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 […]
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 […]
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; […]
Join Western Youth Services for Giving Tuesday: Support Our Annual Fundraising Campaign

This Giving Tuesday, on December 3rd, 2024, we invite you to join Western Youth Services in kicking off our annual fundraising campaign, Giving Hope, Saving Lives. Giving Tuesday, a global movement established in 2012, encourages people and organizations to make a positive impact in their communities and through charitable giving. Recognized every year on the […]
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.
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.
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 […]
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 Nonprofit Day: Honoring 52 Years of Impact at Western Youth Services

On August 17th, we commemorate National Nonprofit Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable contributions of nonprofit organizations in serving communities and making a positive impact. At Western Youth Services, we’re proud to celebrate 52 years of dedication to the well-being of youth and families in Orange County. What is a Nonprofit Organization? A […]