May-June 2023

The Forgotten Element of DEI Work—Mental Health

What is mental health? We all have some idea of mental illness and therapeutic supports but maybe don’t fully understand the term “mental health.” Mental health is experienced by everyone individually and as such is personal. The experiences from our past and present help determine how we deal with challenges to our mental wellness. This short video does an amazing job of explaining the complexities of mental health.

Spotlight:
MIKE VENY

Mike Veny is an author, writer, and speaker who helps us understand the importance of mental health, biases, and stigma when we are engaged in diversity and inclusion work. Self-awareness gives us insight to know how best to engage and interact with people. Mike’s video sets diversity and inclusion within the foundation of mental health. He makes a good point about the effects mental health has on us in the workplace. ESD 112 works to create teams that care not just for each other, but for the communities in which we serve.

Other resources worth checking out:

HealthyPlace is a website that not only provides mental health information but also allows others to share their experiences and counsel. Blogger Juliet Jack shares advice on how to maintain professionalism while also checking in with our coworkers.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

We can’t talk about mental health and not talk about the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). NAMI is an organization that educates and supports both individuals and families that are impacted by a mental illness. You can find a plethora of more information and supports on the NAMI website. The link above takes you to an excellent article, “Metal Health by the Numbers.”

Mental Health by the Numbers

NAMI’s statistics reveal 16.5% of children from ages 6-17 had a mental health disorder–and that was before the pandemic. The importance of teaching children mental health at a young age is evident. The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families made a cute video modeling how children grasp what mental health is and how to help others.

July 17 Lunch & Learn:
Back by Popular Demand!

Creating an Anti-Biased Language World (via Zoom only)

Questions? Comments? Topics or suggestions to share?

Content for this newsletter was written by Equity, Diversity and Inclusion members, Deanna Fontijn and Liza Sejkora. Please contact them if you have topics you’d like covered in our newsletter!