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. […]
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; […]
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.
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.
Depression Awareness Month: Understanding Depression in Youth
As we welcome October, we also recognize the significance this month brings. October is National Depression Awareness Month. Anyone may be susceptible to experiencing depression depending on many different factors. This is why it’s so imperative that we bring awareness to the signs, types, symptoms and treatments of depression. Mental health awareness – in and […]
Friendship Month: Fostering Healthy Communities and Support Systems for Youth
Friendship Month is a time to celebrate the invaluable connections and support systems that friendships provide, especially for youth. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we recognize the profound impact of friendship on youth mental health and the importance of building healthy communities. Let’s explore why friendship is crucial for youth and how it contributes to […]
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 […]