May is Mental Health Awareness Month

On the national level, this month is mental health awareness month. May was first designated as the month to address the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions back in 1949. If you’re surprised by this, you’re not alone; not until recently has mental health awareness month become a topic of widespread discussion. It is fortunate that the month is gaining attention, as the importance of good mental health cannot be overstated.

Movement is important for our mental health, but so many of us struggle to move enough. It’s important to find ways to be active in our daily rituals. Going for a walk in your neighborhood, putting on your favorite music and dancing around the living room, chair exercises when you’re watching television!

At JFCS, our clinical services have expanded significantly over the past two years. With an increase of 120% since fiscal year 2021, we have been able to meet the most immediate mental health needs that have risen since COVID. Support from the community and donors have allowed us to continue this expansion and to continue meeting the needs of the community.

At JFCS, we work with the seniors facing loneliness as they struggle to age with dignity.  We support the single mothers, the couples, and the young professionals dealing with financial, relationship, or family obligations.  We also work with youth who, as we all know, face more peer pressure than any generation before them thanks to social media.

JFCS recently highlighted the struggles youth face online in our first JFCS Community Chat of the 2024 season.  Entitled “Shinning A Light on The Dark Web: Safeguarding Youth in Online Spaces,” our panel of experts discussed not only the hidden dangers youth face online, but the mental health issues they are seeing in youth today as a result.  The discussion is available in its entirety on the JFCS YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/jfcslouisville).

Our June Community Chat will focus on creating a “Safer Louisville” with a spotlight on the violence and safety issues (many of which are mental health related) plaguing our city.  JFCS Community Chats are free and open to the public, so we hope you will join us at JFCS (2821 Klempner Way) on June 4, at 6 p.m. for this important community discussion.  More information will be available soon.

At JFCS, we help individuals and families of all ages and from all walks of life prioritize their mental wellbeing. We work hard to cultivate a climate where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.  We do this every day.

We hope Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder for everyone to remember to MOVE, and as a reminder to reach out for resources that are necessary to help you accomplish a life where your mental health is your priority. JFCS is here for you with those resources and here for your journey to a mentally healthy life.