Mental Health Matters hosts community events that raise public awareness about mental health and help to break the social stigma about mental health and illness. These events will apply an arts based approach and involve other community partners. Language interpreters and childcare (for on-site events) are provided. Scroll down below for upcoming activities.
Mental Health Matters of Washington presents the first annual MINDFEST Mental Health Arts Festival on Sunday, May 7, from 12:30 to 6:00 pm at the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo. Mindfest: Celebrating the Mind and Nourishing the Soul is a FREE community event to celebrate and to promote mental health with music, entertainment, art, vendors, panel discussions and more.
The purpose of MINDfest is change the narrative about mental health, reducing stigma, promoting dialogue about mental health, and connecting people to the resources and services they need to thrive. Mental health is not just mental illness.
Featured speakers include Roxana Pardo, the founder of La Roxay Productions and co-founder and Executive Director of Alimentando al Pueblo, who will present “Xingona: a Journey of family, Community and Healing. Additionally, best-selling author and mental health advocate, Richard Taylor, Jr. will talk about “Changing Our Mindset about Mental Health,” and Dr. Lucia Magis-Weinberg, an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Director of the InterACT Lab at UW Seattle, will highlight the latest research on social media and mental health and lead a youth panel who will share their insights on the topic.
In addition, attendees will also have the opportunity to experience a sampling of restorative and engaging workshops, including: a sound bath by Manilai Love, practicing Mindfulness with Angelica Zapata, learning more about how food can affect your mood with dietician Megan Ellison, and trying Laughter Yoga led by Randee Young. Youth ages 7 and above are also welcome to attend a special youth Yoga Nidra class led by certified practitioner, Leslie Rowans. There will be something for everyone.
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Medios Sociales y la Juventud
Presentado porLucia Magis-Weinberg, MD, PhD
¿Existe una conexión entre las redes sociales y la salud mental de los jóvenes? Si bien la investigación ha demostrado que las redes sociales
pueden ayudar a aumentar la conexión, también se asocian con el acoso escolar, la ansiedad y los sentimientos de baja autoestima. ¿Qué podemos hacer para ayudar a los jóvenes mientras navegan por el mundo digital en el que vivimos?
Únase a la Dra. Lucia Magis-Weinberg, médica y experta en redes sociales y desarrollo adolescente, para analizar los riesgos y oportunidades que brindan las tecnologías digitales, el jueves, 17 de noviembre a las 6:30pm. Pueden registrarse usando éste formulario.
Social Media and Youth
Presented by Lucia Magis-Weinberg, MD, PhD
Is There a Connection between Social Media and Youth Mental Health? While research has shown that social media can help increase feelings of connectedness, it is also associated with bullying, anxiety, and feelings of low self-worth. What can we do to help youth as they navigate the digital world we live in?
Join Dr. Lucia Magis-Weinberg, a physician and expert on social media and adolescent development, will discuss the risks and opportunities afforded by digital technologies, Thursday, November 17, 6:30pm.
Register here.
Class offered in Spanish with simultaneous translation to English. See English flyer for this event.
Suicide Prevention Workshop
Talking about suicide is not an easy conversation to have, but it can potentially save a life. Mental Health Matters of Washington, University of Washington Bothell, NAMI, North Sound ACH, and Verdant Health Commission are partnering with Forefront Suicide Prevention to offer a virtual suicide prevention workshop on Wednesday, September 21st, 7-8pm. We hope you will attend to learn more about suicide and discover what you can do and how you can help prevent it. Register to attend using the Suicide Prevention event form.
Hablar sobre el suicidio no es una conversación fácil de tener, pero potencialmente puede salvar una vida. Mental Health Matters WA, UofWA-Bothell, NAMI, North Sound ACH y Verdant Health se están asociando con Forefront Suicide Prevention de UofWA para ofrecer un taller virtual de prevención del suicidio el miércoles, 21 de septiembre, 7-8pm. Esperamos que asista, para aprender más sobre el suicidio y descubrir qué puede hacer y cómo puede ayudar a prevenirlo. Por favor regístrense usando este formulario de la prevención del suicidio.
Youth Circles
Calling all youth ages 13-21: Share your thoughts about mental health with us! Your feedback will help us create tailored initiatives and activities that promote youth mental health. In particular, we’d like to hear from those identifying as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, or who have other intersectional and marginalized identities.
Sign up to attend one youth circle conversation by using the QR code or link to the registration form. Recruit a friend (or two) to participate with you! Register for the Youth Circles here. There are several days/time options available, and most are on Zoom.
Have questions? Please email us at Info@MentalHealthMattersWA.com.
Please help us spread the word! North Sound ACH, Verdant Health Commission, University of Washington Bothell NAMI, Snohomish County, Providence Institute for a Healthier Community, Skagit County Public Health, Island County Public Health, Snohomish Health District.
Intersectionality of Trauma and Addiction Round Table
Join us for the Intersectionality of Trauma and Addiction training by Lindsey Arrasmith, MSW, LICSW, SUDP on May 18th from 7 to 8 pm. To receive the Zoom link, register using the Trauma and Addiction form.
Hosted my Mental Health Matters of Washington, a community-based program sponsored by Verdant Health and University of Washington Bothell.
Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
How do we find peace in a turbulent world? Join Dr. Victoria Breckwich Vásquez for this 4-part remote (virtual) series sponsored by Mental Health Matters of Washington.
Learn the fundamentals of practicing mindfulness and meditation and gain techniques to help you jump-start your own practice. Open to everyone, no prior experience is necessary, but we do ask that you attend all four sessions. Participation is free.
- Session 1: Thursday, April 21st from 7 – 8 PM – Introduction to mindfulness meditation and its role in healing ourselves and the world.
- Session 2: Thursday, April 28th from 7 – 8 pm – Mindfulness of the body and potential for healing.
- Session 3: Thursday, May 5th from 7 – 8 pm – Working with our emotions and techniques for stress management.
- Session 4: Thursday, May 12th from 7-8 pm – Learning and practicing self-Forgiveness and compassion and how to apply mindfulness in our daily lives.
Guidelines: There is no prerequisite or prior experience needed.
Participants must be prepared to participate in all 4 sessions. Participants will be asked to fill out an evaluation of the series.
Helpful tips: Get comfortable. Either sit in a chair, sit on the floor or lay down (while staying awake)- do whatever your body finds most nurturing while being careful not to fall asleep. You can keep your web camera on or off, whichever you prefer. Make sure you have a blanket, cushion, and water/tea nearby.
Please sign up for Mindfulness Meditation HERE.
Meet your instructor: Dr. Victoria Breckwich Vásquez is a meditation instructor enrolled in the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program. She is a long-time practitioner of Insight/Vipas sana meditation and teaches in the School of Nursing & Health Studies at the University of Washington Bothell.
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