O∆K Service Theme 2023-24

Service Theme 2023-24

Mental Health and Wellness

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, make choices, and relate to others. Mental health is more than the absence of a mental illness—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. National Institutes of Mental Health (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/)

Omicron Delta Kappa does not have a national philanthropy that all circles support; therefore, OΔK has adopted a “service theme” that will guide service programs for two years.

Circles are encouraged to plan their annual service projects, including their Signature Service Project, to include the service theme. Circle should support agencies and host events that advocate or otherwise support the service theme through service or charitable giving. Leading efforts in which our members and communities can support proactive mental health efforts or meet the needs of others struggling with mental health issues provides a strong example of the OΔK value of service.

Circles can also work with the counseling services on campus to support mind-healthy programs such as stress relief during exams, health walks with recreation centers, and similar campus-based programs.

The following list was adapted from addictions.com and various other websites.

Mental Health Websites for College Students

• • ACHA’s Mental Health Resources: Offers many resources to help college health professionals meet the mental health needs of the campus communities they serve.
  • Active Mind’s Mental Health Resources: Provides self-care tools and resources to improve mental health.
  • APA’s College Students Guide: The American Psychological Association’s page is dedicated to college student supports and resources.
  • Behavior Online: A gathering place for mental health professionals and applied behavioral scientists to connect and find resources.
  • Brain & Behavior Research Foundation: This foundation works to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness by awarding grants that help advance research.
  • Choices in Recovery: Offers support and resources related to schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
  • Dart Foundation’s Gateway to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Information: Offers information about coping with PTSD as well as other support resources.
  • Healthy Place: America’s Mental Health Channel: This is the largest consumer mental health site available. It offers authoritative information and support to people with mental health concerns.
  • Jed Foundation’s Mental Health Resource Center: Provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows young adults how they can overcome challenges.

• LifeWorks: This organization offers free/affordable counseling and support for individuals struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
• MentalHealth.gov: One-stop access to U.S. government mental health information. Offers education and guidance for the public, policymakers, leaders, and health professionals.
• MentalHelp.net: Offers online mental health and wellness education for laypeople and professionals in need of mental help.
• National Association for the Dually Diagnosed: This association is for individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism: This institute generates and shares knowledge about the effects of alcohol on health and well-being to improve the prevention and treatment of alcohol-related problems.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse: This organization advances science on the issues surrounding drug abuse and addiction and uses that knowledge to improve public health.
• Network of Care: Clickable map to find community services, support, and assistance by state. Provides a vetted, comprehensive directory of services.
• SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. Offers support services and links to resources.
• Students with Psychosis: This nonprofit provides programming to empower students and advocates who are living with psychosis.
• The Checkup: Meltdown U. and Mental Health Tips for Parents of College Kids: Offers statistics about mental health among college students and provides tips for parents to help their students stay mentally healthy.

National Organizations and Mental Health Support Groups

• American Association of Suicidology: Works to promote the understanding and prevention of suicide and support those affected by it. Membership includes mental health and public health professionals, researchers, crisis intervention centers, school districts, suicide survivors, and lay people.
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America: A nonprofit organization designed to prevent and treat depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, research, and practice.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: A voluntary health organization that provides a nationwide community for those affected by suicide. Offers local chapters in all 50 states, with programs and events nationwide.
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association: The world’s leading adult ADHD organization, dedicated to helping adults with ADHD lead better lives. Offers information and resources.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: This is the leading national organization focusing on mood disorders. Offers peer-based support and additional resources online and in person.
• Emotions Anonymous: Offers weekly meetings for people to come together and work toward recovery from emotional difficulties.
• Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health: A family-run organization that links more than 120 state and local affiliates and national partners to focus on the issues of children and youth with behavioral, emotional, or mental health needs.
• Mental Health America: The nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals living with mental illness.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The nation’s leading voice on mental health. Made up of an alliance of 600+ local affiliates and 49 state organizations that work to raise awareness and provide education and support for mental health issues.
• National Eating Disorder Association: This organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to the support of individuals affected by eating disorders. Works toward prevention, cures, and access to care.
• Obsessive Compulsive Foundation: This foundation helps those affected by OCD and related disorders live full and productive lives. Works to increase access to effective treatment and fight the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
• Project Health Minds:  Project Healthy Minds is a new millennial/Gen Z-driven non-profit startup focused on tackling one of the defining issues of our generation: the growing mental health crisis.
• Self-Injury Recovery Anonymous: Offers a safe space for individuals who engage in physical self-injury to come together to share experiences and hope without judgment.
• TARA National Association for Personality Disorder: This not-for-profit organization is dedicated to fostering education and research in the field of personality disorder.