The goal of May Mental Health Month is to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, and recognize the role we provide in developing coping skills as we build resiliency in ourselves and others. May Mental Health Month allows us to set aside time and space in our calendar to focus on our own mental health and wellbeing and that of our learners.   

  

This collection is intended to introduce resources for key areas of work as we seek to provide and receive support towards thriving.   

  

These areas include:  

  • Ending & Addressing Stigma   
  • Recognizing Signs and Symptoms   
  • Tips and Strategies for Supporting Yourself and Others 
  • Promoting Resiliency and Recovery

You will find both resources to help educators learn more about this crucial subject and engage with it personally, and resources to be used with learners. 

Exploring Mental Health with Learners

Art for Through the Portal series
On Demand

Explore how we engage with mental health Jewishly with the Blue Dove Foundation

257
2
20 body and mind tools to overcome anxiety Podcast

This podcast explores the anxiety, fear, and panic we may experience during difficult times and helps us understand the control we have over our psychological responses to crisis. As well, it offers tools and techniques to return us to relative ease and calm, in spite of the chaos surrounding us during the COVID-19 pandemic and in general. 

56
107
La-Bri'ut

La-Bri'ut helps to foster the mental well-being of children through resilience building activities.

113
2
People using app to communicate

The HereNow app is a new way for teens to connect with other teens to share their stories.

108
67
Stories of Mental Health

These videos, developed by the Detroit Jewish Communities "We Need 2 Talk Initiative," capture young people and their parents as they share about their mental health related challenges and the steps that they took to heal.

93
77
How To Ask For Help - Here. Now. Image

This article will help you determine if you need help, who to talk to, how to ask for help, and what to do if you think your friend needs help.

87
83
Mental Health Awareness Workbook

A Four-week Jewish guide through Mental Health Awareness Month.

100
1
Mental Health Shabbat Resources Image

A set of conversation topics, activities and conversation guides to accompany a Mental Health Shabbat.

141
79
Illustration of people hugging

Connect the Jewish value of Middot to mental health awareness

70
1
Mi Sheberach for Mental Health

Expand the mi sheberach, the prayer for healing, for those who are struggling with mental health.

85
0
Faith, Religion, Spirituality and Mental Health

This resource outlines the benefits of faith, religion, and spirituality on the mental health of their practitioners.

62
1
closed notebook

Judaism teaches us to practice the middah (Jewish value) of hakarat hatov, or gratitude.

145
3
Family Cube Game Image

This cube is designed a conversation tool designed to generate openness around mental health and well-being.

134
131
Dear Evan Hansen

Text Study based on the hit musical, Dear Evan Hansen. This text study explores adolescent mental health through examining the gemara coupled with the song "Waving Through a Window".

97
102
Inside Out Resources

These resources teach youth how to deal with their feelings as they mature.

104
2

Educating ourselves about Mental Health

Illustration of people meditating

Learn how to implement mindfulness techniques into your daily work and organizational culture

28
0
Smiling young child with hands raised in dancing position with other children

This research shares best practices in promoting social and emotional learning in preschools.

76
106
What To Do And Not To Do About Anxiety Image

This resource from the Child Mind Institute helps provide educators and families the tools to support a child experiencing anxiety.

113
84
Classroom Mental Health Image

A general overview of some of the more common mental health issues that arise during adolescence.

43
140
Reflective Teacher Podcast logo

This episode is from the Reflective Teacher Podcast a podcast that is produced from Jewish United Fund in Chicago. This episode interviews Jenna Bilmes who is the author of the book, "Beyond Behavior Management: The Six Life Skills Children Need." Jenna shares about her experience as a teacher and includes a variety of tips to support teachers in building strong attachment and sense of belonging with their students and in their classroom communities. This episode is a great resource to listen to at the beginning of a school year (or any time)!

21
92
Preschool child looking through toy camera

a comprehensive resource from the National Association for the Education of Young Children on SEL skill development

42
102
Tal_Ben_Shahar

This video features an interview with Tal Ben Shahar, an American and Israeli teacher, lecturer at Harvard University and writer in the areas of positive psychology and leadership. Tal speaks about tips for happiness and good mental health.

156
124