Understanding and Supporting Youth on National PTSD Awareness Day
National PTSD Awareness Day is recognized annually on June 27th. It serves as a great opportunity to take the time to fully understand Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the impact it has, especially on young people. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we honor this day by raising awareness about PTSD symptoms, offering resources for […]
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia: The Power of Community
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), celebrated annually on May 17th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals face. It also allows everyone to promote a world of inclusion, respect, and love. This day commemorates the decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17th, 1990, […]
National Anxiety Month: Understanding and Supporting Children’s Mental Health
May is not only Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s also National Anxiety Month. This initiative allows us to take a closer look at one of the most common mental health challenges affecting young people today: anxiety in children. By increasing anxiety awareness, we can take meaningful steps to understand the needs of children and teens, […]
Mental Health Awareness Month: Turn Awareness into Action
Spring may be in full swing during May, but it also means that it’s Mental Health Awareness Month. Bringing awareness to mental health struggles helps to normalize these challenges that many people, including youth, may face. This year’s theme, Turn Awareness into Action, serves as a powerful reminder that understanding mental health is truly only […]
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, […]
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 […]
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. […]
International Survivors of Suicide Day: Honoring Lives and Healing Grief
On International Survivors of Suicide Day, we honor lost loved ones and share ways to find support, heal, and build resilience.
Transgender Awareness Week: Supporting the Mental Health of Transgender Youth
Understanding the unique mental health challenges for transgender youth during Transgender Awareness Week and ways to provide support.
International Stress Awareness Day – Stress Busters and Healthy Ways to Cope
This International Stress Awareness Day, we’re sharing stress-busting techniques to help youth reduce stress and build resilience.