Mental health is a vital part of everyone's overall health. Yet, mental health often doesn't get the same attention as physical well-being. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 4 people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. At the Gateway Region YMCA, we partner with individuals and families to help prioritize and care for this important part of our well-being.
Explore Our Mental Wellness Programs
Building Bonds with Self and Others
This program helps caregivers build healthy habits by identifying and addressing their needs for self-care. Caregivers learn how their emotional state affects their children. They engage in goal-setting and visioning, establishing healthier routines, and creating communities of support.
Fitness for You(th)
Our physical and emotional well-being are closely connected. When our health suffers in one area, it almost always negatively affects the other. This 8-week program for 3rd – 8th graders teaches youth to recognize their emotions while engaging in physical activities and games. Youth learn to be aware of and regulate their emotions and to recognize when other youth have different feelings about the same situation or event.
Healing-Centered Workshops
We all have mental health. Why is it so hard to talk about? Invite the Y to lead a 2-hour workshop about a mental health topic. Topics include Trauma-Awareness, Asking for Help, Emotional Regulation, and Goal-Setting. Workshops are adjusted to the needs of your group.
Starting the Conversation
Starting the Conversation provides a 1-hour panel discussion between parents and mental health medical providers about raising mentally fit kids, followed by a mental health resource fair that connects families with free and low-cost services.
To request programs or learn more, contact:
Earlisha Jefferson, Youth Wellness Director
earlisha.jefferson@gwrymca.org