nuwsletter | may 2023

Volume 5

our nuwsletter / May 2023

Quote of the month:

“No voice is too soft when that voice speaks for others.”

— Janna Cachola

nuws:

Our website has been revamped! Check out around the new site

nu-education:

May is big on Mental Health! May is Mental Health Month in the US and Mental Health Week is celebrated during the first week of May in Canada and the third week of May in the UK. Nevertheless, in each county, Mental Health Week raises awareness of mental health illnesses to reduce stigmas. This year’s theme in the UK focuses on anxiety and increasing people's awareness and understanding of anxiety.

The average person experiences anxiety here and there, but for people with anxiety disorders, this feeling doesn’t go away and may worsen over time. Several disorders fall under anxiety disorders such as

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) - characterized by a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread

• Panic disorder - characterized by frequent and unexpected panic attacks

• Social anxiety disorder - characterized by intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others

• Phobia-related disorders - intense fear of, or aversion to, specific objects or situations

A graphic organizer listing common symptoms of different anxiety disorders

Anxiety can be debilitating, especially if it coexists with another mental illness. Complications can lead to discrimination, lack of support,  limited access to social services, housing, employment, and welfare, and general stigma. 

Here are some ways to support and advocate for people with anxiety:

• Ask questions to better understand needs and accommodations. Not all people with anxiety disorders have the same needs. It’s always best to ask questions to understand individual needs 

• Maintain open communication channels. Allow folks with anxiety to express their concerns and involve them in decision-making regarding messaging to ensure the appropriate perspectives are being considered 

• Refrain from using inaccurate language. As our knowledge about continues to grow, words we use to refer to anxiety and mental health disorders evolve. It’s important to refrain from using outdated terms, as it can be offensive.

Sources:

• National Institute of Mental Health

• Michael Page

nu-spotlight:

We’ll be sharing ongoing highlights and updates in this section of the nuwsletter. This month, we are excited to share some of the DEI resources we’ve added or will be adding to our learning journey. 

• Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women Day | Symone - An MSNBC news reel discussing the disproportionate rate of violence that happens against Indigenous people (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day is on May 5th)

• Empathizing and Systemizing: Benefits of Cognitive Diversity and Support Mechanisms for ASC Individuals - An article that explores the manifestation and significance of neurodiversity, evaluates the impact of diversity of empathizing and systemizing preferences, and provides recommendations for leveraging strengths along Autism Spectrum Condition.

• Check out some of these local events happening this month and look out for more on our social media accounts!

• May 3 - Workplace Violence & De-Escalation Techniques

  • Wednesday, May 3, 2023, 11 am- 12 pm

  • Virtual

  • FREE

  • Registration Link

• May 4 - Mental Health Online: Workplace Mental Health

  • Thursday, May 4, 2023, 5 pm - 7 pm

  • Virtual

  • FREE

  • Registration Link

• May 21 - Culinary Delights for Kids with Spoonful Herbals: Spring Blooms

  • Sunday, May 21, 2023, 1 pm - 2:30 pm

  • McClure Education Center in the Farm Barn, Shelburne Farms 1611 Harbor Road Shelburne, VT 05482

  • $15

  • Registration Link