Mental Health Awareness Month





Being aware of our own mental health plays a vital role in our overall wellness. Turning awareness of our mental health into action creates positive changes within our own lives and for our families and friends. This year’s ANTHC Mental Health Awareness Month will promote actions to enhance our wellness like seeking help, supporting others, practicing self-care, and advocating for change.  

Overall wellness requires us to understand the impacts of mental health and identify the steps needed to take action and create positive changes.  

Four important strategies to improve mental health include seeking help, supporting others, practicing self-care, and advocating for change. It is also important to know when to ask for help and how to help others. 

Mental Health Awareness Month Activity  

 Complete the activity and fill out a survey for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card! Prize winners will be selected at random. One entry per person. Must be a resident of Alaska to be eligible.  

What we will learn

  • Strategies for mental wellness   
  • The benefits of turning our awareness into action 

Activity

 Below is a list of action steps to enhance your mental wellness. Please choose a few activities that you want to take action on. Additionally, think about how you would like to improve your mental health this year. 

Seeking Help

  • Check your mental health www.mhascreening.org    
  • Tell a loved one about how you are feeling   
  • Reach out to an Elder or positive role model  
  • Seek professional help or join a support group (ANTHC BHWC and other resources)  

Support others  

  • Ask your loved ones how they are feeling  
  • Share time, stories, food, and resources with others  
  • Show one act of kindness to others each day  

 Self-care   

  • Practice gratitude  
  • Engage in cultural traditions  
  • Spend time outside  
  • Decrease screen time  
  • Journal your thoughts and feelings  
  • Practice deep breathing  
  • Sleep 7-9 hours daily  
  • Move your body regularly  

Advocacy

  • Participate in a community event that supports mental health wellness  
  • Reach out to your representative to find ways to get involved  
  • Volunteer with a local organization 

Reflection 

Taking actions to improve mental health nourishes our bodies, minds, and spirits.   

 

Resources

The ANTHC Behavioral Health Wellness Clinic offers telehealth counseling, assessments and referral support to Tribal beneficiaries 18 and older anywhere in Alaska. You can access our care from your personal cell phone or computer. To learn more or become a client, visit anthc.org/bhwc or call 907-729-2492 Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 

988 is more than just a number – it is a direct connection to compassionate, accessible support for people experiencing mental health related distress. Call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org, if you or someone you know needs crisis support. 

StrongHearts Native Helpline is a free, 24/7 confidential domestic, dating, and sexual violence helpline offering culturally appropriate support for Alaska Native and American Indian people. Call 1-844-762-8483 or chat online here.     

The Trevor Project offers free, confidential, 24/7 crisis support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in suicidal or emotional crisis. Call 1-866-488-7386, text “START” to 678-678, or chat online here.