Mental Health Month tips and activities from the CED's Mental Health Specialist

As Mental Health Month comes to a close, we wanted to share some summer mental health tips from CED Mental Health Specialist, Eric Murphy.

By incorporating these fun, engaging and welcoming activities into your summer plans, you can create a nurturing environment that supports the mental health and well-being of the entire family. These experiences will help to strengthen social connections, build self-confidence and instill a sense of purpose and belonging – all of which are essential for optimal mental health.

• Family picnics and treasure hunts:

Organize family picnics in the park and encourage everyone to participate in a scavenger hunt or treasure hunt, fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation.

• Gardening and neighborhood beautification:

Involve the entire family in a community gardening project, tending to a shared vegetable or flower garden, and then organize a neighborhood cleanup or beautification effort.

• Collaborative art workshops:

Host collaborative art workshops where participants work together on large-scale murals, sculptures or other art pieces that celebrate diversity and individuality. This activity fosters a sense of belonging, self-worth, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a shared project.

• Outdoor adventure challenge course:

Design an outdoor adventure challenge course that caters to individuals of all abilities, including physical and mental challenges that can be adapted to suit different skill levels and needs. This activity promotes a growth mindset as participants work together to overcome obstacles and develop a sense of mastery.

• Family talent show and variety night:

Organize a family talent show and variety night where everyone, including those with cognitive or developmental disabilities, can showcase their unique talents and abilities. Encourage acts that celebrate individual strengths and interests, fostering a sense of pride and belonging within the group.

Individuals with at least one reported disability, their families, the providers who serve them and/or individuals who are at risk for a disability are eligible to receive mental health services from the CED.