UW Combined Fund Drive

October 4, 2022

October is mental health awareness month

Mental health awareness month provides the opportunity to refocus on self-care and acknowledge the importance of mental health.

Many people prioritize their physical health, but mental health is equally important for holistic wellness. In fact, mental and physical health are inexorably intertwined. According to the CDC, untreated mental health issues like depression can increase the risk for long term physical health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. 

This is especially alarming when it is accompanied by the fact the over 50% for Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lives. 

The ongoing pandemic has only heightened these issues. There are already many stresses in daily life and COVID-19 adds to this creating an increased sense of unknown.  

Mental health affects all areas of life and should always be taken seriously. WHO reports depression as one of the leading causes for disability and suicide as the second leading cause of death for 15-29-year-olds.

Read: Dr. Pamela Collins: A champion of global mental health advocacy

Sometimes asking for help comes with a stigma when really it should convey strength. When one asks for help, it can also empower others to do the same and when those asks are met with support and not judgement, it creates more compassionate and open relationships.  

Many around the world still do not have access to proper mental health care, whether it be the result of stigma, discrimination, or lack of quality mental health services. This year the World Health Organization hopes to change that with this year’s campaign “Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality.”  

This month, take some time to prioritize your mental health:

  • Take care of your body: get enough sleep, eat right, and stay active.  
  • Connect with others: talk to trusted people in your life about how you are feeling. 
  • Take time to unwind: don’t forget to do things you enjoy like reading a book, doing yoga, or other forms of self-care.
  • Review this UW Counseling Center flyer with tips for coping with COVID-19 related stress.

Resources for BIPOC Communities

This list of resources from Massachusetts General Hospital may be useful to BIPOC-identifying individuals seeking support for mental health concerns and/or coping with race-related stressors, whether current and/or historical. Included are:

  • A directory of BIPOC mental health providers
  • Virtual resources for BIPOC mental health support
  • Reading resources

44 Mental Health Resources for Black People: List of resources including links to influential thinkers and organizations focused on mental health in Black communities, directories for Black mental health practitioners, and helpful tips for seeking support.

Native and Indigenous people in America report experiencing serious psychological distress 2.5 times more than the general population over a month’s time.

  • We R Native: Library of resources for Native and indigenous youth with practical strategies for building resilience, coping with diverse mental health challenges, and seeking help and support
  • Native & Indigenous Peoples Addiction & Mental Health Support from Live Another Day: List of resources to support Native and indigenous mental health with a focus on suicide prevention and substance use
  • StrongHearts Native Helpline: The StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Are you or someone you know in crisis? The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (but the previous 1-800-273-TALK number will continue to function indefinitely).

Support

Consider making a one-time contribution or setting up payroll deduction to one of our CFD member organizations working to provide quality mental heath services and destigmatize seeking care: 

Born this Way Foundation (Charity Code 1482977): supports the mental health of young people and works to create a kinder braver world through high impact programming, youth led conversations, and strategic partnerships.  

Bridgeways (Charity Code 1478773): offers services that promote quality of life for individuals living with mental illness in a manner that facilitates growth, independence, and a sense of community.  

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service (Charity Code 0337159): provides behavior health services to the Latino community in the state of Washington including prevention, treatment, and housing. 

Give an Hour (Charity Code 1482035): work to harness the expertise and generosity of volunteer mental health professionals to provide no-cost mental health care to those in the veteran and military communities, those affected by natural disasters, and those affect by man-made disasters.  

Jumping Mouse Children’s Center (Charity Code 0315205): delivers direct emotional and mental health services and advocacy for low-income children and their families who have experienced trauma. 

Mental Health America (Charity Code 1479381): seeks to improve the health and quality of life for nearly 70 million adults and children impacted by mental health problem annually. 

Mental Health Housing Foundation (Charity Code 1480575): develops and maintains housing for low-income individuals who are disabled as a result of lifelong mental illness.  

Second Chance Ranch (Charity Code 0497062): Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program that can be applied to existing treatment program as a more holistic approach. 

University of Washington Counseling Center Support Fund (Charity Code 1480836): offers mental health counseling, outreach, prevention programming, and crisis intervention for enrolled students at no financial charge.