“1 in 4 people will need mental health care in their lives. 4 in 4 people will be affected by it.” – The Mental Health Coalition & Kenneth Cole 

The last year has certainly not been an easy one. We have gone through an unimaginable time. Being alone was the new normal, but being alone can come with a  lot of struggle. May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is important that we shed light on mental health to break the stigma surrounding it. 

The Class of 2023 student government has decided to create a Mental Health Awareness Week from May 24th to the 28thhere at West. All and any support and participation is extremely appreciated! Mental health affects everyone, so we need to work to make a change. Make sure to follow our class Instagram @chwest2023 and continue to check your class Google Classrooms for updates and information! 

It is important to know that mental struggles come in tons of different forms. You can be anxious and look calm to others. You can have depression and look happy on the outside. It just comes to show that you never know what is truly going on in a person’s life and in their head. These struggles have become more and more prominent in these recent years. It is finally time that they are not pushed away but acknowledged. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 people experience mental illness in a given year. That is about 6 people in every class you attend. 

If you or someone you love is in need of help:

NJhopeline: 855-654-6735  

Text COALITION to Crisis Text Line at 741741 

Lifeline at 1800-273-8255 

Here are some social media accounts that promote mental health: (Instagram)

• @dlcanxiety
• @mental_health_pathways
• @realdepressionproject
• @advocating.mentalhealth
• @mentalhealthcoalition

Mental Health & Self Improvement Books:

• Detox Your Thoughts  by Andrea Bonio, PhD. 
• Radical Compassion by Tara Brach, Ph.D.
• The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D.
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Five Minute Journal 
• Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King 

Podcasts:

• The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Dr. Robert Duff
• Not Another Anxiety Show with Kelli Walker
• The Habit Coach with Ashdin Doctor
• The Ed Mylett Show with Ed Mylett 
• The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial