The
Westchester
Mental Health Guild (WMHG) is a nonprofit volunteer
organization with over 200 members, formed in 1962 to promote the
cause of affordable mental health care in the greater
LAX area. Members raise money to support Airport
Marina Counseling Service (AMCS), a private, nonprofit
outpatient clinic responding to community mental health needs.
Westchester
Mental Health Guild receive 'Champion of Mental Health'
honor at AMCS 2016 Gala.
Memories
from our 2016 Spring Tea
Memories
from our 2015 Home Tour
Mental
Health Tip
Since 1949, May has been Mental Health Month, a
time to raise awareness about mental health and the problems that
occur when mental health concerns are ignored. That year was the
perfect time to launch such a program as millions of veterans had
recently returned from war, and the country was seeing the toll
mental illnesses took. The need continues today.
This year's theme, "Life with a Mental Illness," is intended
to bring attention to what mental illnesses feel like, and then
to provide information to help. The week is intended to give voice
to feelings, fears and hopes, with the goal of overcoming the tendencies
to avoid discussing feelings, or to wait for symptoms to clear up
spontaneously or to think that someone on the edge of a crisis will
always pull back without help.
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health services,
please contact the Airport Marina Counseling Service,
the organization you support when you shop at the Guilded Cage.
AMCS has a two-fold mission: to provide affordable, community-based
mental health services and to train mental health therapists. AMCS
offers comprehensive therapeutic services to individuals, children
and families, couples and older adults, many of whom would otherwise
have little access to counseling. Open seven days a week, AMCS provides
an array of successful programs, both at the Clinic and off-site,
to meet the needs of people of all ages.
For more information about National Mental Health Month,
click HERE
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Mental
Health Tip Given
that April is National Stress Awareness Month,
we wanted to give you some tips
on how to decrease the amount of stress in your life.
1. Give
yourself a pep talk. To keep stress at bay, tell yourself
what is right with your life instead of focusing on what's wrong.
Put a positive spin on your challenges.
2. Decide to be healthy. The best way to reclaim
control of your life is to take charge of your body. Whether it
is through diet, exercise, or simply getting a checkup.
3. Focus on the present. Don't live your life in
either tomorrow or yesterday. Focusing on this perfect moment, right
now, provides an escape from the disappointment of the past and
the fears of the future.
4. Laugh everyday. Watch a funny program, tell
a joke, or come to The Guilded Cage to
read our funny greeting cards. Laughter is a proven stress reducer.
5. Meditate. A quiet mind is a stress-free mind,
so take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts and let the stress melt
away. Even ten minutes of daily meditation will do wonders for releasing
stress in your life.
6. Help others. Providing relief to someone else
can reduce your own stress, by getting you to focus on others. So
see what you can do to help out someone else.
7. Change Something. Doing something different,
even a small thing, like clearing your closet of clutter, can reduce
your stress.
Read more about
National Stress Awareness Month by visiting
beliefnet.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mental
Health Tip
The National Mental Health Association provides suggestions
to improve your emotional
health every day all week. They are:
Sunday: Relax. Try meditating, taking a walk in
a natural setting, or reaching out spiritually through prayer. Quiet
reflection, alone or in the company of others, can improve your
state of mind, strengthen your sense of self and community, and
give time away from a busy schedule to collect your thoughts and
reenergize for the week ahead.
Monday: Make a plan. First, prioritize the tasks
you need to complete for the week and make a plan for when and how
to do them. If you are overscheduled, decide what projects can wait
a week or two. If you don't have much on your schedule, plan some
activities to anticipate and enjoy.
Tuesday: Surround yourself with supportive people.
Make plans with family members and friends, or seek out activities
to meet new people, such as a club, class, or support group. Reconnect
with someone with whom you have lost touch and create new memories.
Wednesday: Take care of your body. Taking care
of your physical self can improve your mental health. Be sure to
eat nutritious meals, avoid cigarettes, drink alcohol only in moderation,
drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
Thursday: Give of yourself. Volunteer your time
and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something
tangible to help someone in need, and it's a great way to meet new
people who share your interest and compassion.
Friday: Broaden your horizons. Create a change
of pace or expand your interests. Explore a new hobby, plant a garden,
plan a road trip, try a new restaurant, take dance lessons, or learn
to play an instrument or speak another language.
Saturday: Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness
and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Take stock of the qualities
you like about yourself, your accomplishments and abilities. Take
some time every day to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.
Past
Events...
Garden
Tour
Huge THANK YOU for
your support of the 2015
Garden Tour! We thank the garden owners, sponsors,
docents, volunteers and guests who made it possible. A
few Garden Tour memories
Fashion Show THANK
YOU Talbots Manhattan Beach, their staff, the models,
and our guests. Our fashion show event was a fun and successful
day raising funds for the Airport Marina Counseling Service. Fashion Show Photos 2015
The Westchester Mental Health Guild was
presented with a
'Certificate of Special Recognition'
by Congresswoman Maxine Waters
View Certificate
The
Mission of Airport Marina Counseling Service is
two-fold.
• Provide affordable, community-based mental health services
• Train mental health therapists
Fashion Show 
