental Health Awareness Month is to put a spotlight
on the importance of mental health and wellness. Each year, we continue to fight against the stigma associated with mental health
and provide support for those with mental illness. As the American Counseling Association
states, one in five people will experience mental illness over the course of their
lifetime and everyone will face challenges that can and will affect their mental health.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) play a critical role in providing care and
guidance for those who are struggling with mental illness. Washtenaw Community College
has personal counselors available to assist students through difficult life experiences.
This year, WCC's slogan for Mental Health Month is #BeKindToYourMind and we're joined
by millions across the country to celebrate the very first Mental Health Action Day
on Thursday, May 20. In recognition of this, WCC's Counseling & Career Planning Department
and Student Activities Department are encouraging you to take the pledge to Be Kind
to Your Mind by signing our KudoBoard! Tell us how you plan to #BeKindToYourMind and share your mental health tips.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness and needs support, please
consider calling the WCC Counseling & Career Planning Department at 734-677-5223 to
learn more about what services are available. If you are dealing with a mental health
emergency and need immediate support, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255,
911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Visit the WCC Personal Counseling site on Blackboard (Student Resources > Personal Counseling) and follow us on Instagram for upcoming events, resources and more.
NAMI'S FRIENDS AND FAMILY AT WCC
NAMI's Friends and Family at WCC started with monthly meetings in Fall 2020. This
group provides support for students with a friend, family member or partner that lives
with a mental health condition. Meetings include conversations on caring for loved
ones, as well as strategies for centering self-care. Amy Higgins, a part-time English
faculty member and trained NAMI volunteer co-facilitates the group.
Summer meetings will be held via Zoom from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of
every month: June 24, July 22, August 26. Registration and more information is available online.
This program is supported by the Washtenaw County Public Safety & Mental Health Preservation
millage.
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH TOOLKIT
Mental Health America has a 2021 Mental Health Month Toolkit that provides practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase their resiliency regardless of their personal situation.