Harbor Insights - October 2024
Article by Safe Harbor Intern Nicholas DeSena
Hi! Every October, in conjunction with the National Depression screening day and Mental Health Awareness Week, Live Well San Diego holds an annual “Check Your Mood Day” to make sure everybody, both San Diegans and those from other cities alike, are doing the absolute best they can mentally. In accordance with this, Safe Harbor Coronado issues “Check Your Mood” cards which detail how and who to reach out to if you are struggling, good coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety, and much more.
These Check Your Mood cards are more than just a reminder to make sure your mental health is the best it can be, they are a multi-use tool. Numbers for the Suicide Prevention Hotline, access to the numbers of therapists at Safe Harbor, and much more are readily available on these cards. But why care? It seems silly for an adult to take advice from a piece of paper passed out to their child in school…
As a Safe Harbor Intern, it is my job to stress the importance of taking care of your mental health to both my peers and the adults in my life. Though lots of emphasis has been put onto children’s mental health in the past few years, it is important not to overlook the importance of adult mental health. Recently, the surgeon general Dr. Vivek Murphy issued a statement about the mental health of parents. In his advisory, he detailed how parents can struggle to balance their own mental health along with keeping their children happy and healthy. Towards the end, he called for a “a fundamental shift in how we value and prioritize the mental health and well-being of parents.” Children navigate issues of mental health with their peer group, academics, and identity while adults may struggle more with their partners and children, big life changes, and work. One is not more important than the other, but the stigma around adult mental health and the reluctance to ask for help must be torn down. Parents and other adults, do not be afraid to reach out.
Regarding the mental health of children, the main difference between most children and adults is that children may not know how to manage their stressors. Children are much more susceptible to peer pressure, so many adolescents may find themselves turning to drugs, alcohol, and other self-destructive habits. These habits are made young but die old, so it is of the utmost importance to help educate your child on healthy outlets for their emotions. For myself, I have found that the best thing that calms me down is working out or going for a run. This way, I relieve stress and anxiety without only harming myself, but helping!
Other people may find other methods work better for them than others. Taking a walk in our beautiful town, visiting the cats and dogs at PAWS, or taking a stroll on the beach are just some of the ways you can make the most out of your community and what it has to offer for you. If you are more of a social person like me, maybe a spin class at the Community center or going out for lunch with some friends at one of Coronado’s fabulous restaurants is more to your liking. Whatever it may be, keeping yourself occupied and doing things you love is a surefire way to improve your mental health.
Coronado not only has so much to offer in its physical community, but within its people as well. Safe Harbor Coronado has low-cost licensed therapists, community outreach events, youth and parenting education programs, and so much more. Make use of the many resources available and say something if you or someone you know could be struggling with mental health. Till next month!