May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and New Haven is proud to host its annual Mental Health Day on Saturday, May 25th, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the Q House on Dixwell Ave. This year's event features a collaboration between Mental Harmony, a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health resources and support in Black and Hispanic communities, and Jonathan De Los Santos of Human Systemics Inc.
De Los Santos, an advocate for mental health awareness and support, will be bringing his passion and expertise to the event. Human Systemics Inc. focuses on empowering individuals and communities to improve their mental well-being using innovative approaches like the Human Systems Will Building Tool and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Their participation promises valuable insights for attendees seeking to enhance their mental health.
Mental Harmony, founded by Aryella Edwards, works to connect Black and Hispanic communities with the resources and support they need to thrive. You can find more information about their services and upcoming events on their Facebook page: Mental Harmony, or by contacting them directly at
What to Expect at Mental Health Day:
Informative presentations: De Los Santos and other mental health professionals will likely be sharing valuable insights and information on mental health topics, potentially including demonstrations of the Human Systems Will Building Tool and its applications in CBT.
Resource tables: Attendees can connect with local organizations offering mental health services and support.
Taking Action for Better Mental Health:
Mental health is an essential part of overall health. Here are some tips you can incorporate into your daily life:
Prioritize Self-Care:
Sleep: Aim for eight hours, but hey, if you function best on five cups of coffee and a dream about winning the lottery, you do you.
- Establish a regular sleep schedule, going to bed, and waking up at consistent times each day, even on weekends.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine to wind down before sleep, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or practicing light stretches.
- Ensure a sleep-conducive environment by keeping your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
Nutrition: Eat your veggies! Unless they're staring at you judgmentally from the fridge, then maybe order pizza. Just kidding (kind of). Aim for a balanced diet, but don't stress about perfection.
- Plan your meals and snacks to avoid unhealthy choices when you're rushed.
- Focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. I strive for about 72oz a day!
Exercise: Find activities you enjoy, even if it's just chasing your dog around the house pretending you're training for the Puppy Olympics (it's a surprisingly good workout). Working out doesn't just have to be yourself but, with friends too! It's a great way to connect.
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. This could be brisk walking, biking, swimming, or dancing.
- Find activities you enjoy to make exercise more sustainable. Consider group fitness classes or exercising with a friend for added motivation.
Connect with Others: I STRUGGLE WITH THIS!!!! Sometimes work overwhelms us and we have so much to do and feel like we have no time. With only work, I'll set into a mindset of loneliness because I'm connecting with people professionally but what about emotionally and socially? It's ok to take time out for yourself and others whom you love!
- Schedule regular social activities: Plan time to connect with loved ones and friends, whether it's grabbing coffee, having dinner together, or simply catching up on the phone.
- Join a club or group: Find a group activity that aligns with your interests, such as a book club, a sports team, or a volunteer organization. This is a great way to meet new people who share similar passions.
- Maintain healthy online connections: Stay in touch with friends and family who live far away through video calls, social media messages, or online games.
Challenge Negative Thoughts:
- Identify negative thought patterns: Turn that frown upside down! Reframe negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. Pay attention to the self-talk you engage in throughout the day. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts, write them down.
- Challenge the negativity: Question the validity of your negative thoughts. Are they based on facts or are they distorted?
- Reframe your thoughts: Take time each day to appreciate the good stuff in your life, like having pants with functioning zippers (you never know what blessings you have until they're gone). Turn that frown upside down! Reframe negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones. Try to reframe your negative thoughts into more positive and realistic ones.
- Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on things you're grateful for. This can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
Seek Help When Needed:
- Talk to your doctor: Don't bottle things up! Talking to your doctor is a sign of strength, not weakness. Besides, they've seen weirder things (guaranteed). Discuss any mental health concerns you may have with your primary care physician. They can screen for mental health conditions and refer you to a therapist or psychiatrist if needed.
- Consider therapy: Therapy isn't just for people who wear socks with sandals (although that might be a good topic to discuss). A therapist can offer valuable tools and support for managing mental health challenges. Talking to a therapist can be incredibly helpful in managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. There are many different types of therapy available, so you can find one that best suits your needs.
- Utilize mental health resources: There are tons of resources available online and in your community. Think of them as your mental health toolkit – find what works best for you! There are many online and community resources available to support mental health. Look for support groups, online hotlines, and mental health awareness organizations in your area.
Join the Conversation:
Mental Health Day is a great opportunity to learn more about mental health, connect with resources, and take action to improve your well-being and that of those around you. Let's work together to create a more supportive and understanding community for mental health! Click here for news updates on the event!
Event Details:
Location: Q House on Dixwell Ave, New Haven
Featuring: Jonathan De Los Santos and Human Systemics Inc.
Don't miss this chance to be part of the conversation and take a stand for mental health awareness!