World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10th each year to raise awareness about critical mental health agendas. This year’s theme, ‘It is time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace‘, emphasizing the urgent need for better mental health support in work environments. This global call to action highlights the impact of workplace conditions on mental health and aims to foster healthier, more productive work cultures.
Eating Disorders and Mental Health
Eating disorders, which include conditions like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, significantly impact individuals’ mental and physical well-being. World Mental Health Day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues, including eating disorders. This day encourages open conversations, education, and support to reduce stigma and provide resources for those affected by these disorders.
By addressing eating disorders within the broader context of mental health, we can work towards fostering a more empathetic and informed society that promotes overall well-being for everyone.
Mental Health Resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
- Mental Health America (MHA): MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.
- NoStigmas: NoStigmas is a safe space for mental health advocates, survivors, loved ones, and Allies to connect through honest conversations grounded in lived experiences.
- Project HEAL: Project HEAL’s programs break down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers that millions of people in the U.S. face when trying to heal from their eating disorder.
- Eating Disorder Hope: EDH is an online community that offers resources, education, support, and inspiration to those struggling with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, body image issues, and a myriad of other disordered eating behaviors.
- National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFCC): NAFCC operates community-based, non-profit, volunteer-supported free clinics serving the people without or with little health insurance.
- Hotlines:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: 1-800-662-4357
Resources for the BIPOC Community
- Asian Mental Health Collective: AMHC aspires to make mental health easily available, approachable, and accessible to Asian communities worldwide.
- Melanin & Mental Health: Melanin & Mental Health connect individuals with culturally competent clinicians committed to serving the mental health needs of Black & Latinx/Hispanic communities.
- National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network: NQTTCN is a healing justice organization that works to transform mental health for queer and trans people of color.
- Therapy For Black Girls: Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
- Loveland Foundation: The Loveland Foundation is committed to showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls.
- Black Emotional and Mental Health (BEAM): BEAM is a national training, movement building, and grant making institution that is dedicated to the healing, wellness, and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.
- Latinx Therapy: Founded in 2018 with the mission to destigmatize mental health in the Latinx community.
- South Asian Mental Health Initiative and Network: SAMHIN, was formed in 2014 to address a broad range of mental health needs of the growing South Asian community in the United States.
- Renfrew Blogs:
Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community
- Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.
- The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ community.
- Pride Counseling: Pride Counseling provides a platform for the LGBTQ community to get the help they need affordably and conveniently.
- Renfrew Blogs:
- Hotlines:
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564
- LGBT National Youth Talkline: 800-246-7743
Resources for Students
- Active Minds: Active Minds supports mental health awareness and education for students by promoting mental health via peer-to-peer dialogue and interaction.
- To Write Love on Her Arms: TWLOHA is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide.
- Renfrew Blogs:
- Eating Disorders in College: Why Are Students Especially Vulnerable?
- College and Eating Disorders: Adjusting to Campus Life
- Eating Disorder Recovery at College: 10 Tips for Staying on Track [UPDATED]
- Eating Disorders in College Athletes: 10 Warning Signs & 10 Actionable Tips
- Eating Disorder Recovery During Summer Break: 7 Useful Tips for College Students
Conclusion
Remember that seeking help and support is a sign of strength, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for everyone. It’s important to find resources and approaches that resonate with your personal needs and preferences. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional is always recommended.
Renfrew Specific Events
Join us on Thursday, October 10th to recognize World Mental Health Day in a variety of free live and on-demand events.
Instagram Live
Date: Thursday, October 10th at 12 pm EST
Join Erin Birely, LCPC, Alumni Services Coordinator at The Renfrew Center, for an insightful conversation about the significance of raising awareness and prioritizing your mental health in your everyday life. Remember, you are not alone in this journey.
No registration required.
LinkedIn Live: Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Clinician
Date: Thursday, October 10th at 12 pm EST
Join Sarah Bateman, LCSW, The Renfrew Center’s Liaison to the Jewish Community, for an insightful conversation about the importance of taking care of yourself while taking care of others. Clinicians are often faced with burnout, stress, and sometimes their own mental health battles. Sarah will discuss the challenges of clinical fatigue and offer 5 tips for self-care.
No registration required.
Morning Check-In Support Group: Together We Thrive
Date: Thursday, October 10th at 8:30 am – 8:45 am
Join Monica Jampo, MS, LPC for a special morning check-in support group in honor of World Mental Health Day. Whether you’re seeking a moment of calm before a busy day or looking to connect with others in recovery, this morning check-in offers a moment to prioritize your mental well-being. Let’s kick off World Mental Health Day with kindness, self-compassion, and a shared commitment to recovery.
Virtual Meal Connection Group: Nourishing a Healthy Mind
Date: Thursday, October 10th at 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Join us for a lunchtime support group to celebrate World Mental Health Day! Sabrina Murphy, MS, RDN, CSCS and Claire DeMenna, RDN, LDN, will delve into the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health, offering practical tips to nourish both body and mind. Bring your lunch, questions, and appetite for insightful conversation. We hope to see you there!
Virtual Art Group: Seasonal Self-Car
Date: Thursday, October 10th at 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm
Join our virtual art therapy group in honor of World Mental Health Day! Art Therapists, Sondra Rosenberg, ATR-BC, and Kyle Congdon, ATR-BC, will guide participants through an exploration of self-care, specific to the season of fall. Using nature-based metaphors, we will consider what we need to thrive during this time of year. Please come prepared with paper and any art supplies you would like to use!
Silencing Shame Before It Silences You
Date: On Demand, Thursday, October 10th only
Join Ashley Moser, LMFT, CEDS, for this empowering workshop dedicated to addressing the feelings of shame and guilt that often accompany mental health. This workshop will explore the function of all emotions and offer practical tools for stopping shame from being a barrier to well-being through self-compassion and emotional resilience.
Mindfulness & Meditation
Date: On Demand, Thursday, October 10th only
Join Victoria Hecker, MA, R-DMT, in a mindfulness exercise with a guided meditation to offer yourself compassion and pause during the day. Mindfulness can help anchor you in the moment and offer a space for reflection. This on-demand group can be viewed anytime on World Mental Health Day, giving you an opportunity to practice non-judgmental awareness, reduce stress, and be in the here and now.
Have a resource to share with us? Contact [email protected] to let us know!
