August 2022

August Newsletter - 2022

Summer is my favorite season, and August is probably my favorite month because it's my birthday month! I love being able to celebrate in the summer sun and of course summer offers time for vacation and quality time with family! What is your favorite season and month and why? How do you and your family celebrate summer? What is your favorite part of summer?


My hope is to bring you helpful information and resources each month so you can tune in to your own needs as well as the needs of others. Right now, our country is seeing a Mental Health Crisis in our youth. If there is a topic or concern that you, a friend or family member is dealing with and you'd like me to speak to, or share resources on, please feel free to email me and let me know. I'd love to include the topics you feel most helpful.

Also, if you know someone who would benefit from having a little "mental health nudge" monthly, share this resource with them! Of Course, if you do NOT want to receive my newsletters, please feel very free to "unsubscribe" at the bottom.


You may or may not know by now that 988 is now a number anyone can call for emergency mental health services. Anyone experiencing mental health crisis can call, text or chat ‘988’ to be connected to critical and life-changing services. Did you know, that when I was in college, I was on the "helper" receiving end of a "suicide hotline"? Every Wednesday, I would gather, with a large binder (no internet back then!) a few other trained friends, and two phones and we would wait for those phones to ring. It was scary, but I found THEN, with training and resources, that help couple sometimes be as simple as being present, a calming voice, and sharing resources. I never thought that perhaps those days were "seed planting" moments in my life to prepare me for the work that I'm doing now. How are you present for others? How do you find yourself a calming force? I'd love to hear your stories of help and hope!


Please enjoy the rest of your summer, be safe, and while you're out there, if you can...

SHARE A SMILE!


Thoughtfully,

Shara Carter

Professional Review:

“I have had the privilege of being a witness to Shara’s care and concern for her clients and especially for teens that she led in workshops. Shara is an example of someone who loves to care for others, bringing light and love to her colleagues and clients. She has always been devoted to improving the mental wellness of others!”


Shirley C,, Former CEO The Women’s Center, Vienna, VA

Catch Shara's WEEKLY MONDAY Mental Health Minute!

In case you missed it...

Dr. Jeff Kegarise and Shara Carter, guest

Episode 98 (original air date March 29):  Dr. Jeff and Shara Carter discuss mental health for us, our teens and our friends. Interestingly, there may be a related vision component.


Episode 99 (original air date April 5th): You will be working from home. Sounds great to a lot of us, yet is it really? Dr. Jeff and Shara Carter discuss.

Additional articles and resources:

Check out the "Teen Corner of Al-Anon: 

August 2022 Mental Health Calendar

August

  • Back to School
  • Happiness Happens Month
  • End of Summer
  • National Breast Feeding Awareness Month

NEW RESOURCE

Dial 9-8-8:

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.

 

Anyone experiencing mental health crisis can call, text or chat ‘988’ to be connected to critical and life-changing services.

 

from SAMHSA

For more information about our Newsletters, please call us at 703-570-5951.

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