The theme for 2025 is “Turn Awareness into Action”. This theme encourages individuals and communities to take proactive steps to improve mental wellness for all and highlights the importance of not only recognizing mental health issues but also actively working towards creating positive change.
There are several ways people can actively work to take care of their mental health, including engaging in activities that bring them joy, connecting with loved ones, and seeking help from trained mental health professionals. Mental health professionals offer various treatment options and types of therapy. Support groups can also be an effective way to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and provide a sense of community and belonging. Family & Children’s Counseling Services provides affordable and accessible behavioral health care and prevention services for youth and families.
Attending events can also be a way you actively work towards creating positive change for yourself and your community. Throughout May, there are various events throughout communities to help educate individuals and bring awareness to the topic of mental health.
On May 15th, a Mental Health Awareness Walk took place at the Cortland County Fairgrounds. This free event began with a resource fair, with the walk itself beginning at 12pm after a welcome message. The walk was filled with participants from local agencies, advocates and school students who walked from the Cortland County Fairgrounds down Homer Avenue to Guthrie Cortland Medical Center and back.
The same evening, Dr. Kris Bradt presented “Ending the Silence” in collaboration with NAMI Finger lakes and Homer Central School District. The free, evidence-based presentation was geared for adults with middle or high-school aged youth in their lives. Attendees learned to recognize the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if a youth in their life begins showing symptoms.
Cortland Prevention Resources, a division of Family & Children’s Counseling Services, offers the Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health read-along. The Gizmo program introduces the concept of mental health, explaining it in child-friendly terms, as well as sharing coping strategies, ways to care for one’s own mental health every day, and identifying when one’s mental health needs attention. Children work to define and identify trusted adults and how to connect with them while also completing a personalized mental health plan. Books are provided to each child by the Mental Health Association of Cortland County and facilitated by Cortland Prevention Resources staff. The program culminates with an opportunity to visit with one of the emotional support dogs visiting with providers. Contact Jen Sylstra at jsylstra@familycs.org for more details or to schedule.
Take advantage of the opportunities around you and turn awareness into action. If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, it is essential to offer them support by listening in a nonjudgmental way, providing encouragement, and normalizing seeking professional help. Opening a dialog about mental health with family and friends helps to reduce the stigma and encourage others to seek help when needed.