Mental Health Awareness Month

The facts surrounding mental health are at once alarming and sobering. This year, 1 in 4 individuals will be diagnosed with a mental health illness. In fact, depression alone now costs the USA about $210.5 billion annually. In addition, suicide stands as the tenth leading cause of death for those aged 10 and up in the USA, and it remains the second leading cause of death for people under the age of 34.

Sadly, many today are still uncomfortable discussing mental health topics and seeking help. Regardless of the myriad of unfounded stigmas surrounding mental health, the facts above must be addressed.

This year, 1 in 4 individuals will be diagnosed with a mental health illness

People are hurting. Millions of them. And it’s ok to talk about it. Whatever you are going through, no matter what your feelings tell you, the fact is help is available and you matter!

This conviction lies at the heart of Mental Health Awareness Month. Since 1949, May has been set aside as a special occasion to garner awareness for all aspects of mental health. This year, IMPOWER is excited to put its own spin on the month as we put out special content related to mental health awareness.

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We hope you enjoy what we have to offer this month, and we trust that our resources will help you better understand the needs and realities surrounding mental health.

  1. Share Your Story

    “Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’ That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.”
    – Unknown

    Take action by sharing your experience and what works for you! You may be the reason that someone else feels less alone.







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    1. Mental Health Matters Coloring Page

      Coloring is only one way that many individuals have found to reduce stress in their lives and give them a moment of calm.

      Try out coloring for yourself with this free printable coloring page:

      Download Coloring Page Here

    1. 2021 Month Recap

      During Mental Health Awareness Month 2021 we teamed up with community friends and partners for special events and initiatives including…

      Comics with a Purpose – The Art of Lucy West

      Artist and illustrator Lucy West (lucyblu98) crafted some wonderful original comic art featuring stories related to our programs and mental health related topics. View the gallery here.

      Taking Care of Yourself to Help Others, Coping with Compassion Fatigue – IMPOWER and AdventHealth
      (Watch the recording here)

      In this interactive webinar we discussed signs related to compassion fatigue and the importance of taking care of yourself to help others. Thank you to our wonderful partners in AdventHealth’s Employee Health & Well-being Division for allowing us to co-host this event for your staff!

      Presenters: IMPOWER, Judy Charuhas, LMHC, NCC, CCTP and EMDR Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Outpatient Services and Shampa Davie, M.A. Registered Mental Health Counselor.

      Food and Mood: A Discussion on Nutrition, Mental Health and Heart Health – IMPOWER and The American Heart Association Orlando Chapter
      (Watch the recording here)

      IMPOWER and The American Heart Association Orlando Chapter discuss the relationship between nutrition, mental health and heart health, including the connection between food and feelings, as well as safe, effective and affordable evidence-based holistic approaches that increase wellness and prevent common mental health and cardiac problems.

      Presenters: IMPOWER, Lori Parrs, MA, LMHC Licensed Outpatient Teletherapist and Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider and Jeremy Waller, MBA Marketing and Community Outreach Manager (Behavioral Health). American Heart Association Orlando Chapter, Jimmy Clarity, Sr. Director of Health Strategies.

      Staying in the Moment: Lessons on Mindfulness – IMPOWER and ClinCloud
      (Watch the recording here)

      IMPOWER and ClinCloud teach us how to keep our emotional tanks full, our minds focused and our heads above the water in this discussion covering everything there is to know about practicing mindfulness and staying in the moment.

      Presenters: IMPOWER, Kasie Wallace, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Jeremy Waller, MBA Marketing and Community Outreach Manager (Behavioral Health). ClinCloud, Sarah McLeod, M.S. Clinical Rater and Mental Health Provider and Mike Martinez, Psychometric Rater.