You Matter Shasta

10/15/2026

Thank you, Dani, for trusting us with her story to raise awareness during OCD Awareness Week💜

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions, and it can look different for everyone who lives with it. For Dani, food contamination is her biggest OCD theme. Others may experience OCD themes around harm, responsibility, personal identity, or relationships. All experiences are real. And for many, it is debilitating.

Please remember that OCD is a real mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. OCD is not a “fun quirk” or personality trait. Using phrases like “I’m so OCD” to describe a preference for organization or tidiness can unintentionally minimize the challenges faced by those living with the disorder.

By sharing Dani’s story, we hope to foster more compassion, understanding, and informed conversations about OCD 💙

For more information and resources: https://iocdf.org/

If you or a loved one needs support, call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

10/13/2026

October 11-17 is OCD Awareness Week

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common but often misunderstood mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions.

We are raising awareness this week because people with OCD are at higher risk of dying by su***de. Often, risk increases for people because many feel shame or judgment for their obsessions and compulsions, leading to self-isolation and depression.

Additionally, saying “I’m so OCD” to describe being neat or organized perpetuates stigma. It unintentionally minimizes what people with OCD actually experience.

BUT OCD is treatable with the right help and can lead to an amazing quality of life.

Raising awareness allows us to learn, challenge stereotypes, and talk about OCD with greater understanding and compassion🩵

For more information and resources on OCD: https://iocdf.org/

If you or a loved one needs support, call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

***deprevention

10/10/2026

World Mental Health Day is celebrated annually to foster safe discussions about mental health, increase understanding, and reduce stigma.

We want to remind you that you matter. Your mental health matters. It is OK to ask for help if you need it 💚

For those concerned about a loved one who may be struggling, ask them if they are OK. Remind them that they are not a bother. Give them a safe space to be heard.

To learn more about mental illnesses, treatment options, and other resources, visit nami.org or mhanational.org. For more urgent support, the 988 Lifeline is available 24/7.

***deprevention

10/08/2026

Today, October 8, is National Depression Screening Day - a day to increase awareness of mental health screenings available to you, your loved ones, and the community.

Health screenings save lives. They are tools used to catch an illness before it gets severe and more difficult to treat. We do screenings routinely for our physical health, so it is important we do it for our mental health too.

Learn about the symptoms of depression on nami.org, and if you’re experiencing
them, talk to your health care provider about being assessed for depression.

***dePrevention

10/07/2026

Every October, Mental Illness Awareness Week is celebrated to raise awareness, share experiences, and advocate for mental wellness.

We invite you to do something good for your mental health and well-being every day. What feels good will look different for everyone, but we hope that you find what helps you the most. Swipe through for ideas or explore more on Mental Health America’s website!

https://screening.mhanational.org/content/50-self-care-activities-to-do-when-you-dont-know-where-to-start/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUx-TFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMUxMZ1dtMWs0SzBpeDc3UDFzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEew-dv-__S_aQlgTpfxrpK_ZV8sYDRHrnloLQ2txkQpejZFr6oB8Wy4LLTMqc_aem_kaRwtCFLGwcc4FJxKKgHJA

10/07/2026

Teaching young people about mental health helps them recognize when they or a friend needs support. Plus, talking about mental health normalizes the topic, decreases misconceptions, and empowers people to seek help.

Soluna is a free app for California residents ages 13-25 that provides mental health support through interactive tools or professional coaching.

You can also explore NAMI’s Youth and Young Adult Resources webpage for additional mental health resources to share within your home or classroom. https://www.nami.org/kids-teens-and-young-adults/youth-and-young-adult-resources/

And remind young people often that they are not alone and that help is always available. 💙

09/30/2026

As September is coming to an end, it is important to remember that su***de prevention is a year-round commitment. Every day is a chance to show up for our loved ones and provide safe spaces to connect and heal.

FindSupport.gov and the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline are there to support you at any time, whether you are supporting someone else or need support yourself.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

09/29/2026

We're sending love to anyone who has been impacted by su***de or who may be struggling right now.

Know that you are never alone. 🩵💜

If you or someone you love is struggling, 988 is free and available anytime to help.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

09/28/2026

Support and connection heals. Healing doesn’t happen overnight; it is cultivated.

Family, friends, schools, workplaces, and communities all play a role in healing after a su***de attempt or loss. Tell loved ones that it's not a bother to need support. Connect loved ones to FindSupport.gov to find resources for treatment, coping skills, and how to care for yourself while supporting others.

For more urgent support, call or text the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline at any time.

***dePreventionMonth ***dePrevention

09/23/2026

Applications are due a week from today! Submit your art today at https://hopeandjustice.art/contest/monthly-prompt/

Calling all youth artists! Get creative and create a 60-second PSA, original song, TikTok, drawing, painting, or art in any form that reveals what's hidden inside your mind, what keeps you going during tough times, and shows ways that each of us can truly support one’s mental health.

Submit by September 30th for a chance to win up to $300 in gift cards and receive Moxiebox Art kits! This contest is offered by Youth Creating Change. Visit hopeandjustice.art to get started.