A New Concept to Mental Healthcare in Jacksonville
Here Tomorrow has interrupted the trend in mental healthcare with a new concept making getting mental health help acceptable and accessible when you need it most. Our goal is to serve the people and family members of Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Jacksonville Beach communities by providing free mental health support services.
There is major concern for the upward drift of deaths by suicide in 2020-2021 due to the projected mental health impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida. Every person needs to be responsible for their mental health and for looking out for others. At Here Tomorrow we partner with United Way 2-1-1 to handle crisis support and offer free mental health support services. On Mondays from 5:30pm-6:30pm we provide a mental health support group for the Jacksonville beach communities too. Everyone is invited.
Knowing the 5 Key Concepts to Living Effectively with Mental Illness teaches the five concepts important for wellness and living in recovery.
The 5 Concepts of Living Effectively with Mental Health Conditions
At Here Tomorrow, we want to educate and serve Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach communities to ensure we are doing our part for our community. So, this is for everyone whether you live with a mental health condition or not.
HOPE: The first of the 5 Key Concepts of Living Effectively with Mental Health Conditions is Hope
Life brings us difficulties such as mental health challenges, addictions, loss, or diabetes. Yet, no matter what, we learn, adapt, adjust, and overcome to get well, stay well, and go on to fulfill our dreams and goals. Why? Because no matter what we don’t lose hope in the process and we believe that it will be okay. Hope is holding on and doing the work.
The first step towards success is working through challenges, having a purpose, and being resilient. Be the captain of your ship and don’t worry about the negative predictions from the outside world who don’t share in the hope you have. Instead, work toward – and meet – your goals, no matter what challenges you have or are experiencing. You can lead a happy and productive life no matter what may have happened in the past. Don’t ever lose hope. Always believe you can work through anything.
- Fiction: People with a mental illness will never get better.
- Fact: For some people, a mental illness may be a lifelong condition, like diabetes. As with diabetes, proper treatment enables many people with a mental illness to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Number two in the 5 Concepts of Living Effectively with Mental Health Conditions is taking personal responsibility
Taking personal responsibility means being accountable for your choices, attitude, and behaviors. It doesn’t mean holding onto blame, shame, guilt, or self-criticism. More importantly, personal responsibility helps you to see the actions needed to make different choices as you move through the journey and difficulties of your life. It is up to you to take responsibility for your own wellness and to advocate for yourself. This could mean that you need to look back on things you have avoided and re-take that responsibility. It’s never too late.
Some ways in which personal responsibility might speak to you:
- self-reliance- doing things for yourself and making healthy decisions
- helping when and where you can
- not lying, cheating, or stealing
- staying reliable – following through on promises
- apologizing when you make a mistake or hurt someone.
- Fiction: Children are not diagnosed with mental health conditions.
- Fact: Millions of children are affected by depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Getting treatment is essential and everyone should be taken seriously.
EDUCATION: The third of 5 Key Concepts to Living Effectively with Mental Illness
Sitting in the classroom and listening to a lecture is one way we learn. Education is also about self-discovery– the process of getting to know yourself. Being comfortable with who you are and accepting of who you are helps you achieve a sense of balance; having a balanced view of yourself can give you a better idea of who you really are.
Through the journey of self-discovery, you will become more accepting and encouraging of yourself. This does not mean giving up responsibility for past actions, but it does mean giving yourself permission to move forward, changing, and thoughtfully choosing how you react to the world around you. Education is always growing and learning.
Here is the thing, learning whatever you can about yourself helps you make good decisions about all aspects of life. It gives you the power to respond to life’s challenges instead of just reacting to events. It lets you consider all the options and decide which ones are right for you.
Here are some ways that you can define education:
- setting boundaries
- learning from mistakes
- recognizing negative behaviors
- accepting the past
- learning how to live a happy life
- learning all that they can about themselves
- trying new things
- breaking down life experiences and extracting the lessons
- learning to respect others nonjudgmentally and with compassion and empathy
- loving others the way you want to be loved
- asking for help when needed.
SELF-ADVOCACY: Number four in the 5 Key Concepts to Living Effectively with Mental Health Conditions
Advocating for yourself means working to get what you need with courage, persistence, and determination. When you self-advocate, you express your needs and make requests respectfully, clearly, and calmly.
Remember, the world does not owe you anything and sometimes the world around you can be flat out mean and nasty. People are more likely to listen to a calm, respectful request than a demand. This is about communication. Let your supporters, friends, and family members know what you need from them. Communicate. Know how to ask for what you need and when to say no.
Let me give you some descriptions of what self-advocacy is:
- speaking up for what you want and what you need
- explaining yourself
- believing that you are worth it
- having self-confidence
- speaking up for your rights
- making a case for yourself
- setting achievable goals
- knowing when and how to ask for help
- self-help
- standing up for what you believe in
- having drive, determination, and motivation.
SUPPORT: The fifth of the 5 Key Concepts to Living Effectively with Mental Health Conditions
In life, we need the help of others. Support from family, friends, community, and mental health service providers is very important. People feel better when they have the right support. A circle of support helps enrich one’s life. Simply listening is one of the best ways to support the important people in your life.
When you need support, it is important to let people know exactly what you want and what you need. For instance , you might say, “today, I need you to just listen to me.” Another way of asking for support is, “today, I’d really like to have your opinion because I value what you have to say.” Be there for others when they need you; ask them to be there for you when you need them.
- Fiction: Mental health conditions cannot affect me.
- Fact: Mental health conditions can affect anyone. While some illnesses have a genetic risk factor, mental health conditions can affect people of all ages, races and income levels, family history or not.
Suicide in Florida
Suicide is a public health challenge that causes immeasurable pain to individuals, families, and communities across the state and country. According to Florida Governor, Ron DeSantis, in 2019 the State of Florida lost 3,427 people to suicide.
Jacksonville Suicide Fact: According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), for every death by suicide, there are 20 more who attempt suicide.
- Fiction: “Mental Illness is a sign of weakness.”
- Fact: A mental illness is not caused by personal weakness – nor can it be cured by positive thinking or willpower – proper treatment is needed.
Mental Health serving the Jacksonville Beach Communities
Here Tomorrow is here to guide our community members to the starting line and face this problem head on. To start, it is leading with educating the Jacksonville community about mental health and normalizing the conversation. By doing this we will reduce the stigma associated with mental health and give people the courage to speak openly and ask for help without being judged.
If you or someone you know living in Jacksonville, Florida needs mental health support, please take it seriously, and reach out to us. We offer walk-in services and can get you the help you need when you need it. You can make an appointment today.
Thinking of Suicide?
Are you thinking of suicide or know someone who might be suicidal? At Here Tomorrow, we use two tools that you might find very impactful for your personal use. One is a suicide prevention tool and the other is a “Fix Your Thoughts” tool. Please take a look and feel free to share with others.
Here Tomorrow . . . A Different Kind of Approach to Mental Healthcare in Jacksonville
Our mission is simple:
We strive to transform the lives of the people in Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, and Jacksonville Beach by building a community where mental healthcare is acceptable and accessible. Our goal is to stand by you and help you explore the best course of action for you.
As a mental health collaborative serving the beaches of Jacksonville, we partner with other community mental health organizations, to make sure you get the help you are looking for when you need it. One of our many partners is Choosing Therapy. Therapy can change your life.
Here Tomorrow offers a warm, welcoming physical and virtual space to have conversations about mental health and receive guidance on what to do if mental health problems get in the way of you living your best life.
Here Tomorrow is here to help you when you need it most. Do you need someone to listen? We are here to listen in a safe space, without judgement. You’ve got questions about how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking? Well, we are here to listen and help you find the best solution for you. We can answer your questions about mental health treatment, help you create a self-care plan, and more.
We offer walk-in services, or you can make an appointment by visiting our website at www.HereTomorrow.org. Call us at 904-372-9087.CC