Mental Health Month Awareness

Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949 to highlight the importance of maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

This year our theme in Dallas ISD is, "MORE THAN ENOUGH", which speaks to the importance of each unique individual accepting who they are despite their challenges in life.

We invite you to join us in fighting the stigma around mental health by posting ways you celebrate your mental health to social media. Don't forget to use the hashtags #dallasisd #morethanenough.

We have provided activities and resources in this toolkit to raise the awareness about mental health. Feel free to click on the links, download the articles, videos, and toolkits below and use them with your students or for yourself! We encourage every member of our Dallas ISD family to look within and embrace all of who you are...Remember, YOU ARE MORE THAN ENOUGH!

May 2 - Mental Health Month Proclamation

May 3 - Begins "Wear Green" Wednesdays / MHS-Guided Mindful Meditation (link will be shared)

May 17 - Create a Self-Care Collage

May 24 - Mindful Exercise, Yoga, Walk-for-Mental Health (MHS-sponsored Walk)

May 31 - "Mental Health Matters": MHS Roundtable Talk

Waiting to feel like something is wrong is not the only time to get help and talk to someone.

There are many ways to self assess the how your body feels can provide you with insight of your mental wellbeing. The body can create physical symptoms that act as red flags to let a person know they may need help. If you are experiencing any of the following, it may be time to ask for help:

• Excessive fear or worrying
• Constantly feeling sad or low
• Trouble concentrating, thinking, or learning
• Extreme mood changes
• Feeling irritable or angry for longer than usual
• Dramatic changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite
• Dramatic change in sleeping habits, over sleeping or not being able to sleep at all
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Feeling excessively tired or low energy

If you or someone you know is experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it may be time to get help from a trusted person, counselor, or mental health professional.

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained and able to provide guidance.

• They understand, many from their own experiences, listen and offer support.
• They are informed on NAMI Programs, NAMI Support Groups and how to locate your local NAMI Affiliate.
• They are trained to help identify the best resource options for your individual concern.
• They are knowledgeable and a source of accurate information about relevant topics.
• They care.

Dr. Tracey Brown, Executive Director

Jennifer Davis, Director of Clinical Services

Laura Jordan, Director of Clinical Services

Connie Rodriguez, Director of Operations

Email: MentalHealthServices@dallasisd.org
Website: https://www.instagram.com/dallasisd_mentalhealthservices/
Location: 9400 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX, USA
Phone: (972)502-4190
Twitter: @disdmhs