May is Mental Health Awareness Month. At the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA, we know how crucial mental well-being is to living a healthy and fulfilling life. That’s why we’re committed to being a welcoming and supportive place for anyone in need.
Programs at the AMA YMCA
The YMCA offers programs to assist with mindfulness, meditation and mental health. Join the conversation, and connect with your community.
Y Small Groups | Open to All, Walk-ins Welcome | Childcare Available
Y Small Groups are care groups designed to offer hope and provide a place to nurture genuine relationships. We want you to know that whatever you are experiencing, you are not alone. Our groups, workshops, and seminars are a place to connect in a non-clinical, no-judgement space. Find help in navigating some of the most challenging and joyful aspects of life. When you are ready, we are here.
New Moms Support Group – Bi-Monthly Starting Tuesday, May 28 at North YMCA or Fill Out Our Interest Form
Divorce Care – Tuesdays at Mansfield YMCA
“Dare to Be a Better Man” Group (Launching Soon!) – Fill Out Our Interest Form
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Group – Meet & Greet on Tuesday, May 28 at Cooper YMCA or Fill Out Our Interest Form
Healthy Relationships Group (Launching Soon!) – Fill Out Our Interest Form
Dementia Care Group – View Meet & Greet Schedule or Fill Out Our Interest Form
YMCA 360
Mindful meditations can be found on YMCA 360, our free streaming and on-demand platform for our community.
Mental Health Resources for the Community
Mental health is how we think, feel and act. At the Y, we recognize that we all have mental health, and mental health is an important part of our physical health and social-emotional well-being, as well as a core component of our identity.
Help the Y get the conversation going about mental health by sharing these facts with friends and family:
FACT: We all have mental health, not just those who live with a mental illness. Everyone faces challenges in their life that can impact our mental health.
FACT: There are many things we can do each day to positively impact our mental health. A few examples include:
- moving, fueling and resting our bodies
- being mindful of how we’re feeling and what’s going on around us
- connecting with others, and
- asking for help when needed
FACT: In addition to biological and environmental factors, mental health is influenced by health inequities that can be attributed to systemic racism, the social determinants of health and exposure to trauma. Ys and community organizations can support mental health by addressing barriers that prevent marginalized communities from having access to the support they need.
FACT: Mental health and physical health are interconnected, and both can impact your overall well-being. For example, research shows that exercise can alleviate long-term depression.1
FACT: Positive mental health can be supported in community settings, like the Y, in addition to traditional clinical settings. The Y supports the mental health of individuals and communities in all of the work we do to help people reach their full potential—whether that’s the AMA YMCA supporting youth in our summer camps, helping people achieve their best physical health or providing newcomer immigrants access to housing and community services.
FACT: We all can support the mental health of our community through bringing empathy, compassion and kindness to our interactions with others. Something as simple as intentionally asking “how are you?” and encouraging honest answers can provide us an opportunity to normalize mental health and help others when they need it.
Help is available for those struggling with their mental health. Visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for a list of resources. For immediate help 24-hours a day, call 800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741.
Sources:
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495#:~:text=Regular%20exercise%20may%20help%20ease,Taking%20your%20mind%20off%20worries.
