Mental Health Wednesday

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National Make a Difference to Children Month

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National Make A Difference to Children Month is observed in July. The month raises awareness about the vulnerability any child in the world can face if they do not have the right person in their lives to guide them. Children, being pure of heart and still lacking experience about life, need guidance to choose the right paths. Oftentimes such guiding figures can be parents, older siblings, teachers, or other types of guardians. However, it also happens that many times children do not have such mentors, and this can put them in harm’s way. A study shows that children are more likely to pursue higher studies if they have mentors and ideals in their lives. Children are the future of the world, and this is why it is important to make a positive difference in their lives.

Make a Difference To Children

Talk to a child: One of the best ways to help make a difference in a child’s life is to get to know them better by understanding their needs. In many cases, all a child requires is the attention and time of someone as it makes them feel heard and cared for. So, talk to the children in your life, and spend time with them.

Vow to protect children: If you see abuse or neglect happening to a child around you, you can help them by stepping in or informing the authorities. But always make sure that you are aware of the situation between parents and their child before you take any action. Context is important.

Donate to children’s trust: Find child welfare organizations and trusts and donate to them. You can also spread the word about them by talking to your friends and family, and encouraging them to donate, too.

5 FACTS ABOUT CHILD WELFARE

1 million children face abuse/neglect: Around one million children in America are victims of abuse and neglect every year.

20,000 foster children age out: Every year, at least 20,000 children age out of the foster care system.

More vacancies in welfare than in childcare: There are more staff vacancies in child welfare agencies than in child-service agencies.

Loans holding back social workers: More social workers are willing to work for child welfare organizations if their loans are forgiven.

Less than 40% of professional workers: Estimates have shown that less than 40% of child welfare workers are professionals who are aware of the ins and outs of their field.

CELBRATE CHILDREN

It’s a celebration of children: Children are the epitome of innocence and purity. It is our duty to protect them and give them a life that allows them to flourish and thrive in all sectors of life. Childhood is an amazing part of the human experience, and no human should lose out on the essence of what it means to be a child.

It’s a celebration of the future: One of the reasons we get out of bed every day is the hope of a better tomorrow. It is essential to understand that our tomorrow is tied to our children. If we can provide a better life to our children, we are automatically working towards making a better future for ourselves and the generations to come.

It’s a celebration of positivity: Hope breeds positivity, and it is this message that National Make A Difference to Children Month addresses loud and clear. No matter how dark the days may seem, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you walk, run, or crawl towards it, you will reach it eventually, and it is this positivity that all humans, especially children, need.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.

The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.

One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.

There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.

Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:

New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.

Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.

Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.

MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.