CARE is Here for You!

Greetings Readers!

As we strive to redefine and build a sense of community and connection, there are skills that we need to polish up and connections that need to be reexamined. As humans, connecting with others is important. The mental, physical, and emotional benefits of building and strengthening connections cannot be overstated. This month, we look into Strengthening Our Relationships. 

Here are this month’s affirmations to support your mental wellbeing:

  • As I deepen my connection with myself, I understand myself more. 

  • I feel safe expressing myself and communicating with others. 

  • I am positively connected and in harmony with my family.

  • I appreciate the close relationships in my life, and I express my gratitude. 

Loneliness and social isolation can be damaging to our health. Past data shows that two in five people reported that they sometimes or always feel their social relationships are not significant, and one in five say they feel lonely or socially isolated1. We know that those numbers have likely increased. The good news is that we are able to build strong bonds with our families and create meaningful friendships.

Here are some ideas to continue developing connections with others:

  • Spending time together. Eat meals together with your family. Create space to catch up with others. Respect each other’s boundaries.

  • Focus on creating memories and experiencing new things. 

  • Gratitude. Say thank you. Give compliments.

  • Be kind to yourself and others.

  • Practice deep listening and empathy. Encourage deep and meaningful conversations that create a sense of support. 

  • Acknowledge thoughts and feelings in other people.

On July 30th we will be celebrating World Friendship Day. Find a fun way of celebrating this special day with your friends: create a DIY project and gifting it to your friends makes the gift extra special, or reflect on those connections that already exist in your life and let go of those which you have outgrown, and make and maintain new traditions that you create with your friends. 

During the summer months, many organizations offer free courses to support parents and teenagers. There are special skills that we should be building up to continue on our journey. Women Fulfilling Purpose offers Leaders in Training Academy Program for teenage girls to develop life skills, leadership skills and to increase confidence. Visit their website to learn more about the program.

Teen Lifeline offers volunteer opportunities for teens who want to volunteer for their Crisis Hotline and they offer Life Skills Training. Visit Teen Lifeline for more information.

Operation Parent offers free webinars on many topics to support raising children and teens by visiting their website. 

If you would like to learn more about mindfulness skills, CARE offers many free virtual classes for teens and parents to support you on your journey into yourself. For more resources, please visit our resource page.

If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others: 

  • Call 911

  • Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746

  • Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224 

For the youth, if you know you or your friends need immediate help, call Teen Lifeline. Teen Lifeline is a 24-7 crisis line for teens where teens can call or text another teen about any problems or issues they are facing. This resource is also available to parents and families for support.

  • In Maricopa County: 602-248-8336 (TEEN)

  • Outside Maricopa County: 1-800-248-8336 (TEEN)

  • Outside Arizona/Nationally: 1-877-YOUTHLINE or 1-800-SUICIDE

For more information on this please visit https://www.hrsa.gov/.