Trigger warning: This piece discusses mental health issues and a brief mention of suicide in reference to a prevention method.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Kappa Alpha Theta maintains that mental health matters. During May (and every other month) we aim to increase the dialogue around and support for all aspects of mental health. As an organization, our goals around mental health include
- Creating a safe environment for members to discuss mental health issues;
- Encouraging members to recognize when someone might benefit from mental health support; and
- Supporting members facing mental health challenges and conditions.
In an effort to uphold this commitment, Theta staff recently refreshed the Mental Health Resources section of the Theta website. The page has been reorganized to prioritize clear navigation, and content has been condensed to allow for easy access to information and resources from industry experts. It is important to note that Kappa Alpha Theta is not a mental healthcare provider, but we do hope members will seek accurate, relevant, and helpful information and resources. This landing page is intended to encourage members to educate and support themselves and those around them. These resources should not replace referring someone to a mental health professional when necessary.
The Mental Health Resources landing page features direct links to interactive tools and technology—such as crisis call and text lines, therapist locators by geographic area, and educational programming resources—as well as an organization directory to connect members to topical authorities on specific mental health issues. There is also an easy-to-use awareness month directory to identify opportunities for education, advocacy, and programming around mental health during May and beyond. Thanks to generous support from Theta Foundation, members also have access to QPR training, a suicide prevention method that stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer, as well as an anonymous mental health screening.
As we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, members will also find a small section of curated resources from MindWise Innovations, which includes content on coping with these particularly unique and challenging circumstances.