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The Governor?s Committee on People with Disabilities supports opportunities provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and encourages all Texans to take advantage of these activities. HHSC is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month by providing resources and holding a series of events, trainings, and webinars. The webinar series is free and open to the public, covering several topics from self-care to recovery. To register, click on the links below:
- May 9, noon to 1 p.m., Explore Healing Through Creativity: An Introduction to Art Therapy and Its Impact. This interactive webinar will include a presentation, mini-documentary and discussion with participants on art therapy.
- May 20, 10?11 a.m., Eating Disorders: What You Need to Know. This presentation will help attendees identify eating disorders and provide resources on how to seek support and better understand these complex mental and physical disorders.
- May 21, 4:30?5:30 p.m., Mental Health Creative Arts Contest Virtual Reception. Sponsored by HHSC, the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at The University of Texas at Austin, and the Texas System of Care, the event will include a slideshow of this year?s winning artwork, a poetry reading, a live question-and-answer panel with the artists, and remarks from HHSC leadership.
- May 22, 10?11 a.m., Fentanyl Awareness. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. It is a major contributor to drug poisoning deaths in Texas. Join this parent-focused webinar to gain a comprehensive understanding of fentanyl and its dangers, as well as practical ways to protect your loved ones from deadly fentanyl poisonings.
- May 23, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Navigating the System to Recovery. It can be challenging to navigate recovery. A panel of peers will tell their story of navigating the system and share pointers on finding the needed resources not only for recovery, but as a launch-pad or foundation for their current careers.
- May 29, 11 a.m. to noon, Self-Care is Suicide Prevention. Participants will learn about the risk factors, protective factors and warning signs for suicide, and how to get help. The workshop will also focus on combating stress and burnout, including practical strategies for stress reduction and self-care.
- May 31, 10?11 a.m., The Importance of Self-Care While Caregiving. This presentation will teach caregivers how to care for their own mental health.
Other resources
HHSC will post messages on Facebook, X and Instagram throughout May to promote self-care, share behavioral health data and educate the public on behavioral health challenges.
Throughout the year, Mental Health First Aid training is available through local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities. Participants learn the risk factors and warning signs of mental health and substance use concerns, build an understanding of their impact, and receive an overview of common treatments. Learn more about the courses by visiting Mental Health First Aid webpage.
For more information on mental health resources in Texas, visit MentalHealthTX.org.
Resources provided in recognition of June as National Veteran Suicide Prevention Month are relevant to the topic of mental health.
The Office of Mental Health Coordination's Veterans Mental Health Services has developed four webinars to occur each week of June in honor of National PTSD Awareness and Veteran Suicide Prevention Month.
The webinars will focus on various aspects of how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and returning home from service can impact veterans and their families.
Webinar dates, descriptions, and registration links can be found below.
PTSD in Military Veterans: What It Is and Isn't ? and Unique Considerations for Veterans Living with PTSD
June 7, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Dr. Samantha Marasa, Strong Star, Ft. Cavazos
Moderator: Tara Reyna
Learn how trauma experiences change the nervous system and the impact that childhood trauma can have on service-members. The speaker will also discuss unique considerations for supporting veterans living with PTSD. This webinar is appropriate for veterans, their families, and clinicians.?
The Deadly Gap ? The Elevated Suicide Risk for Veterans in Their First Year After Service Separation
June 14, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Tara Reyna
Moderator: Kimberly Patterson
In the first year after leaving military service, the rate of veteran suicide is 2.5x higher compared to the active-duty population. During this time, veterans are experiencing change in all major areas of life: family, job, community, friendships, and life purpose. The speaker will discuss why these changes can be both mentally and physically overwhelming, the impact of substance use, and discuss the various programs and places in the community that can provide support.
?Sober Curious? for Veterans and Families: Alcohol's Impact on Mental Health and How the Sober Curious Movement Can Help
June 28, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Tara Reyna
Moderator: Kimberly Patterson
The recent "sober curious" movement challenges drinking culture norms and encourages individuals to examine their drinking habits in order to drink less and live fuller, healthier lives. In this webinar, the speaker will explore the details of this rising movement and how it could have a positive impact on military communities.
How Families Are Impacted When a Service Member or Veteran Lives with PTSD
June 21, 2024 | 11:00 a.m.
Speaker: Dr. Elisa Borah
Moderator: Tara Reyna
When a service member lives with PTSD, it impacts not just them, but their families as well. Sometimes, secondary trauma can occur, and in order to help the veteran, it's important to help their family, too. This webinar will discuss how PTSD impacts the entire family unit and the effective supports for families.
Governor Abbott Issues a Proclamation Declaring May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month
In a Proclamation supporting Mental Health Awareness Month, the Governor states, ?Mental health is critical to the overall well-being of adults as well as children. It is our collective responsibility to provide support and resources to those who seek help.? He adds, ?Together, we can support loved ones facing these challenges and ensure that mental health conditions do not have the final say in any Texan's life."
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