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 […]
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. […]
Mental Wellness Month: Tips for Prioritizing Youth Mental Health

Mental Wellness Month is celebrated annually in January. It’s a time to reflect and implement methods that can help improve overall mental health. At Western Youth Services, we are committed to supporting youth and families across Orange County as they navigate the challenges of mental health and all that it may bring. This month, we’re […]
Holiday Mental Health Awareness: Support and Resources for a Joyful, Balanced Season
December is known to be a time filled with festive celebrations. While this is true, it can also be a difficult season for some. It’s important to acknowledge that the end of the year can bring an abundance of stress, loneliness, and various emotional troubles. This time often exacerbates feelings people may endure year-round, including; […]
Embracing Gratitude for Mental Wellbeing: National Gratitude Month and Youth Mental Health

National Gratitude Month and its connection to youth mental health, plus some tips for fostering resilience through gratitude exercises.
Bullying Prevention Month: How Bullying Impacts Youth Mental Health and the Role of Prevention
With the start of a new month, Western Youth Services would like to highlight an extremely important cause: bullying prevention. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This month serves as an opportunity for everyone to practice being kind, inclusive and to take action if you or someone you know is experiencing bullying. At WYS, we […]
Mental Illness Awareness Week & World Mental Health Day: Understanding Youth Mental Health
October is a busy month filled with various mental health wellness initiatives. Kicking off the first week, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination, and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week from October 1st through October 7th. The National Alliance on Mental […]
Uniting for Hope: Suicide Prevention Month and WYS Initiatives
September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting understanding, and offering support to those affected by suicide. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we are committed to preventing suicide and supporting individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Join us as we acknowledge National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8th-14th) and National Suicide Prevention […]
National Grief Awareness Day: Supporting Youth Through the Journey of Grief
On August 30th, we observe National Grief Awareness Day, a time to acknowledge the profound impact of grief on individuals and communities. At Western Youth Services, we understand the unique challenges that grief poses, particularly for youth, and offer support and resources to help them navigate this journey with compassion and resilience. Let’s explore how […]