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September is a mix of things to celebrate and be informed about.
In September, we’re raising awareness about mental health, recovery and self care.
National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.
Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate health improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. This observance reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Since these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month provides a vehicle for everyone to celebrate these accomplishments. Each September, tens of thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the country celebrate Recovery Month. They speak about strides made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and foster a greater understanding about mental and substance use disorders.
Moving forward, there will no longer be a new Recovery Month theme announced each year. Recovery Month has adopted the theme of “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” as its permanent tagline. The 2023 Recovery Month observance will work to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
Recovery Month will continue to educate others about substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders, the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services, and that recovery is possible. All of us, from celebrities and sports figures to our co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family members, throughout our lives have experienced peaks and valleys, both big and small. But with strength, support, and hope from the people we love, we are resilient.
National Addiction Professionals Day will be celebrated on September 20, 2023, as part of National Recovery Month. This day aims to celebrate the vital players of the health system and continuum of care: addiction professionals. The day was established by NAADAC to commemorate all the hard work that addiction professionals do on a daily basis.
Suicide Prevention Month
Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
September is Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
SELF-CARE AWARENESS MONTH
Self–Care Awareness Month in September is a time to remind us that taking care of ourselves, first and foremost, is essential. Self-care is often neglected in our everyday lives. We all tend to put others’ needs before our own and it is crucial to remember, that we cannot fill another’s cup from our own empty vessel. While getting a massage or taking a walk are beautiful examples of taking time for our well-being, self-care can be more expansive than that.
Self-care knows no boundaries. It is something that everyone, without any exclusions, can benefit from practicing on a daily basis. True self-care is not self-centered nor selfish; it is simply keeping yourself the focus of your own life. It’s about paying attention to how you feel in each moment, communicating clearly, speaking up for yourself, and saying yes or no… guilt-free.
Here are 5 ways to practice self- care in September:
1. Set Goals for Yourself
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and healthy self-care habits follow suit. Find something that makes you happy, and start by setting a small goal of doing that activity every day. This could be something as simple as reading a book for 15 minutes or taking a walk around the block. Remember that a small goal can make a big difference in your life. These things add up.
2. Try Meditating
Life can be noisy. Many people go an entire day without complete silence. From radios in the car to kids running around, there is constantly noise to distract our thoughts. Take time to center yourself through meditation. There are many apps out there you can download to your phone to help guide your meditation journey. Plus, you can meditate by using just minutes of your day. This is a fast and easy way to focus on yourself.
3. Check on a Friend
It’s easy to lose touch with friends in our lives, especially with something as crazy as a global pandemic happening. Think back—when was the last time you called somebody simply to catch up? Pick a friend you may be missing, and then pick up the phone to give them a call. It can be good for you AND them to have a touch base.
4. Do Something Good for Others
Yes, self-care awareness month is about your mental health. But did you know that doing something good for others can help boost endorphins? Even the smallest acts of kindness can provide a boost to your day. Try one of these small things to brighten somebody else’s day, and your day at the same time:
- Write a note of appreciation for a coworker.
- Pay for the person behind you next time you’re in a drive-thru.
- Bake something and share.
- Do a chore somebody else has been putting off.
- Pick up litter in your community.
- Donate to your favorite organization.
5. Practice Saying No
The word ‘no’ often gets a bad rap, but it could be vital for your mental health. Instead of devoting yourself to five separate projects where you’re stretched too thin, go all-in on the project that brings you the most joy and excitement. Everybody needs a break, and you should actively consider whether or not taking on something new or attending an event will be good for your health and well-being.
If nothing else, remember these things as you focus on yourself. It’s better to start small and be consistent with your self-care habits, building them over time. This ensures you stick to it. And make sure to set aside time to focus on you, so that you can be the best version of yourself out in the world! Just because it’s called “self-care” doesn’t mean you can’t help others in the process. And last but not least, it’s okay to say “no” when you aren’t able to be fully “present” in a project or at an event. Now take these tips and start practicing!
Nationail Suicide Prevention Week
Sept 10th- 16th
Generally taking place the week after Labor Day, National Suicide Prevention Week begins with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month: a moment in time in which we rally the public to create awareness of this leading cause of death, and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives.
World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept. 10th)
An estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world. For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.
Each suicidal death is a public health concern with a profound impact on those around them. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around the world.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
“Creating hope through action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 - 2023. This theme is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us.
By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them. It also suggests that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Lastly, it highlights the importance of setting suicide prevention as a priority public health agenda by countries, particularly where access to mental health services and availability of evidence-based interventions are already low. Building on this theme and spreading this message over the three years, a world can be envisioned where suicides are not so prevalent.
We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide whether as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague or as a person with lived experience. We can all encourage understanding about the issue, reach in to people who are struggling, and share our experiences. We can all create hope through action and be the light.
NATIONAL SOBER DAY (SEPT. 14)
National Sober Day on September 14th encourages us to celebrate Sober life and bring awareness to addiction. The entire day focuses on showing support for anyone living in sobriety. Not only that, but the observance sets a standard for the whole world that being sober is okay. Show your friends and family on the road to recovery by spending the day sober as well.
#NationalSoberDay
Ideally scheduled during National Recovery Month, the day supports removing the stigma associated with addiction. It opens the lines of communication that lead to better understanding. The day provides an opportunity to build educated support networks. It also strengthens existing ones. Success is more likely when systems are paved with an aware, loving, and honest cheering section. If we stumble, aren’t we more likely to get back up again when we have a solid support system?
Encouragement of one day fuels more support and awareness, leading to long-term sobriety. That’s something worth celebrating! The opposite of addiction is a connection. This holiday will provide a model for future generations as well. By demonstrating how to enjoy life alcohol-free, the day will embolden future generations to say no to alcohol.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SOBER DAY
Spend the day sober. While that may seem simple enough, it may come as a challenge to some. Start by finding recipes for delicious mocktails. Plan activities that don’t feel like they require alcohol to have fun. Enjoy the day! By all means, do things you and your friends enjoy doing. Just remove alcohol from the equation. Call, text, email a friend or family member in recovery. Let them know you support their sobriety. Share with them how you are going to spend this day alcohol-free.
Use #NationalSoberDay to share your experiences on social media.
Community Resources:
Utilize this website for the following resources
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/
Visit FoundinFaithMD.org/get-help/apply/
to apply to the Fresh Start Furniture Program TODAY!
If you do not have computer access, please call 443-519-2464 ext. 2
ALL FURNITURE REQUESTS ARE SCHEDULED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
If you need immediate help finding shelter or a place to eat, call 211.
Meals
Baltimore- Our Daily Bread Employment Center
725 Fallsway, Baltimore City
443-986-9000
PG CO- Bethel House 301-372-1700 & Salvation Army of Prince George’s County Food Pantry 301-277-6103
AA CO- Anne Arundel County Food Access WARM Line 410- 222- 3663 &
Anne Arundel County Food Bank
120 Marbury Drive Crownsville, MD 21032
Harford CO- Breathe 379, 2124 Nuttal Ave. Edgewood. Groceries, prepared food, clothes.
& EPICENTER, EPICENTER at Edgewood, 1918 Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood. 443.981.3742.
Mental Health Assistance
National Alliance for Mental Illness
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 24/7: 1-800-273-8255
Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc.
Call 24/7: 410-433-5175 if you or someone you know needs help with a mental health crisis
Legal Services
Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP)
201 N. Charles St., Suite 1104, Baltimore City
410-685-6589 / 800-773-4340
Provides free legal aid to those experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Maryland Legal Aid
500 E. Lexington St., Baltimore City
410-951-7777
Provides a full range of free civil legal services to financially eligible individuals, with a focus on legal issues concerning elder rights, employment, family, public benefits, health care and housing
Reentry Services
Assists prisoners, ex-prisoners and others in need become independent, responsible citizens through civil legal assistance and re-entry services
Baltimore- Alternative Directions
2505 N. Charles St., Baltimore City
410-889-5072
PG CO- People Ready 5814 Baltimore Ave.
Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 (301)277-2172
AA CO- AmeriCorps (800) 942-2677
Identification
Beans and Bread
402 South Bond St., Baltimore City
410-732-1892
ID cards and birth certificates available on the first business day of the month to the first 5 to 10 people who arrive
Manna House
435 East 25th St., Baltimore
410-889-3001
Provides assistance with birth certificate and ID cards applications
Employment Assistance
ONE STOP CAREER CENTERS
Downtown One Stop Career Center
1100 North Eutaw St., Room 101, Baltimore City
410-767-2148
Eastside One-Stop Career Center
3001 East Madison St., Baltimore City
410-396-9030
Provides assistance with job search strategies, employment referrals and placement and other workforce services; offers access to copiers, faxes and phones
Northwest American Job Center (Re-entry Center)
Mondawmin Mall, Suite 302
2401 Liberty Heights Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215
Telephone: 410-396-7873
DROP-IN CENTERS
Manna House
435 E. 25th St., Baltimore City
410-889-3001
Franciscan Center
101 W. 23rd St., Baltimore City
410-467-5340
H.O.P.E.
2828 Loch Raven Rd., Baltimore City
410-327-5830
Provides clothing, communication, laundry, food, recreation and showers
** For any other region specific info email socialmedia@emrcgroup.org **
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