National Counseling Awareness Month: The Benefits of Therapy for Youth
April means Spring is upon us, it also marks the start of National Counseling Awareness Month. This month gives us the chance to recognize the beneficial impact that therapy and counseling can have on youth mental well-being. Mental health challenges are increasingly common among youth. However, when younger individuals are equipped with the right support, […]
Stress Awareness Month: Understanding and Managing Stress in Youth
April is here which means it’s Stress Awareness Month. This is a great opportunity to acknowledge stress and its impact on mental health. While stress is a normal part of life, prolonged or even overwhelming stress can truly take its toll, especially on younger individuals. With academic pressures, social expectations, and life transitions, many youth […]
Promoting Mental Health Awareness During BIPOC Mental Health Month
Mental health is essential to an individual’s overall well-being, but barriers to care are extremely prevalent for many Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. BIPOC Mental Health Month is recognized annually in April and its goal is to highlight the unique challenges these communities face and promote mental health awareness, equitable access to […]
Raising Awareness and Reducing Stigma This World Bipolar Day
Established in 2014, World Bipolar Day is recognized annually on March 30th. It actually coincides with the birthday of the renowned artist Vincent van Gogh, who was diagnosed after his death as most likely having bipolar disorder. The purpose of this day is to increase global awareness of bipolar disorder, eliminate social stigma, and promote […]
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Mental Health During LGBTQIA+ Health Awareness Week
LGBTQIA+ individuals face discrimination in many different aspects of their day to day lives. One of those facets being their access to healthcare. Because of this, the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health established National LGBTQIA+ Health Awareness Week in 2003. It is observed annually in the last week of March. Its purpose is to raise […]
Breaking the Silence: Self-Injury Awareness Day
Trigger Warning: This blog post discusses self-harm, self-injury, and mental health challenges, which may be distressing for some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or Text 988 – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, confidential support). You are not alone and support is here when you need it. […]
Recognizing and Supporting Youth During Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (EDAW), held February 24 – March 2, 2025, is an annual campaign to educate the public about eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), eating disorders have the second-highest mortality rate among mental health conditions. Today, there is an urgent need for addressing the stigmas and lack of […]
Boost Your Self Esteem Month: The Connection Between Self Esteem and Youth Mental Health
Self esteem plays a crucial role in youth mental health and overall well being. Boost Your Self Esteem Month is observed in February and gives us the opportunity to recognize just how vital positive self esteem can be. For youth, navigating challenges like school, relationships, and social media can significantly influence how they perceive themselves. […]
Celebrating Diversity and Driving DEI Initiatives this Black History Month
At Western Youth Services (WYS), diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are fundamental principles that fuel both our work and our overall mission to support youth mental health and well-being. As we welcome February and recognize Black History Month, we are dedicated to honoring the historical accomplishments of Black individuals, celebrating their resilience, and fortifying our […]
No Name-Calling Week: Encouraging Youth Through Respect and Understanding
Every January, No Name-Calling Week reminds us of the power of words and the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for all young people. This initiative sheds light on the harmful effects of bullying, particularly verbal abuse, while also providing an opportunity to teach youth about respect, kindness, and empathy. Understanding How Bullying is Experienced […]