Posted on May 25, 2021,
HR News Workplace Wellness
While May is the official Mental Health Awareness Month, in CHS residential treatment centers and schools, every month is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Dealing with intense emotions can challenge all of us. By paying attention to cues and symptoms, in ourselves and others, we can better understand our feelings.
Anxiety is the most common form of mental illness in the U.S. Depression follows closely. Other issues, which aren’t technically illnesses, but can disrupt our lives significantly, include anger, trauma, loneliness, financial stress and more.
All employees have access to the CHS Employee Assistance Program, by calling 855-775-4357, or by texting 858-224-2094.
Learn more about these specific mental health issues here.
One way CHS recently helped spread mental health awareness—while generating donations—was through webinars for the Thrivent Member Network. The presentations were based on A New Norm, a book written by Author and Speaker Tom Roberts from Children’s Home Foundation and illustrated by Jim Brummond.
The mental wellness for youth webinars were held May 1 and May 5, featuring Tom along with Clinical Program Manager and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Amber Reints from Avera McKennan Behavioral Health.
The webinar was free and participants received two copies of A New Norm (one to keep and one to share), which were purchased by Thrivent, with proceeds going to the Foundation.
Thrivent later shared responses to the webinar submitted by participants:
“Hearing from a health professional about mental health issues is invaluable. I liked the contrast of the author and the health professional together.”
“Well done. It has helped me with my own self-awareness and gave some good advice. Story was great.”
“I enjoyed watching the webinar. Especially enjoyed the playfulness. It wasn’t just facts about mental illness.”
“Tom's books are amazing, and I love hearing his voice as he reads aloud and shares his message. Thank you, Tom! Thank you, Thrivent!”
“Such a timely topic. Struck home personally and professionally. Information given in a very easy to understand and engaging way. THANK YOU!!!"
“Thank you for the presentation on this very important topic. It is so timely for the world we are living in and reinforces that we all can support others to help during these challenging times.”