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The month of May is recognized nationally as Mental Health awareness month. Some see mental health as the struggle of dealing with family, society, life’s challenges, physical and emotional trauma, as well as the politics surrounding employment, career changes and or the individuals we are tasked to interact with on a daily basis in life. Mental health by definition refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The impairment to conduct simple essential daily functions – how you think, feel, and/or act. Mental health is a challenge that has no barriers and can impact a person in every stage of life with no respect to age, gender, ethnicity, or social status.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC:

• More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States live with a mental illness. 
• 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) have/ or may be impacted by mental health.
• Approximately 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression.

There is no single factor that isolates Mental health and its triggers. Often members of the Black community are misdiagnosed or experience challenges accessing the care and treatment needed. There are times when individuals with mental illness may feel attacked, discriminated against or isolated, and as a result tend to suffer in silence.

The discussion of mental illness in predominately minority communities can be challenging because of the negative perception towards individuals needing mental health care. Some view mental health conditions as a consequence of personal weakness.

It’s important to know and understand when it’s time to seek professional guidance if you believe you may have some form of mental health challenges. Taking care of your mental health is crucial to a positive quality of life. The first step is identifying and acknowledging that you need help!

Here is a list of things to be on the lookout for:

• Feeling excessive worry or fear
• Feeling sad or low
• Confused thinking or problems concentrating or learning.
• Extreme mood changes
• Avoiding friends and social activities
• Changes in eating habits: increased hunger or no appetite.
• Abuse of substances: Drug or Alcohol
• Thinking of harming oneself

If you believe you are experiencing a mental health episode, AT&T provides resources for employees to get the help and direction needed. 

Resources:

Please Join us for our Mother’s Day celebration, with a C.A.F.E. conversation on navigating motherhood and corporate America successfully featuring our very own Celeste Boyd-Spear!

Date: May 11, 2023

Time: 1:00 – 2:00pm CT

The AT&T Dream in Black Future Maker program is an always-on platform where AT&T Celebrates the culture and the creators who shape it. This year’s Black Future Makers class of 2023 spotlights 24 extraordinary employees who hold true the AT&T Cultural Pillars to Win as One. These employees embody the Dream in Black spirit, uplifting their communities, and inspiring us all to think big, pursue excellence and make a difference.

The second quarter selection for The NETwork National Leadership Book Club is Business Model by David Williams. To get started order your copy of the book today, click here, and start reading. You don't want to miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Join us and our guest experts for a Q&A moderated session to learn what are the in-demand tech skills for ATS (AT&T Technology Services) and how to get the training to increase your level of preparedness in this ever-evolving job market.

Date: May 17, 2023

Time: 3:00 - 4:00p CDT

Real Career Talk, brought to you by The NETwork BICP, are honest, straight-forward conversations with internal and external industry leaders, providing holistic career advice. In this episode, we hear from Dee Poku Spalding, CEO of The WIE Suite, who will share real SECRETS TO SUCCESS.

If you’re ready to get to where you want to be – listen up!

https://thenetworkbicp.podbean.com

We want to hear from you! Please share with us "What Juneteenth Means to You". We are looking to feature members in our June communications. Submissions open from May 9 - May 31.

Remember your purchases from our eSTORE support

our National Lewis Latimer Scholarship Fund!

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