Staunton Farm Foundation

This month, we join the nationwide effort to raise awareness about su***de prevention. It’s crucial to start the conversation and support those who may be struggling. Reaching out can save a life. Follow along this month as we raise awareness, highlight warning signs, and share resources. Join us in . ***dePreventionMonth

Remember to take care of yourself. Reaching out for help with your mind is just as important as visiting the doctor when your body is sick. If you are in need of immediate help, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988.org/chat .

How will you spend your ? We recommend leaving your smart phone at home for a day and disconnecting from constant emails, alerts, and other interruptions! Spend time doing something fun with someone face-to-face.

Help your kids get excited for the new school year by working with them on their mental wellness and setting them up for a successful year. Talk with them about their excitement and fears on starting school again. Help them make a plan to nurture positivity and approach their fears. Learn more on how to help your kids transition from summer to school below.

Back to School and Mental Health: Supporting Our Children for a Successful Year Ahead As the heat of the summer reaches its peak, and (hopefully soon) gives way to the cooler autumn breezes, it’s time for children and youth to return to school. This transition — filled with excitement, anticipation, and some natural apprehension — is an annual ritual for millions of students ac...

Did you know that the American Psychiatric Association provides free mental health training to school staff? They’ve created a program called “Notice. Talk. Act. at School” to help faculty and staff identify mental health issues. This free resource is available for schools now at www.apaf.org/schools.

Free mental health training available for Pennsylvania schools There's a mental health crisis affecting children and teens across the nation.

Knowing how to support your teen’s mental wellness can be tricky. These 10 questions can help start some of those crucial conversations.

It’s okay to be vulnerable. In fact, being vulnerable is a sign of strength. Strength to ask for help, strength to acknowledge truth, strength to be yourself and to work on yourself. Remember, you are not alone. Share your vulnerability with those who love you.

If you have an emergency and need someone to talk to, 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifelineis available to help you 24/7. Call or text 988 or go to 988.org/chat to talk to someone now.

How can you support a friend who might need help?

It can be awkward to approach someone about their mental health, but let’s break through that barrier. One of the best ways to start a conversation is to get some quality one-on-one time. Whether that’s playing your favorite video game together or inviting them to study together after class, hanging out can be a great way to spark connections and start a conversation. Keep reading below for more great ways to look out for your friends and their mental health.

Seize the Awkward | Talk With A Friend About Mental Health Having a conversation about mental health might be uncomfortable, but it can make all the difference. Check out these tools – from conversation guides to tips –that can help you help those in need.

Finding the right therapist is a big step on your journey to mental wellness. That's why is proud to fund projects like The Wellness Collective's Mental Wellness Speed Dating.

Learn more in the TribLive, then join us at StauntonFarm.org.

The Wellness Collective has innovative approach to connect patients with therapists Shanon Williams was joking with her husband and business partner Chris about how “speed dating” to connect with therapists and wellness practitioners would be interesting. The founders of The Wellness Collective made the hypothetical a reality with Mental Wellness Speed Dating. In a time...

Supporting teen mental wellness is more important than ever. This month, we’ll shine a light on how to nurture the mental health of our youth. Discover how UpStreet Pittsburgh is making a difference with the help of Staunton Farm Foundation.

Nurturing World Teen Mental Wellness Day: UpStreet's Impactful Journey - Staunton Farm Foundation As the Director of Youth Services, I've spent more than two decades working with youth in various capacities at JFCS. From the foster care and adoption department to traversing various roles providing therapeutic interventions, one thing has remained constant: the growing need for specialized teenag...

You don’t have to search for the light alone. If you or someone you care for is in crisis, 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available to help, 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

It’s ! Let’s talk about priorities:
- Decide what must be done now and what can wait.
- Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much.
- Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.

What are your best tips?

Mental health matters for everyone, everywhere. No matter your ethnicity, your identity, your religion, YOU deserve access to a network that supports your mental wellness. Speak up and and join in .

As each generation grows up and experiences the world, we gain new knowledge and wisdom on how to strengthen our mental wellness. Each generation has something important to offer. Your family, your elders, your children, and your grandchildren are a part of your support system. Learn from them and reach out if you need help.

We love it when the next generation is excited to learn about mental health. Kathi Elliot, this year’s Craig Award recipient, brought a group of young women from Gwen's Girls to meet up with Dr. Beatriz Luna from the University of Pittsburgh at her lab to learn more about our brains. They enjoyed breakfast, a tour, and a presentation to round out an amazing day filled with discovery.

Staunton Farm Foundation is proud to be a connecting point for supporting and spreading knowledge about mental wellness.

With the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics on the horizon, Team USA athletes are putting their mental health first as they prepare for competition. It's crucial to mentally gear up for the pressures ahead while taking a breath to fully enjoy the sport. Even if you’re not an athlete, remember to be kind to yourself, take breaks, and keep striving towards your goals.

U.S. Olympians prioritizing mental health ahead of Paris 2024 As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games approach, athletes are training with a sharp focus on their mental health.

Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to honor and take care of your family. Be proud of yourself, of your mental wellness, of your resilience, and know that you are building a strong future for your family.

You are not alone. If you need help, reach out to your support system. The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is always available to help too. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

Expressing your feelings is a powerful act of strength and an essential part of maintaining mental health. Opening up about your emotions can help you process experiences, reduce stress, and build stronger connections with others.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Sharing your feelings is a courageous step toward healing and well-being.

July is , a time to highlight the inequities and systemic barriers BIPOC communities encounter in accessing mental health support. Everyone deserves fair and equitable access to emotional support and care.
If you or someone you know needs to talk, call or text 988. You can also chat with a skilled crisis counselor online at 988lifeline.org/chat. 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

Happy 4th of July!

At , we believe true independence includes the ability to lead a mentally healthy and fulfilling life. We encourage you to prioritize self-care and mental well-being. Whether it's taking a peaceful walk, watching your hometown parade, or simply reflecting on what brings you joy and peace, every small step towards mental wellness is a step towards a stronger, more resilient you.

Stay cool and take care of yourself today and every day.

Summer is in full-swing, which means it’s time for relaxation, adventure, and making memories! While you're enjoying the sun and fun, don't forget to take care of your mental health. Here are some tips to help you stay mentally well this season:

1. Stay Active: Physical activity can boost your mood and reduce stress. Try incorporating outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or swimming into your routine.
2. Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors can improve your mental well-being. Take a walk in the park, have a picnic, or simply sit on your porch and enjoy the fresh air.
3. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration are key to maintaining good mental health, especially when it’s extra hot outside.
4. Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no to events or activities that feel overwhelming. Make time for yourself and prioritize your needs.
5. Practice Mindfulness: Take moments throughout the day to breathe deeply, meditate, or engage in activities that bring you peace and relaxation.
6. Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family. Social connections are vital for emotional support and well-being.
7. Seek Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. If you are a loved one needs immediate help, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.

At Staunton Farm Foundation, we're committed to supporting mental wellness in our community. Let's make this summer a time of joy, relaxation, and mental well-being.

Strengthening Mental Health in Summer - Centerstone Summer! Many of us view it as an exciting time to go out and do activities, take vacations, and spend more time outdoors. It can be a time full of

If you or an LGBTQ+ individual you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Take care of yourself and your . Call the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach a trained counselor at The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.

Today is ! Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? Taking a break might be just what you need!
The U.S. Surgeon General recently highlighted the negative impact of social media on teen mental health, linking it to increased anxiety and depression. Help protect your kids from the negative effects of social media by encouraging frequent breaks, and help yourself by doing the same.

Prioritize your mental health and enjoy a balanced life. A digital detox could make a world of difference!

Surgeon general calls for social media warning labels amid teen mental health crisis Surveys show the overwhelming majority of American teens use social media in some form. Some studies link more than three hours a day on social media to an increased risk of teen anxiety and depression. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling for a warning label on those media platforms. Murthy...

We know that everyone deserves help that’s tailored to their needs. Specialized LGBTQI+ services are available nationwide for youth and young adults to connect with a skilled and compassionate counselor. The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is here for you through text, call, or online chat:

Text PRIDE to 988
Press 3 when calling 988
Select LGBTQI+ in the pre-chat survey at 988lifeline.org.

Everyday, caregivers are taking care of others, but who is taking care of them? If you are a caregiver, make sure you take time to focus on your own mental wellness. Here are a few tips to help you when :
Take a few minutes to yourself every day. Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or taking a hot bath, intentionally set time aside for yourself to refuel your engine.
Lean on your loved ones. They are your first support system and want to help you be your best.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is always available to help at 988lifeline.org.

Caregivers, including parents, are essential and making sure you take care of yourself will allow you to care for others to the best of your ability. thanks you for all of your hard work, and remember, take care of yourself too!

Self-care and mental health tips for caregivers | New Pittsburgh Courier (NewsUSA) – Caregivers, especially parents, often spend so much time focused on the well-being of others, they neglect to take a break for their own mental health. According to KinderCare’s Parent Confidence Index, 51% of parents feel that they never get a break from parenting. As a result, thei...

Staunton Farm Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Kathi Elliott, DNP, MSW, PMHNP-BC, RN, Chief Executive Officer of Gwen's Girls, is this year’s Albert B. Craig, Jr. Award winner!

The Albert B. Craig, Jr. Award recognizes individuals who challenge society to think in fresh ways about behavioral health problems and solutions. This prestigious award honors those who forge new paths through uncommon partnerships or innovative approaches to serving people with behavioral health issues.

Dr. Elliott exemplifies these qualities through her transformative work at Gwen’s Girls. Since 2015, she has empowered young women with holistic, gender-specific programs that are trauma-informed and strength-based. Under her leadership, Gwen’s Girls addresses the impacts of trauma, racism, poverty, and sexism, providing a safe space for girls to thrive. Her visionary leadership extends beyond direct service. Dr. Elliott spearheaded the Black Girls Equity Alliance and established the Gwendolyn J. Elliott Institute to support research and advocacy for systemic change.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Elliott's remarkable achievements!

Taking care of yourself means staying true to yourself. Strengthen your mental wellness by being your authentic self and know that you are not alone.

June is Pride Month!It's time to celebrate, raise awareness, and advocate for equality.

Did you know:
- LGBTQ+ individuals face high rates of psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, and su***de.
- 8% of LGBTQ+ people, and 27% of transgender individuals, report being denied needed healthcare.
- Stigma, lack of cultural sensitivity, and unconscious + conscious reluctance to address sexuality may hamper effectiveness of mental health care.

Join us in supporting LGBTQ+ communities now and every month. Learn more and get access to key resources below.

LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2024 June is Pride Month, a time to support our LGBTQ+ staff, members and clients, while reaffirming our commitment to health equity for all.