A belief in potential. A right to dream. An opportunity to achieve.
Welcome to SCCMHA
We at SCCMHA have a deep-seated belief in the potential of every person we meet.
These same persons have a right to dream and imagine a life of their choosing and we are here to support those dreams and help them with opportunities to achieve.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Every person has the right to live free of abuse and violence.
Although there has been substantial progress in reducing domestic violence, one in three women and one in four men have been physically abused by an intimate partner.
Millions of Americans struggle with the fear of domestic violence in their own homes every day.
October is recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to acknowledge survivors of domestic violence and raise voices for the victims.
Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and has no discrimination, affecting people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, race, religion and nationality. The effects of domestic violence can be felt for a lifetime for some who have experienced it.
The link of domestic violence to its impact on mental health is strong, leading to higher risk of depression, anxiety, substance use, PTSD and suicide attempts.
Raising awareness and speaking out for those in need are important steps to help reduce domestic violence.
Reaching out to those affected may be key to saving someone’s life.
If you or someone you know may be suffering from domestic abuse, contact the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or the 24/7 Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline at (866) 864-2338.
You can also text the Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 861-0222.
Help is always available.
October is observed as National Substance Use Prevention Month.
This month is signified as a time for communities to come together in the fight against substance use, as well as acknowledging those in recovery and the friends and family around them.
In 2023, over 111,000 people died from overdose, 1000 of which were under 18 years of age.
This month is used as a springboard to highlight the vital roles of prevention in community healthcare regarding substance use treatment, inform of the resources in place to help those in need and to encourage people to be on the lookout for signs of dangerous substance use from those they care about.
Further, encouraging those who may have an addiction to admit they need help may save a life. Working to destigmatize asking for help by supporting those with addictions can make all the difference for someone and could impact others in the community.
Talking to the youth in the community can be key in prevention by helping them understand the dangers of substance abuse on their health. Studies show that the earlier an individual starts smoking, drinking or using other drugs, the likelihood is much higher of them developing an addiction later in life.
Red Ribbon Week runs from Oct. 23-31 and is the largest and longest-running substance use prevention campaign in the US.
The focus of Red Ribbon Week is to lead and support families and communities to encourage the potential of healthy, drug free youth. Raising awareness to the impacts of substance use and working to pass legislation with local, state and federal leaders helps to fight against substance use and the devastation it can cause.
For more information: Prevention Month & Red Ribbon Week | Prevention Month | SAMHSA | Red Ribbon Campaign | Largest drug-use prevention campaign in the U.S.
October is ADHD Awareness Month
According to a 2022 study from the National Survey of Children’s Health, about 11 percent, or one in nine children have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
October is recognized as ADHD Awareness Month.
ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children, showing inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It’s considered a chronic disorder, affecting an individual in many aspects of their life, both personally and professionally, impacting interpersonal relationships and daily functions.
While it presents earlier in life, it can continue to present into adulthood. Some adults may never have been diagnosed in their lives, in some cases. Around five percent of adults in the US have ADHD.
ADHD can be treated through a combination of medication and therapy, helping to manage brain function, daily thoughts, behaviors and coping strategies.
ADHD Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness of the disorder and provide reliable information and resources, as well as dispelling myths of what ADHD is.
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the 10 Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance that culminates on Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement.
These days are significant in the Jewish faith to blend their culture and observe their history and faith in the Jewish High Holy Days.
Because of the Hebrew calendar is the basis for Jewish holidays, the dates for the two holidays change each year.
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Oct. 2 and Yom Kippur begins before sundown on Oct. 11.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated as the start of the Jewish New Year, signifying the birthday of the universe. On this day, those in the Jewish faith wish each other to be “inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
As with most other Jewish holidays, candles are lit, blessings are given and a feast is shared with family. In the hope and promise of a new year to be sweet, a popular custom on Rosh Hashanah is to eat apple slices dipped in honey or taking part in an assortment of other sweet treats.
The sounding of the “shofar” – a trumpet made from a ram’s horn – is an important facet of the 10 Days of Awe as well, serving as a call to repentance and signifier of the Jewish faith.
Some take part in a practice known as “tashlich,” where pieces of bread are cast into a flowing body of water to represent the washing away of sins to enter the new year cleansed and renewed.
Yom Kippur is considered the most important holiday in the Jewish faith.
According to tradition, on Yom Kippur each person’s fate is decided by God, so those in the Jewish faith are encouraged to make amends and ask forgiveness.
Five distinct prayer services are held during Yom Kippur, the first on the eve of the holiday and the last before sunset on the following day.
The holiday is observed with a 25-hour fast to cleanse the body and spirit.
After the final Yom Kippur service, many return home for a festive meal to observe the end of the 10 Days of Awe and the start of the Jewish new year.
For more information: The High Holidays - Chabad.org | Rosh Hashanah: Dates, Traditions & History | Yom Kippur: Significance, Facts & Traditions (history.com)
October is National Depression and Mental Screening Month
Depression is an all too common, but very serious mental disorder that affects people of all ages, races, ethnicities and genders.
Because of how common it is, it’s important to seek professional help and get screened if you or someone you care about may feel like they are depressed.
October is recognized as National Depression and Mental Screening Month.
This month is observed to draw attention to the seriousness of depression and how it can deeply affect everyone, stemming from factors such as genetic, environmental or psychological.
It’s also important to raise awareness of the need for accessible mental health screenings to members of every community.
Depression can vary from person to person based on severity and impact, so it’s crucial to note that there is no clear definition of how depression can affect someone.
Women are diagnosed with depression at a higher rate than men, however because men may be less likely to recognize, talk about or seek help, their depression may go undiagnosed or untreated.
It is a highly treatable condition with many different options available, from therapy to medication, so reaching out and talking to a professional if you feel like you are struggling is the best way to start.
Outside medical treatment, some possible ways to battle depression may include:
- Physical activity
- Better sleep
- Healthier diet
- Social interaction with friends/family
- Avoiding substance use
If you or someone you care about is experience signs of depression, help is available. Contact a mental health professional to get screened and start getting the help you need.
For more information: Depression - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (nih.gov)
Long before the founding of the United States of America, there were tribes settled across this great land who practiced and celebrated their own cultures and traditions. These Native American tribes have faced much violence and devastation over many centuries, but show their strength, resolve and perseverance to continue contributing and building on their own way of life.
October 14 is observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day and recognizes the Native American tribes who were settled in this land and still make up around two percent of the population in the United States.
While Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not a federally recognized holiday, many cities across the US observe the day to honor and commemorate those native peoples who contributed much to this country and the world.
South Dakota was believed to have been the first state to recognize the day, formally Native American Day, in 1990. About 8.5 percent of the state’s population is Native American, according to 2022 census.
Since then, other states and cities continued to adopt the holiday to celebrate Native Americans and their history and culture, as well as honor the resilience of the Native Americans against the atrocities committed against them over many centuries.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is marked by some with Native food, art, music and traditional ceremonies.
To learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day: What is Indigenous Peoples Day? Here's a look at its history | AP News | Rethinking How We Celebrate American History—Indigenous Peoples’ Day | Smithsonian Voices | National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian Magazine | How Indigenous Peoples’ Day came about and why it matters today | CNN