With multiple challenges affecting our families and communities, this Mental Health Awareness Month is a timely opportunity to empower ourselves with knowledge, resources, and inspiration to take action individually and collectively to heal and thrive. Santa Cruz County Office of Education stands solidly with our students and families, and recently approved a Mental Health Awareness Month Resolution. Please join us by reviewing and sharing the resources below with your networks.
KNOWLEDGE
Nationally and locally, children and youth are experiencing greater rates of mental health conditions. According to data compiled by NAMI National, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both in Santa Cruz County and nationwide, students report significant increases in persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness across all grade levels, and particularly among LGBTQ+ students and students of color. These mental health challenges affect everything in a youth’s life, from academic performance to peer and family relationships to using substances to cope.
WATCH THE “10 COMMON WARNING SIGNS OF A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION”
(1:48 minutes)
Fortunately, research and human experience show us that prevention, improvement, and healing is possible—and the sooner we intervene, the better.
In 2020, the office of California’s first Surgeon General, Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, introduced a powerful approach to managing stress and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences: the Stress Busters. Grounded in research, clinical insight, and ancestral practices—and recently updated—these simple yet highly effective strategies are now being used across a wide range of settings.
At the same time, it’s important to recognize that broader systemic inequities can make it harder for some people to access or fully engage with these strategies. For example, someone working multiple jobs may find it difficult to prioritize physical activity. With these individual realities in mind, we invite you to explore the Stress Busters for yourself—and to support the young people and fellow adults in your life in finding practical, meaningful ways to strengthen their overall well-being.
- Stress Buster Overview
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Stress Busters for Community-Based Organizations Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to help community-serving organizations support individuals in preventing and healing toxic stress. The resources can also be easily applied in educational settings.
WATCH “HEALING FROM TOXIC STRESS” WITH DR. NADINE BURKE HARRIS (3:52 minutes)
RESOURCES
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) periodically offers free Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings for educators and youth-serving organization staff. This 8-hour, in-person course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the COE is offering two trainings: May 9th and May 22nd. Anyone who interacts with young people will benefit, and we encourage you to join us!
Please review and share the resources below.
- Local Mental Health Pocket Guide: English | Spanish
- Student & Family Behavioral Health Supports Resource List
- STARTING THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE GUIDE
- SELF-CARE AND RESILIENCE PRACTICES FOR EDUCATORS
- SELF-CARE AND RESILIENCE PRACTICES FOR FAMILIES IN ENGLISH & SPANISH
INSPIRATION
While the challenges can feel overwhelming, both youth and adults are stepping up to make a difference. Now in its third year at Scotts Valley High School, Hope Squad—a national organization—is empowering students to foster a more positive school climate, support youth mental health, and prevent bullying. Check out this video to see how it’s making an impact locally.
SCOTTS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL HOPE SQUAD (8:55 minutes)
As a kind reminder that community care is built on self care, we invite you to take a mindful happiness break with the folks from The Science of Happiness.
“MAKING SPACE FOR YOU” MINDFUL CONTEMPLATION (6:02 minutes)
Finally, during Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to ask yourself, “What can I do to empower myself and others with knowledge, resources, and inspiration to take action to heal and thrive?” Join us!