Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)

Mental Health Awareness Topic of the Month: Meaningful May

Meaning: Be part of something bigger.

Meaning matters for a fulfilling and happy life.
We all matter and can make a difference to something bigger, beyond ourselves.

When we ask people what happiness means to them, their initial thoughts usually describe pleasures – things that in the moment bring joy or other fleeting, positive feeling emotions. However, soon their thoughts turn to a different type of happiness. Friends, family, pets, work, volunteering, learning, hobbies, creative pursuits like making music or art, nature, faith – examples of things that give life meaning.

Working on and towards these things doesn’t always feel pleasurable at the time but enables longer-term satisfaction and fulfilment. The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle, described a form of happiness that he argued was more important than pleasure alone - ‘activities of the soul that are in accord with virtue’, in other words, help us strive towards the best within us. He called this Eudaimonia.

Meaning in life is integral to this and, alongside pleasure, is incorporated into modern-day psychological theories and models of happiness, wellbeing and flourishing. Psychologists certainly agree that meaning matters for happiness and there are actions that can help us find or create it. In fact, all the other Keys to Happier Living can contribute to finding and creating meaning in your life.

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MHa

This year’s theme — More Good Days, Together — encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all.

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Self-care What is it?

Self Care for Kids

Videos for Your Social Emotional Wellness

Strategies and Techniques for Kids, Teens and Adult Mental Health

YOU ARE ENOUGH

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you need emotional support, please reach out to the

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

CALL or TEXT 988

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to,

trained mental health counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

You Can Also contact Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 1-877-289-7199

For Medical Emergencies, Dial 911

Feel the Benefit of Mindfulness Exercises & Mindfulness Activities

Mindfulness is the ability to be present and free from distraction, giving your fullest attention to any project, conversation, or person in the moment. It’s a quality of mind that results from meditation. Use different mindfulness techniques to raise your mental game in everyday life.

Finding Your Force with Star Wars: Chapter 3 Sweet Tatooine Dreams

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (TTBH) the Local Mental Health Authority for Hidalgo County

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health (TTBH) is a non-profit community mental health center in South Texas (Rio Grande Valley) that provides comprehensive mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disability (IDD) services for all ages, including crisis care, counseling, case management, and specialized programs for veterans, all with cultural sensitivity and options like sliding scales and telemedicine. (click image for more information)

Key Services & Specialties

Adult Mental Health: Treatment for severe depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and substance abuse.

Child & Youth Services: Support for ages 3-17 with mental health needs, substance abuse, and IDD.

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, and related conditions.

Substance Use Disorders: Outpatient, intensive outpatient, detox, and aftercare programs, including medication-assisted treatment.

Crisis & Emergency Services: Mobile crisis outreach and a unique Diversion Center for law enforcement referrals.

Veteran Services: Programs for veterans and their families focusing on housing, employment, and health.

Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Brochures

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury is a best-selling book series featuring charming illustrations and simple, profound conversations between two unlikely friends, inspired by Buddhist philosophy. The books follow the pair on a journey through the seasons, exploring themes of friendship, uncertainty, and finding peace in the present moment through quiet, often silly, dialogues and beautiful artwork. It's a heartwarming and inspirational gift book for all ages, offering wisdom on overcoming life's challenges

Rio Grande Valley Psychiatric Hospitals

The decision to go to a hospital or seek another level of care can be challenging. (click on image to get more information on each hospital)

* Many people with mental health issues can benefit from outpatient treatment. But some people with more severe symptoms may require a temporary stay in a mental health hospital. A hospital can help stabilize you during a crisis and help you develop a plan for future treatment.

* Signs you might benefit from a stay at a mental health hospital include experiencing suicidal thoughts, having self-harm urges, or no longer being able to take care of your basic needs on your own.

* If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, a voluntary stay at a hospital can help you recover from the crisis and develop a plan for ongoing treatment.

* Every hospital operates differently, and many offer different types of therapy, programs, and lengths of stay.

For questions about mental health services at MCISD, mental health agencies in the community, or other concerns, contact us by clicking here, and we will contact you within the next 48 hours.