Guiding Young Minds: Mental Illness Awareness Week at WYS
October 6th through the 12th is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and it’s all about checking in on how we feel, especially for young people. Sometimes life feels really heavy, school gets super stressful, or friendships can get complicated. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we know that it’s completely normal to struggle sometimes, and getting support […]
Spotting the Signs: Helping Youth During National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month
Mental health screenings are incredibly powerful tools that help to identify challenges early and can open the door to experiencing support and healing. This October, we recognize National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and the importance of caring for emotional wellbeing, especially for our youth. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we are committed to […]
Understanding ADHD: Supporting Youth Mental Health and Growth
Behind every child with ADHD is a unique story of resilience and potential, and ADHD Awareness Month is an opportunity to celebrate their strengths while learning how to better support them. This month is a chance for families, educators, and members within our community to fully understand the daily challenges children/teens face and to discover […]
Back to School, Not Back to Stress: Easing Anxiety in Kids
The end of summer means the school year is quickly approaching and for some children, this can cause a mix of excitement and nervousness. While some children can’t wait to return to school, just the thought of being back in the classroom can trigger emotional distress for others. Back-to-school anxiety is a very common experience […]
Supporting the Mental Health of BIPOC and Minority Communities
July is BIPOC Mental Health Month, also known as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s a time to recognize and honor the unique identities, strengths, and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. While we celebrate cultural diversity, it’s also important to acknowledge that mental health care doesn’t always reflect that diversity. Many […]
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 […]
Juneteenth: Honoring History and Black Mental Health
As we recognize Juneteenth this year, Western Youth Services (WYS) urges those within our community to educate themselves and reflect on the importance of this holiday, honor the resilience and achievements of the Black community, and explore how racial justice and mental health are deeply intertwined, especially for our youth. What Is Juneteenth? Juneteenth is […]
Creating Safe Spaces During Pride Month: Supporting LGBTQ Youth Through Mental Health Awareness
June marks the beginning of summer and also the recognition of Pride Month, a time to honor and uplift the LGBTQ community. At Western Youth Services (WYS), we recognize that Pride is so much more than a celebration. It is a reminder that mental health and well-being are essential to equity, inclusion, and human dignity. […]
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, […]
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 […]