Town of Smithtown to Participate in #ResilientInSmithtown Campaign for Mental Health Awareness
The Town of Smithtown is recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in November by implementing a social media campaign to highlight simple activities to boost personal resilience. From November 18th to November 22nd, the Town of Smithtown Horizons Counseling & Education Center, Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau, and the Response Crisis Center will share advice, tips, and resources to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #ResilientInSmithtown.
This campaign is designed to educate about four kinds of strengths and resilience, which when regularly boosted assist in living longer, happier lives, with a heightened ability to cope with life’s stressors. These insights, tools, and easy, fun exercises will help Smithtown residents start building their own personal strengths. Residents of all ages are encouraged to participate in this week long educational campaign.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to learn how they can have more control over their own personal resilience, and be able to guide and support family members and friends.” - Stacey Standers, Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau Executive Director
Approximately one out of every five children in America have a diagnosable mental health disorder. Anxiety, depression, and substance abuse are major issues impacting young people and their families, as well as schools and communities. Community education about the importance of bolstering one’s own personal resilience is beneficial at any age, and can be a vital component in maintaining mental health.
“There is a very clear and distinct correlation between childhood trauma/mental health issues and substance addiction. Problematic mental health issues experienced in childhood can very easily and often do follow individuals into maturity, creating a variety of long-term mental health issues that may cause self-medication through excessive drinking or substance abuse.” - Matthew Neebe, Director of Horizons Counseling and Education Center
Four Personal Strength/Resilience: physical, mental, emotional, and social
There are four kinds of personal strength/resilience that contribute to mental health, with scientifically validated activities which can boost these types of resilience.
Physical Resilience means the body can withstand more physical stress and heal itself faster.
Mental Resilience, or mental focus, discipline, determination, and willpower act like a muscle, getting stronger the more it is exercised.
Emotional Resilience is the ability to provoke powerful positive emotions like curiosity or love when needed the most.
Social Resilience is the strength from bonds with friends, family, neighbors, and community.