May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. At NYCHA, supporting the mental health of residents and communities is a year-round commitment.
Throughout the year, NYCHA works with residents and community partners to create opportunities for learning, connection, and access to mental health resources. From workshops on stress and self-care to leadership trainings and neighborhood events, these efforts help residents learn practical tools to support their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of their communities.
In April, NYCHA’s Resident Health Initiatives department and its partners hosted several events that demonstrated this commitment. On April 18, Brooklyn Community Mental Health Day was held at Bushwick Houses. The event united residents and partners for learning and dialogue on mental health and wellbeing. It featured a “Stress, Wellbeing, and Self-Care” workshop led by the NYC Health Department, resource tabling, and a wellness activity facilitated by HealHaus.
“I’m so happy to be here receiving this information and experience,” said Lohoma Shipman, President of the Bushwick Houses Resident Association. “As a resident association president, I need tools to keep me healthy and not get worn down.”
NYCHA residents also joined online and in-person learning on community health. On April 16, facilitators from The Academy for Community Behavioral Health, part of the CUNY School of Professional Studies, hosted an online workshop, “Seeding Change: A NYCHA Community Workshop,” which explored how trauma and harm persist in communities and shared practical tools for reducing stress and centering care. On April 30, emerging public health leaders participating in the NYCHA Health Corps completed a three-hour training on “Community Mental Wellness and Resilience” led by the NYC Health Department.
“Hearing the stories from our presenters about how they overcame their own difficult mental health challenges really struck me,” said NYCHA Health Corps Project Associate Sukant Mukhopadhyay, who was inspired to help support the community.
Upcoming events:
May 17:
NAMIWalks NYC + Mental Health Street Fest
The Seaport (Pier 16 and Pier 17)
89 South Street
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join in the 3-mile walk or stop by the Street Fest for information and entertainment.
Visit NAMIWalks to learn more about this free event.
June 16:
Third Annual Staten Island Youth Mental Health Symposium
Wellness in Action: A Unified Approach to Youth and Community Mental Health
College of Staten Island Performing Arts Center
Learn how to support young people and their mental health. Visit symposium registration for more information.
Support and resources
The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH) is New York City’s first mayoral office solely dedicated to mental health. During Mental Health Awareness Month, OCMH is spotlighting the ways mental health care and support show up across the five boroughs, through its Care Lives Here: In Community campaign. The campaign highlights programs, activities, and community connections that are strengthening wellbeing, resilience, and belonging. Follow OCMH on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nyc.mentalhealth/.
Need someone to talk to? Call or text 988
Connect with someone who will listen and help 24/7. 988 is NYC’s connection to free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance use support, information, and referrals. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. Visit 988 online or call or text 988.
Get informed
Check out the Navigating NYC Mental Health Toolkit created by OCMH. Find brochures in multiple languages and learn how to respond to mental health crises, help prevent suicide, and more. You can also visit the NYC Health Department’s Mental Wellness webpage.
Take a training to learn more
The NYC Health Department offers free virtual and in-person trainings to help New Yorkers build mental health resilience. Learn to identify mental health issues, develop support strategies, and find mental health resources within your community. Trainings are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and additional languages. Find a virtual training or in-person training in your borough by visiting Mental Health Resilience Trainings – NYC Health.
Free online mental health support for NYC teenagers ages 13 to 17
Do you know a teen struggling with mental health challenges, or one who wants somebody to talk to about life’s ups and downs? NYC Teenspace is a free mental health support program available to any NYC teenager ages 13 to 17. Connect your teen to a licensed therapist for ongoing support and online mental health exercises to complete at their own pace.
NYCHA resources
NYCHA’s Family Partnerships Department provides short-term, individual case management assistance to NYCHA families facing barriers or challenges. Staff provide social service interventions and ensure connections to City agencies and community-based organizations that help meet goals and maintain housing stability. Reach out to the FPD office in your borough:
Bronx: (718) 409-8699
Brooklyn: (718) 218-1251
Manhattan: (212) 306-3839
Queens/Staten Island: (646) 994-4585
Check out these additional NYCHA Journal articles to learn more about the work to build community mental health across NYCHA: https://nychajournal.nyc/october-10-is-world-mental-health-day/
Do you have an idea or question about community mental health? Email NYCHA’s Resident Health Initiatives team at mental.health@nycha.nyc.gov.