Taking Good Care of Mental Health
April 3-9 is National Public Health Week 2023, and we are joining American Public Health Association (APHA) in “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health.” Each day this week, we are highlighting a community health program or organization whose mission and work align with APHA’s theme of the day. Together, we make health happen.
Mental Health
Mental health includes our overall psychological well-being. It encompasses how we feel, think, and behave in various everyday situations. Good mental health is characterized by the ability to cope with the stresses and challenges of life, maintain healthy relationships, and have a positive outlook on life.
Taking good care of our mental health is crucial because it affects every aspect of our lives. Poor mental health can lead to a range of health issues, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, relationship difficulties, and physical health complications. It can also impair our ability to work and study effectively, impact our social interactions, and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Good mental health allows us to lead fulfilling lives, have positive relationships, and achieve our goals. It enables us to cope with stress, bounce back from adversity, and maintain resilience in the face of challenges. Taking good care of our mental health is vital for our overall well-being and our quality of life.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year. For minority populations, these rates are even higher.
For Indigenous communities, having connections to nature, family, and others in the community are important factors in sustaining good mental health. Similarly, Latino culture heavily values the concept of family and these strong networks could be used to fight against mental health stigma. In the faith community, engaging in meditation/prayer, attending congregational gatherings or even volunteering has helped those with mental health conditions. National organizations have provided opportunities for minority groups to come together and celebrate mental health.
Read APHA’s post addressing the importance of mental healthcare, in English or Spanish.
LLea la publicación de APHA sobre la importancia de la atención de la salud mental, en inglés o en español.
Summer camps and leadership programs provide valuable opportunities for young people to develop important skills and characteristics that can support their mental health and resilience. These programs often offer a range of activities that encourage social interaction, physical exercise, and personal growth, all of which are essential for maintaining good mental health. By participating in these programs, young people can learn important life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which can help them navigate challenges and build confidence in themselves. Local programs, such as those offered through Camp Beech Cliff and Down East Teen Leadership Camp provide a supportive and nurturing environment, where young people can build meaningful connections with peers and mentors, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that can also have a positive impact on mental health and resilience.
Camp Beech Cliff
Camp Beech Cliff MDI offers youth summer camps and year-round outdoor education, leadership, and recreation programs for people of all ages. Their programming and staff inspire personal growth and resilience, interpersonal connection, and a deep appreciation of the natural world.
“Camp Beech Cliff (CBC) offers year-round programming for area youth that increases protective factors and decreases risk factors,” said Sara McConnell. “CBC also offers learning opportunities for area community members such as Youth Mental Health First Aid Training They also train their staff in these techniques to help foster knowledge in identifying, understanding, and responding to signs of mental health and substance use in youth. Thank you, CBC for leading the way in improving youth mental health and resilience!”
Click here to learn more about Camp Beech Cliff.
Down East Teen Leadership Camp
Down East Teen Leadership Camp (DETLC) is Healthy Acadia’s annual, five-day residential summer camp program for teens entering grades 7 through 9. The program primarily serves Washington County youth, though teens from Hancock County and beyond are also welcome to attend as space allows. The vision of Down East Teen Leadership Camp is to empower teens with social, communication, and leadership skills to support emotional resiliency and to deter misuse of substances, including tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs. DETLC is deeply impactful for the youth who participate.
Our dynamic immersive program and enthusiastic staff team create a positive summer experience with opportunities for teens to build their knowledge and tools to help them make healthy choices, strengthen emotional resilience, and hone leadership skills. Campers can build on their DETLC experience with our ongoing school-based programming and/or by participating in Healthy Acadia’s regional DownEast Youth Action Team (DEYAT), which assists with DETLC planning throughout the year.
DETLC 2023 is set for July 24-28. Registration details are coming soon! Learn more.
Together we make health happen.
To make a donation to support Healthy Acadia’s programming and initiatives, click here or send a check by mail to Healthy Acadia, PO Box 1710, Ellsworth, ME, 04605. Thank you for your support!
Looking for new ways to give or get involved? Subscribe to our newsletter to learn when new opportunities arise, volunteer with one of our program areas, learn more about our programs and resources, join our Sunrise Monthly Giving Circle, include us in your will, make a gift to our endowment, or hold a fundraiser! For more ways to get involved today, give us a call at 207-667-7171. We would love to hear from you!