Crestwood Employee Center
Contributed by: Crestwood’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Team
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month. The purpose of the month is to increase awareness of the unique challenges faced by minorities in accessing mental health care and to promote resources and support for those who may be struggling. The month also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage individuals to seek help when needed.
There are several ways to observe National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month:
- You can educate yourself on the unique challenges faced by minorities regarding mental health.
- You can spread awareness by sharing information and resources on social media or hosting events that promote mental health awareness.
- You can support organizations that promote mental health care for minority communities by donating or volunteering.
- Prioritize your own mental health by seeking professional help if needed and encouraging others to do the same.
Contributed by: Alysia Robinson, Communications Manager
In Japan, Kintsugi is a restoration art form that specializes in reconstructing broken pottery with 24k gold lacquer. It mends and reshapes what was once blemish-free into a gilded, yet functional work of art. “Rather than trying to hide the damage, Kintsugi highlights the repair … it honors the breaking and the surviving”1 and serves as a powerful depiction of what the finished work of resilience looks like in our lives.
Once Kintsugi pottery is restored, the items go right back to their original function. Hot earthy tea is poured into the cups again. The bowls and plates reclaim residency at the dinner table, and the vases are brimming with new flower arrangements that fill the environment with a sweet, delicate fragrance. This beautiful art form illustrates that sometimes resilience is making something new with the shattered pieces of what was once whole. Despite a chip, a crack, or a break, there is still capacity and purpose after facing adversity. In essence, the golden scars that wind through these ceramics are not adorned imperfections, they are milestones of healing and rebuilding.
Although these pottery pieces return to their old shape, the objects themselves still become a new creation.2 Reassembled and fused with gold, Kintsugi pottery embodies a simple yet powerful statement—recovery is possible. Like our mental health programs and recovery services, the art of Kintsugi is transformational, innovative, and a deeply compassionate work. Both Crestwood and Kintsugi remind us all that trauma and setbacks are not the end, rather a path towards resilience and redemption. Kintsugi represents more than just the restoration of pottery. It portrays the restoration of hope, strength, confidence, and so much more. In likeness to our Crestwood philosophy, it is a beautiful reminder to never give up!
Contributed by: Alysia Robinson, Communications Manager
In a fast-paced world where commitments and responsibilities play tug of war with our time, self-care is an essential way to show ourselves compassion. To cultivate more value around personal wellness and balance, July 24 was established as International Self-Care Day! On this day, people around the world honor their relationship with self by taking time to build self-care routines and embrace actions to look after their mental and physical well-being.
Often, it can seem reasonable to skip breakfast or not eat during our lunch; drink more coffee than water, or stay up way too late, binge watching our favorite shows, like Grey’s Anatomy, Abbott Elementary, or Game of Thrones. However, over time, these patterns can take a toll on our minds, emotions, and bodies. The good news is that with a self-care routine, we can habitually slow down to cater to our needs and pour into ourselves, replenishing areas where depletion is inevitable. At times, it can be tempting to view self-care as a “every now and then” activity, but self-care is not just a temporary recharge for when exhaustion overwhelms us, it is a foundational practice that enhances our quality of life, keeping exhaustion at bay.
This International Self-Care Day, show yourself some love! Consider creating a self-care plan or updating one that you already have. Wear an outfit that makes you feel good, pack your favorite meal for lunch, or set a goal to get eight hours of sleep. If you don’t know where to start, click the link below and use the guide to build your self-care plan and take the first step in identifying your needs and favorite activities. This tool kit can be downloaded and printed for you to use and reuse again and again.
Self-Care Plan Tool Kit: https://brocku.ca/human-rights/wp-content/uploads/sites/208/unct-ye-dss-doc-building-self-care-toolkit-en.pdf
Contributed by: Alysia Robinson, Communications Manager
At Crestwood, we strive to provide resources that support our staff in building healthy habits that improve their overall well-being. Explore some of our new updates on the Eight Dimensions of Wellness flower. These wellness resources are contributed by members of our Crestwood family. Pedals with new information include:
- Physical
- Zumba, Yoga, and Fitness Challenges
- Social
- Equity Diversity and Inclusion Team (EDIT)
- Spiritual
- Emotional
- Mental Health Awareness Events & Resources
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
- Peer Support
- Intellectual
- Learning & Performance Team (LPT)
However you spend the summer season, make sure to set aside some time to relax and recharge!
Contributed by: Hope Parr, Communications Manager
You know the feeling you get when you visit the ocean? Envision the expanse of brilliant blue hues as the waves roll into shore. Hear the crash and spray. Taste the salty air as you watch the pelicans glide low along the horizon. Feel the swirl of seafoam around your feet. It’s refreshing for your mind, body, and spirit.
Now, picture yourself in the mountains standing along the edge of a crystal-clear lake, spotting the rocks beneath the gently rippling surface. Breathe in the piney scent of fresh forest air and hear the birds softly chirping in the surrounding trees. After spending some time by the water, you feel a little lighter, like some of your cares have slipped away. You may feel more peaceful and calm; more grounded in the here and now.
This is “blue health” – the positive effects on your mental and physical wellbeing from spending time in or near water, or “blue spaces.” Spending intentional time by water environments, including ponds, rivers, creeks, or waterfalls, enhances our mood and reduces stress and anxiety. It may even encourage us to be more physically active, walking barefoot along the shore, for example, or strolling around a park pond.
This summer, try to spend some uninterrupted time by a body of water. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells. Enjoy the refreshing atmosphere and feel revitalized!
July 1 – 31: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
July 1 – 31: Disability Pride Month
July 4: Independence Day
July 24: International Self-Care Day
July 31: National Intern Day
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