"The Nook: A culture shift in mental health support"

SSPP Impact: Transforming Mental Health Research Through Lived Experience. At the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, research is a collaboration shaped by diverse voices and real-world experiences. Central to this ethos is the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), a pioneering group which has become a model for inclusive partnership working. The LEAB is made up of individuals with direct or indirect experiences of disabling barriers, neurodivergence, mental distress, trauma, mental illness, and caring for those navigating mental health challenges. Their collective expertise stretches beyond traditional academic knowledge, expanding what it means to ‘hold’ or ‘produce’ knowledge within and beyond academia. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eXMVjSh6

United States - The state’s Office of Mental Health in New York released a two-year policy roadmap to scale up peer support programs and explore training peer specialists for maternal mental health and substance use screening. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eB-3YyQG

❓ What’s one approach you’ve found effective for raising mental health awareness in your community or workplace? ❗ In September, I had the pleasure to present to teens at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Westwood, NJ. We were able to discuss practical coping skills and how to find crisis and counseling resources. While I hope for more opportunities for local presentations like this, I found that simply engaging online with others and sharing resources to find help has been essential in raising mental health awareness. A lot of people are unsure about their healthcare benefits, unsure about where to even find a therapist, unsure of what a consultation call looks like, and so much more. Producing easy-to-read information online has been so helpful in getting mental health information out there. I am also working on an affordable online course to provide individuals with tools to improve self-compassion, as we often live in a competitive society that seems to craving "grinding" at work and constantly providing criticism rather than encouragement. It is my hope to get this course out in November, and I aspire to make mental health tools more accessible in this format. What are some ways you are sharing about mental health awareness - or how would you like to, moving forward?

Barbers as mental health advocates? Absolutely. Alliance Health has teamed up with the Barbershop Therapy Foundation to launch “Barbershop Therapy” — Mental Health First Aid training designed specifically for barbers. Our inaugural class at Wake Tech trained 28 barbers to recognize signs of mental distress, connect clients with resources, and help destigmatize mental illness in their communities. Together, we’re empowering trusted voices in the chair to spark open, healing conversations.

“I don’t know how to put into words just how much having someone who’s open minded, and with open ears to sit down and listen to you, and hear you out.” - Person with lived experience Sometimes, support doesn’t start with a service or a form, it starts with listening. For people living with both mental health challenges and addiction, being heard without judgement can make the difference between asking for help and walking away. Yet too often, stigma or system barriers make those conversations harder than they need to be. Through training, shared learning and lived experience, we help NHS staff and partners feel more confident in offering open, compassionate conversations that recognise the whole person, not just one part of their story. Explore the training guide: https://zurl.co/Hj1Df

According to CSI Oregon’s latest analysis, every $1 invested in youth mental health care can yield up to $24 in long-term savings through higher workforce participation and reduced emergency and social service costs. Prevention and access are powerful economic tools that Oregon could benefit from utilizing to alleviate the pressure of the state's mental health crisis. Learn more about Oregon's mental health crisis in CSI's full report: https://bit.ly/475GDhR

How can we eliminate the stigma around mental health? By normalizing open conversations around mental health and knowing what resources exist before challenges arise. As part of this effort, our Clinical Director, Rebecca VanBebber, LMHC, MS, met with KING 5 Media Group on World Mental Health Day to discuss local mental health trends; the impact of catastrophes and seasonal changes, and practical ways to access support when it’s needed. Watch the full segment below. 👇

VA psychiatrists work as part of interdisciplinary teams to provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health care tailored to each Veteran’s unique needs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eMZHb9HA

This presentation aims to equip you with the tools to support maternal mental health. We will cover how to recognize the symptoms of clinical concern versus normal postpartum reactions. You will learn three ways maternal depression can negatively impact a child's development. Finally, we will identify two key ways mental health professionals can intervene through prevention and treatment to help families thrive. 💬 For a comprehensive overview, watch the full discussion. 🎞️ Subscribe to our channel for the latest information and visit arpapsych.org.

Australia - The Safe Steps for De-escalation program, co-designed with peer workers, reduced restrictive practices in mental health units. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eA3FP_Vh