World Mental Health Day: Advocating for Mental Health Screenings

October 11, 2024

By Ashley Anderson, Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts Training and Technical Assistance Specialist, Tribal Youth Resource Center

Mental health is an essential part of our overall well-being; influencing how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. It affects our relationships, our ability to cope with stress, and our capacity to identify our life’s purpose.

As we observe World Mental Health Day on October 10th and recognize National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month throughout October, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting mental health within our communities. Notably, in both Tribal Youth Programs (TYP), Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts (JHWC), and Juvenile Healing to Wellness Programs (JHWP), we are cognizant of the importance of Native people having access to mental health resources and supports. We encourage (as also recommended in the Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Guidelines) the use of screening tools like the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) to assess and support our youth’s mental health needs.

Mental health challenges can manifest in many ways— more than just sadness, moments of panic, overwhelming anxiety, isolation, and/or difficulty concentrating. But imagine the relief and feeling of hope to hear, “You matter. Let’s do this together.” By advocating for mental health screenings, we are sending a powerful message: that it’s okay to seek help, that their well-being matters, and that they are not alone.

As we move forward, let’s commit to recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and advocating for screenings and other mental health supports in our communities. We challenge you to reflect on how you can contribute to change in May, during Mental Health Awareness Month – did your program or organization recognize World Mental Health Day? Did your program have ongoing conversations with your team or youth and their families about screenings, ways to reduce stress, and why mental health matters? We’ll be sure to circle back around to hear what you’ve done and the difference it made.

Strength- Based, Stress-Reducing Tip:

If you ever feel overwhelmed, a simple yet effective way to practice emotional regulation is the 1-2-3 method: One thing you can do for yourself (drink a glass of water, stretch, go for a walk), two positive affirmations (I am worthy and I am loved. Say it twice.), and three deep belly breaths (deep breath in for five seconds, hold for five seconds, and out for eight seconds. Do this three times).

When stress levels rise, our parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) can struggle to keep our emotions and thoughts in check. This method helps to calm the mind, balance the body’s natural stress response, and bring you back to a state of calm. Think of it as giving yourself an internal hug, offering comfort and reassurance from within.