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Mental Health and Well-being
Mental health and well‐being refers to the interconnection between mental illness, mental health, mental well‐being, and the associated stigma. Poor mental health is associated with poor quality of life, higher rates of chronic disease, and a shorter lifespan.
Washington County, in collaboration with local partners, have provided opportunities for the community to safely come together, learn from one another, share resources, and heal during this challenging time. Read more about Public Health & Environment's response to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. In 2021, Mental Health America’s theme of Tools 2 Thrive continues to provide individuals with information and coping strategies around common struggles that affect mental health - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Living through a public health emergency like COVID-19 can be extremely stressful. Individuals may feel anxiety, frustration, anger, and fear for themselves and their loved ones. At the same time, people may be feeling overwhelmed by the constant, rapidly changing, and often conflicting information provided by health professionals and the media regarding the growing danger of COVID-19. Physical distancing and other measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 are necessary but can leave many feeling isolated, lonely, and anxious. These mental health stressors and social isolation are correlated with suicidal ideation and suicide.
In order to protect our community, Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment encourages anyone in the community who is interested to take a free lifesaving suicide intervention course. The QPR Gatekeeper online course teaches participants how to Question, Persuade, and Refer a person who may be considering suicide through a one hour session that can be accessed at any time.
To access your free training:
Please contact Natalie Vasilj at Natalie.vasilj@co.washington.mn.us if you have any questions.
Washington County, in collaboration with local partners, have provided opportunities for the community to safely come together, learn from one another, share resources, and heal during this challenging time. Read more about Public Health & Environment's response to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May is Mental Health Month
While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. In 2021, Mental Health America’s theme of Tools 2 Thrive continues to provide individuals with information and coping strategies around common struggles that affect mental health - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Week 1: Adapting to Stress and Trauma / Adaptación Después Del Truama y el Estrés
- Fact Sheet (English and Hoja Informativa)
- Worksheet - Processing Trauma and Stress (English and Hoja de Trabajo)
- Week 2: Processing Big Changes / Cómo Procesar los Grandes Cambios
- Fact Sheet (English and Hoja Informativa)
- Worksheet - Dealing with Change (English and Hoja de Trabajo)
- Week 3: Accepting Reality / Aceptando la Realidad
- Fact Sheet (English and Hoja Informativa)
- Worksheet - Practicing Radical Acceptance (English and Hoja de Trabajo)
- Week 4: Taking time for Yourself / Dedicando un Tiempo Para Uno Mismo
- Fact Sheet (English and Hoja Informativa)
- Worksheet - Prioritizing Self-Care (English and Hoja de Trabajo)
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
Living through a public health emergency like COVID-19 can be extremely stressful. Individuals may feel anxiety, frustration, anger, and fear for themselves and their loved ones. At the same time, people may be feeling overwhelmed by the constant, rapidly changing, and often conflicting information provided by health professionals and the media regarding the growing danger of COVID-19. Physical distancing and other measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 are necessary but can leave many feeling isolated, lonely, and anxious. These mental health stressors and social isolation are correlated with suicidal ideation and suicide.
In order to protect our community, Washington County Department of Public Health and Environment encourages anyone in the community who is interested to take a free lifesaving suicide intervention course. The QPR Gatekeeper online course teaches participants how to Question, Persuade, and Refer a person who may be considering suicide through a one hour session that can be accessed at any time.
To access your free training:
- Go to the QPR Gatekeeper training Portal qprtraining.com/setup
- Enter WCDPH as your Organization Code
- Select Create Account
- Complete and submit your registration form with your email
- QPR will display and email the newly created username and password
- Log in to begin training at qprtraining.com
Please contact Natalie Vasilj at Natalie.vasilj@co.washington.mn.us if you have any questions.
Washington County Crisis Response Unit provides 24/7/365 mobile crisis mental health services for adults and children experiencing a crisis. Mobile crisis interventions are face-to-face, short-term, intensive mental health services.
Phone: 651-275-7400
Email: crisisresponse@co.washington.mn.us
See Community Services' Crisis Response web page for more information.
Phone: 651-275-7400
Email: crisisresponse@co.washington.mn.us
See Community Services' Crisis Response web page for more information.
This is a difficult time for all of us – we are isolated from people we love, our schedules are disrupted, and we may feel alone. Even more so in the last few weeks, acts of violence and racism has created trauma and pain, especially for communities of color. People of color have been burdened by racism and trauma for years. Racism is a public health crisis and has a significant impact on mental health. Washington County wants to be active in supporting our employees and our community. See the list below for mental health resources led by people of color for people of color.
National Resources
- Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
- Black Mental Health Matters: Contains resources to therapists and hotlines for Black African Americans struggling with mental health. During this uncertain and challenging time in our Black community.
Local Resources in the Twin Cities
- Resmaa Menakem: A Minneapolis somatic healer and author of, "My Grandmother's Hand's Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies."
- Dr. Joi D. Lewis: Local coach and consultant, and author of, "Healing: The Act of Radial Self-Care."
- Sanvello: An app-based mental health service that provides a non-judgmental forum to process emotions and harness them for meaningful impact and healing. Community groups geared toward people of color include Black Health and Wellness and Mental Illness In Black Community.
For Youth
- Irreducible Grace Foundation: A youth empowerment organization that creates safe spaces and healing opportunities for youth of color.
- Helping Youth During Hard Times
- Blog, Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative
- Calm Room, Ramsey County Children's Mental Health Collaborative
Find Help
- Directory of Black Psychotherapists, Mary Ellen Strong Foundation: Promotes mental health in underserved communities.
- Therapy for Black Girls: An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls.
Upcoming Events and Trainings:
- Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Training
- Go to the QPR Gatekeeper training Portal qprtraining.com/setup
- Enter WCDPH as your Organization Code
- Select Create Account
- Complete and submit your registration form with your email
- QPR will display and email the newly created username and password
- Log in to begin training at qprtraining.com