Latest news with #MentalHealthAwareness
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
West Vigo Community Center hosts annual color run in support mental health awareness
WEST TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – The West Vigo Community Center held their annual Color Run to kick off summer break for the kids. Nearly 30 kids participated in the half-mile long race filled with many color stations that included color powder, paint, and even slime. With the month of May being Mental Health Awareness month, the community center wanted to shed a light on mental health by having the run on the last day of the month, and to serve as a reminder for the kids there is always someone to talk to. 'The center is always here,' said David Elkins, the President of West Vigo Community Center. 'Just talk to somebody, if you have any problems. It's not good to have and keep everything inside. If they need anything or anybody to talk to the center is always here.' All of the proceeds from the event go to directly back into supporting the West Vigo Community Center. The center plans to host another color run event in the fall. Also, the West Vigo Community Center is hosting their golf scramble on June 27th. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Mental Health Awareness Month Is A Priority For Inclusive Leaders
Mental Health is a priority. getty How many know that Mental Health Awareness Month originated in 1949 by the National Mental Health Association(now Mental Health America)? It started as a week but extended to a month, designed to provide awareness and resources to support mental health. Some 76 years later, we, as a nation as well as workplaces, remain challenged by how to care for and help those with mental health challenges. Consider the many told and untold stories about leaders succumbing to workplace pressures. Conversely, some struggle without care, which causes behavioral outbursts that can impact or harm others. This month provides an opportunity for inclusive leaders to not only reflect and care for their mental well-being but also to educate and raise awareness about integration for those who struggle with mental illnesses in the workplace. This article will highlight how mental health impacts the workplace and provide strategies inclusive leaders can leverage to gain support as they navigate the requirements for a truly inclusive workplace. According to The World Health Organization, mental health disorders include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. The 2025 Work in America Survey cites 82% of workers who say the workplace environment moderately or drastically negatively impacts their mental health. Additionally, 70% report increased stressors around job security amidst policy and economic changes. Mental health is also a concern across generations. A Deloitte Study says Gen Z (39%) and Millennials (33%) are concerned about mental health. These statistics indicate that mental health is a core topic that deserves attention as we strive to create welcoming, productive, and innovative workplaces. Mental health is a priority because of its proximity and impact on the workplace. Employees impacted by mental health can be challenged with work assignments, team dynamics, and communicating values. Equally, leaders can struggle to provide adequate support for those who identify as having mental health issues that require accommodation. Research says several factors can be the cause: inadequate workplace culture, availability of mental health resources, and requisite knowledge from responsible stakeholders. The world at large carries many challenges, and inclusive leaders must be well-equipped to deal with challenges that come their way on an ongoing basis. A while back, I wrote an article about Simone Biles and how she had to prioritize her mental health as she navigated the pressures around leadership and winning in the Olympics. She decided to exit the Olympics and focus on strengthening her mental well-being. A decision that won her praise and changed her career trajectory as she became an ambassador for mental health. Inclusive Leaders, similarly, can face a great deal of pressure around getting inclusion right in the workplace. Consider how many dimensions of diversity make up the workplace and the pressure to be inclusive. Since we're talking about mental health awareness month, let's acknowledge the many complexities involved in better understanding disorders in that space. This is a large task for those who strive to be inclusive leaders. Below are four strategies to help inclusive leaders care for their mental well-being while on the transformative leadership journey.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mental health center coming soon to Austin ISD campus
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As Mental Health Awareness month closes, a groundbreaking at Martin Middle School this week aims to further Austin ISD's goal of expanding mental health support for its students. The final phase of modernizations to the school begins Tuesday morning in East Austin. Once complete, the school will have new HVAC, electric and plumbing systems, along with a planned mental health center. Dr. LaShanda Lewis, executive director of AISD's Crisis and Mental Counseling, said there are a handful of mental health centers across the district. Once the center is complete, it will look similar to a classroom but more cozy and comfortable to put students at ease, Lewis said. She said there will be space for group counseling to take place, as well as a more private area for students to meet one-on-one with licensed mental health providers. Lewis said post-COVID is when the need for mental health support became apparent to the district, as students navigated the transition from at-home to classroom learning. 'If our students are not emotionally and mentally well, they're not going to go into those classrooms and function at the highest caliber that they need to be academically successful and transition into the next phase in their lives,' Lewis said. Modernization efforts at Martin MS are expected to finish by fall 2027. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Powys County Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Football was my saviour – Callum Wilson reveals how he dealt with childhood pain
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson has revealed he considered taking his own life during an unhappy childhood but found a 'saviour' in football. The 31-year-old England international has also said he has received therapy for mental health issues in the past 18 months. Wilson opened up about his past in a candid interview with the High Performance Podcast for Mental Health Awareness week in the hope his story can help others. Wilson, the eldest of six children, grew up in a single-parent household in Coventry. He witnessed domestic violence at home and had spells in foster care, as well as receiving help from food banks. He said he had 'suicidal moments' at the age of 12 or 13. When asked what stopped them, he said: 'Thinking that I had too much to offer in terms of life – (I was) so young at the time and just thinking that this can't be all that life has to offer, basically. There's more out there for me. 'There was a higher power that was kind of calling me and football really was my saviour, I think. It was my escape.' Wilson broke into the professional game with Coventry before going on to establish himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth. He joined Newcastle in 2020. Despite a successful career, Wilson admitted he struggled to cope with some of the setbacks he has experienced and that ultimately led to him seeking therapy last year. He said: 'I think what I've realised is when football is going great, when life is going great, you can block it out. 'I had a period over the past 18 months where I had setback after setback and things just got on top. Basically, it was too much to suppress. Basically, it all rose to my head and I was, like, I need to go seek therapy now. 'I (was) at a point where I (was) starting to go back down the wrong path – little things creeping in, gambling and this and that. I was like, for me, I don't want to become that person, so I need professional help. 'I think it took a bit of bravery, to be honest, to realise that as strong as I feel that my mind is at times, you also can speak. Even just speaking was a great help.' Wilson, who is out of contract this summer, hopes his decision to speak out can encourage others to seek help. He said: 'It's just taking that first step. It's not a weakness. Sometimes you've got to show that bravery and not feel like you've lost just by going to speak to somebody.'
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child
Striker bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his sibling WILSON'S BATTLE Newcastle star Callum Wilson bravely opens up on moment he considered taking his own life as a child CALLUM WILSON revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 and how seeking therapy a year ago saved him from the demons. The father-of-two forward, whose Newcastle contract expires next month, bravely spoke out during Mental Health Awareness week and hopes his story will inspire others to ask for help. Advertisement 3 Callum Wilson revealed he contemplated suicide aged 12 3 Wilson has represented England at senior level Credit: Getty 3 His Newcastle contract expires at the end of the season Credit: Getty England international Wilson, 33, bared all about growing up in Coventry as one of six children with a single mum and with a different dad to his siblings. The Leeds transfer target spent time in foster care and had to regularly use food banks while also staying in safe houses after witnessing domestic violence at home. He told the High Performance podcast: 'I cried myself to sleep at night. I got to about 12, 13 - it was like suicidal moments. "When I say I cried myself to sleep, I was just praying to God like 'take me out of this environment, I want to become a footballer'.' Advertisement He admitted: 'I've walked alongside the train track and was building up the courage to jump basically in front of the train. "I've tied cables around my bedroom rail and my PlayStation remote controller to see if it was strong enough to hold my weight. 'Football really was my saviour, it was my escape.' Wilson, though, refuses to blame his mother for any of his unstable upbringing, saying: 'It was my mum on her own, all my siblings in the house. Advertisement "We had a three bedroom council house. Food was sparing to come by. That, along with a bit of turmoil. 'I probably have a lot of aggression from that point, but football was a place that I could be aggressive in my position on the pitch and it would be ok. So it was like a release really.' Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man Utd Despite all of the success in his career on the pitch, Wilson admitted that he had started to become more aggressive over recent years and he started to gamble. Though he hailed a Newcastle physio for spotting he needed help and making him take it - which felt 'like a weight was lifted' after the very first session. Advertisement He added: 'Once I started speaking, and revealed everything I've been through in life, she was like 'Wow, how have you got to this point already without not seeing a therapist?' 'I speak to my wife about it, but I didn't want to blur the lines with our relationship. "She's not my therapist, she's my wife and the mother of my children, so I didn't want to burden her with problems. "You can speak to a therapist and it does feel a sense of relief afterwards. Advertisement 'It's an investment in yourself and more than worth it. I'm probably learning a lot about myself now - little traits that I have that were obviously triggered by things as a kid. I'm really happy.' YOU'RE NOT ALONE EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide. It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers. It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes. And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women. Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now. That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign. The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives. Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone. If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organizations provide support: CALM, 0800 585 858 Heads Together, Mind, 0300 123 3393 Papyrus, 0800 068 41 41 Samaritans, 116 123 Movember, Meanwhile, Wilson appeared to wave goodbye to Newcastle with a tearful solo lap of honour round the St. James' pitch on Sunday after the Magpies had secured Champions League qualification. Although Magpies boss Eddie Howe refused to rule out a potential stay. Howe said: 'Let's wait and see. We're going to sit down and talk with his representatives. Advertisement 'What I can say is Callum Wilson is and has been just an incredible footballer for Newcastle. "Someone who epitomises the spirit that's got us to where we are really professional. Brave. 'To come here and be the No.9 in the manner and the moment that he did in the club's history. "It was a difficult moment and the club needed hope and Callum gave them hope, led the line with that responsibility and the pressure that role brings unbelievably. Advertisement 'He brings a positivity to the group. He's a leader within the change room. He's just been incredible and let's wait and see what happens.' If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
