North Star Wellness Center

10/16/2026

World Mental Health Day – October 10, 2026

Theme: “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”

People with lived experience of mental health conditions have valuable knowledge that should help shape mental health policies, services, and decisions. Their involvement must go beyond sharing personal stories to include active participation in designing, delivering, and evaluating care.

Key points:

Lived experience matters: Personal experiences help identify barriers and improve mental health services.

Meaningful involvement: People with lived experience should be equal partners in decisions affecting their care.

Community-based care: Mental health services should support people living in their communities rather than relying on long-term psychiatric institutions.

Human rights and dignity: Everyone deserves person-centred care, freedom, choice, and access to housing, education, employment, and community support.

Progress is limited: Only 9% of countries reported fully transitioning to community-based mental health care, according to WHO data.

Main message: Mental health systems should be developed with people who have lived experience, not simply for them. Their voices must lead to meaningful changes that improve care, protect human rights, and support recovery.

Source: World Health Organization (WHO), World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2026.

10/16/2026

Su***de Awareness: Promoting Hope, Strength, and Recovery

Su***de prevention is an important public health issue that requires awareness, understanding, and support. According to the Providence article, loneliness, social isolation, and feelings of hopelessness can negatively affect mental health and increase the risk of su***de and substance misuse. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these challenges and made it more difficult for many people to cope with emotional, financial, and physical stress.

The article references a 2020 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that found many adults were experiencing mental health difficulties during the pandemic. The findings included symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma, increased substance use as a coping mechanism, and a concerning number of adults who had seriously considered su***de.

Recognizing the warning signs of su***de is essential for helping people who may be struggling. These signs can include expressing a desire to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, withdrawing from family and friends, using more alcohol or drugs, experiencing major mood changes, and showing unusual or reckless behavior. Taking these signs seriously and offering support may help someone get the assistance they need.

The article also highlights the importance of making mental health resources accessible to everyone. Free and confidential services, including crisis hotlines and text-based counseling, provide opportunities for people to talk with trained individuals during difficult times. Seeking help from mental health professionals can also help individuals develop healthy coping strategies and find appropriate treatment.

Overall, the article emphasizes that su***de prevention is a shared responsibility. Showing compassion, maintaining connections with others, recognizing warning signs, and encouraging people to seek help can make a meaningful difference. Promoting mental health awareness helps create a supportive environment where individuals can find hope, build resilience, and work toward recovery.

Source: Providence Body & Mind Team. (2026, August 24). Su***de awareness focuses on hope, resilience and recovery. Providence.

08/16/2026

We know kids have tooth fairies; as an adult who would you say is your fairy!!! ✨

08/16/2026

After 12 years of intense therapy, my psychotherapist finally said something that brought tears to my eyes. He looked at me and said, "No hablo inglés." 🤣

08/16/2026

Being and doing lazy things sometimes is NOT a bad word. It is necessary!!🛋

07/30/2026

Having a sibling can be challenging and demanding. At the same time, in a world with a lot of trauma it is similar to having someone go through trauma with you. We encourage you to explore your relationship with your sister and its benefits 🤩

07/30/2026

Hold your good friends close and tight s being an adult and making good friends is way more difficult and challenging than being in romantic relationship 🥰

07/30/2026

Just a reminder here 🥰

07/30/2026

This is a reminder that while we struggle a lot with not getting everything we want and we feel that we end up in a place wanting everything or nothing; having some of the things and getting the greys instead of back or white is exponentially MORE productive than getting nothing or all. 🤩

07/06/2026