October 2022
November Gratitude
As the weather in Michigan begins to grow gloomy, it can often affect our mental health. And while the upcoming holiday season can by a joyous one, it can also be difficult for many people. This is why, in this month of Thanksgiving, we are focusing on gratitude and the effect it has on your mental health. Practicing gratitude can help release dopamine and serotonin in your brain - two chemicals that can improve your mood immediately! So this month, start to implement a gratitude practice: Think of 2-3 things every day that you are grateful for. Write them down if you want. You can also get family involved and talk about gratitude together. See how it improves everyone's mood. See the video below for our Mental and Emotional Wellness Moment on Gratitude!

DEA TakeBack Day
Results
National DEA TakeBack Day took place in October. Started in 2005, this national effort focuses on getting unused/unwanted/expired prescription drugs and over the counter medications out of our houses SAFELY. If they are out of our house, they can’t be misused in ANY way.
Nationally, there were 4,902 takeback sites, including 2 in Ottawa County. 324 Tons of medication were collected nation-wide - 357.8 pounds came from Ottawa County!
Adult Mental Health Skills Videos
The last few years have been very hard on all of us. Stress, loss, change: these have all tested our abilities to cope, to bounce back, to grow and thrive. These are not easy things to talk about.
Last month we talked about the Youth Mental Health Skills videos, and this month, we're happy to announce that the Adult Mental Health Skills Videos have been release. The Southeast Quadrant group (Hudsonville/Jenison) of OSAP has produced a series of mental health skills videos that use local professionals to teach these skills for adults.
New Ways November
This month, our friends at Action for Happiness want us to try something new!
Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition
Contact Leigh Moerdyke at lmoerdyke@arborcircle.org


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Talk Early. Talk Often. Learn How. www.talksooner.org