The month of May is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health. The theme of 2023’s Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on how our surroundings and financial security impact mental health. Topics within this theme include that of “Safe and Stable Housing”, as well as the importance of “Healthy Home Environments”.
According to the National Association for Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness Month was first recognized in 1949 by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization. The month was created in order to highlight the importance of mental health and wellness within the lives of Americans and communally celebrate the recovery from mental illness. Since being established, the month has had an immense impact in creating conversation regarding mental health and the ways in which individuals may seek help to enrich their wellbeing.
By creating spaces within local communities in which conversations and resources are provided for those in need, individuals are able to recognize the state of their wellbeing and find community in knowing that they do not face many of their mental battles alone.
Team Anna recognizes the ongoing efforts to mobilize and educate communities regarding the importance of mental health. Whether it be providing resources and promoting initiatives to help maintain one’s well being or creating safe spaces that break the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health, Team Anna will remain dedicated to serving communities as they navigate their way to establishing their wellness.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we come together to empower our friends, family, and local House District 42 community to uplift voices, create safe spaces for education and love, and take measures to eradicate the stigmas tied to mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1 (800) 662-4357 for support and care. You can also contact 988, which has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States. Remember, you are worth it and never alone. Our doors are always open both in Orlando and Tallahassee too in supporting your story and experience.
Within our local community includes ways to get more involved, check out the organizations below for support, education, and more:
- Mental Health Association of Central Florida
- MHACF provides a wide range of services, which include complimentary resources and professional referrals through our Mental Health Connections program, free mental health services at our Outlook Clinic, the only free mental health clinic in the state of Florida, for qualified individuals, and hosting Peer Support Recovery and Guardian Advocate services.
- Are you needing care and counseling? Contact the Mental Health Connections team for free mental health information and referrals at (407) 898-0110 or via email at BChan@mhacf.org to get started.
- NAMI of Greater Orlando
- NAMIGO is Central Florida’s leading provider of free educational programs, support services and advocacy efforts for people living with mental illness as well as their family, friends, caregivers, and mental health services providers.
- Do you need support? Visit here for more information on support and educational groups.
- Belvin Perry, Jr. Central Receiving Center
- As a single point of access for Orange County, the CRC provides assessments, education and referrals for individuals in a mental health and/or substance abuse crisis. The program both focuses on privacy and protecting quality of life and public safety.
- Do you need support? Call their 24/7 Crisis Line at 407-822-5052
- Covenant House
- Covenant House Florida is dedicated to serving individuals from 18-25, with absolute respect and unconditional love, to guide youth experiencing homelessness, and to protect and safeguard all youth in need.
- Do you need support? Call their 24/7 Crisis Line at (407) 482-0657
- The Center Orlando – Trauma & Coping Group
- A support group designed for people who need assistance processing trauma and coping.
- For more information on the Trauma & Coping group, email at: info@thecenterorlando.org.
- The Center Orlando – Survivors of Gun Violence
- A group that offers assistance to people who are survivors of or have been involved in violent incidents involving firearms. Meets every 4th Friday of the month.
- For more information on the Survivors of Gun Violence group, email at: info@thecenterorlando.org.
- The Center Orlando – Coming Out
- A group to help anyone seeking support with the coming out process.
- For more information on the Coming Out group, email at: info@thecenterorlando.org.
- UCF Counseling and Psychological Services
- UCF provides services including single sessions, brief short-term individual counseling, relationship counseling, group therapy, consultations, crisis services, self-improvement online workshops, outreach presentations, and self-help resources (TAO, Togetherall, and YouTube Videos).
- Do you need support? Call the CAPS Crisis Line at 407-823-2811 and press 5 or visit here to make an appointment.
- UCF College of Medicine Counseling Services
- Counseling and Wellness services for COM students are free and range from individual therapy, maladaptive idealism, depression, burnout, anxiety, yoga, and addictive tendencies.
- Rollins Wellness Services
- CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) at the Wellness Center offers a variety of mental health resources to students to help address a wide-range of mental health issues that may interfere with academic progress and holistic wellness.
- Do you need support? Schedule an initial consultation with a counselor by calling (407) 628-6340 or requesting an appointment online. For after hours support, call or text 407-646-1516 or 988 for a counselor available 24/7.
- Valencia Counseling Services
- Valencia College students are eligible for three free counseling sessions from July 1 to June 30. If you need additional sessions after completing your first three free sessions, please contact BayCare to request authorization for additional sessions.
- Do you need support? Call the BayCare Assistance Programs confidential helpline at (800) 878-5470.