According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one out of every five persons experiences mental illness. Placing that statistic into our daily lives means we are surrounded by mental illness sufferers—they are family members, our friends, colleagues, and co-workers. The stigma attached to mental illness prevents us from openly talking with our family or friends, especially about our own personal mental health trials and concerns. Awareness of an issue is the first step toward addressing it, and it is past time to admit, It’s Okay To Not Be Okay.
This Library exhibit aims to facilitate awareness needed to decrease the stigma attached to mental Illness and its sufferers. We begin by identifying "What is Mental Health" and facts about various types of mental illness. In addition to sharing library resources, we also partnered with community members, Undocumented People Rise in Solidarity and Empowerment (UPRISE), the MiraCosta College Counseling and Mental Health Department, MCC Academic Information Services, the MCC Child Development Center, and MCC staff and faculty to share with you all of the available resources at your disposal. Lastly, we invite you to share your thoughts and feelings under the "Share Your Thoughts" tab. And remember, it's okay to not be okay.
Mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of an individual. Our mental health impacts how we think, feel, and act. It also influences how we manage stressors in our lives and the choices we make. It is not always easy to prioritize our mental health due to stigma, lack of time, and other priorities. Not addressing our mental health concerns can lead on a downward spiral that will often continue to deteriorate our overall health. Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate techniques to begin working on our mental health such physical activity, listening to calming/relaxing music, meditating, and talking to a friend or professional. --Angelica Porras, Mental Health Counselor
Good mental health is about having a sense of purpose, involvement, stress management, having close relationships and being in touch with one's emotions.
The complex demands of society do contribute to mental illness and create obstacles to healing. This program examines mental health at the personal level and in a social context.
So much of our health and wellbeing comes down to how we treat our bodies every day. This program explores the key areas of modern lifestyles that take the most toll on our health and wellbeing, including diet, exercise, smoking and other drugs.
Overall well-being requires not only physical health, but psychosocial health as well. This program explains the elements that compose psychosocial health, the internal and external factors that influence it, and methods to enhance it.
Aging is a series of transitions, some gradual and some abrupt. This program examines the aging process from beginning to end, defining age from the viewpoints of biology, psychology, society, functionality, and the law.
