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A newsletter from Johnson County Mental Health Center

The five love languages are five different ways of expressing and receiving love: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Not everyone communicates love in the same way; similarly, people prefer to receive love and affection in different ways. With the big game this weekend that could turn into a parade on Valentine’s Day (are we going to jinx it if we say this?), we’re putting self-love on your radar a week early.   We often hear about love languages in the context of romantic relationships. Still, it's also helpful to understand and know what makes our friends feel happy and loved - and how we can practice self-love by knowing our love language(s). By learning to recognize these preferences in yourself and your loved ones, you can learn to identify the root of your conflicts, connect more profoundly, and truly begin to grow closer to yourself and others.   So, how the heck do I figure out my self-love language?

Reflect on activities that uplift you. What makes you feel energized and happy? Is it spending time in nature, indulging in a creative hobby like baking bread, listening to hype folk music, reading a good book, or something else entirely?

Spend time thinking about what you crave when feeling low. When you're feeling down, what do you instinctively reach for to feel better? Do you seek words of encouragement from your aunt, crave a smoothie from your favorite restaurant, take a long walk in the sunlight or find comfort in doing something for yourself? Recognizing these patterns can reveal your needs and preferred language.

When you're feeling depleted, think about what helps you recharge. Do you crave a yoga practice, quality time alone, acts of service like volunteering, learning something new, or treating yourself to something special?

Remember that there is no right way to love ourselves; our needs constantly change and evolve and what we needed last week may not be the same as what we need tomorrow.  It's okay if you're not feeling the love. Whether you're experiencing joy, frustration, anxiety, uncertainty, or other emotions, know that it's okay and your feelings are valid. We’re here for you 24/7 by calling 913-268-0156 or 988. You can also text 741-741.

Johnson County celebrates Black History Month in Feb. 2024 - Johnson County Government The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott - NPR Code Switch Mental Health Toolkit for Black Youth - The Confess Project of America Toolkit for Improving Mental Health Outcomes for Vulnerable Black Children and Youth - African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence Brother, You're On My Mind - National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities

11 Ways to Practice Self-Love That Therapists Swear By - Wondermind How to use your love language for better self-care - I Don't Mind 60+ Ways to Practise Self-Love Using Your Love Language - Sustainable Bliss Collective Talk About Self-Love - NPR Kid Cudi Opens Up About Therapy, Seeking Rehabilitation - Teen Vogue

Feb. 16:  Adult Mental Health First Aid - Virtual Feb. 22 - 23: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Feb. 29: Parent Connect: Children's Mercy Resources

Mental Health First Aid is an interactive 8-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds an understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. ASIST is a resource for the whole community. It helps people apply suicide first-aid in many settings: with family, friends, co-workers, teammates and formal caregiving roles

Parent Connect is a meeting for support and problem-solving on issues with which your family and child are struggling. This group is strengths-based, meaning we will focus on the strengths of your family and child to help find solutions and encourage self-care.

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