Mental Health Ally Toolkit by Sanyaolu, Olutosin

osanyaolu — 2025-07-24 23:42:20 UTC

“What would you include in a Mental Health Ally Toolkit? Think about what you’ve learned this semester and what has helped you or others. Your post can be a tip, quote, tool, reminder, or a message of encouragement.”

Take a Deep Breath

2025-11-17 20:34:31 UTC

Upcoming finals week can feel overwhelming, but with Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s also a chance to lean on family and friends. Taking time to connect, whether over a meal, a phone call, or just sharing gratitude, can help calm stress and remind us that we’re not alone.

It's Almost Finals!

2025-11-17 22:57:07 UTC

This is a reminder to take breaks when you need them. Get outside (even if its cold), shut your books and get some sleep, spend time with people you love. Take the break BEFORE you are on empty!

You're almost there!

2025-11-18 07:31:04 UTC

Since finals are coming up and due dates are coming closer, it can pile up and be overwhelming. It is best to stop, take a breather, and relax the mind to look on the bright side of things and continue to work hard. It will motivate you to keep going and know that there is something better waiting for you through the storm. You're amazing and you came this far, so keep up the good work and keep at it! You're almost there!

Small moments, Big impact

2025-11-18 18:19:04 UTC

I’ve learned that you don’t have to ‘fix’ someone to support them. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is sit with them, listen, and remind them they’re not alone. Small moments of empathy really do add up

Resource to support mental health

2025-11-19 18:11:34 UTC

Healthy stress-management tools can make such a difference. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ve found that doing some stretching or yoga is especially helpful. However, studio classes can be expensive and a bit intense. Since I prefer gentler exercise and moving at my own pace, I’ve come to really appreciate the Down Dog app. It guides you through customizable yoga sessions, and you can adjust the length, difficulty, and even the music to fit your mood. It’s perfect for days when I want to unwind and move my body without leaving home. The subscription is about $25 a year, and Down Dog also offers free access to those who can’t afford it if you send a brief email explaining your situation. This sort of sounds like an ad, but it's genuinely been very helpful for me.

Semester winds down

2025-11-19 18:23:38 UTC

As the semester winds down, a lot of things are happening!! Finals, thanksgiving break, the last few assignments, and of course the holidays! TOO much to think about all at once! BUT its okay! Remember we are all human. It is okay to feel overwhelmed, stressed, happy, and everything else at once. Just a reminder to drink your water, sleep well, eat good, and to give yourself some credit! :) We are almost done!!

Prioritize Self Care

2025-11-19 20:09:22 UTC

Take time for your mind and body to relax and unwind, and recover. You can do so by doing little things like treating yourself to ice cream, dinner with friends, or watching a movie, coloring, getting your nails done, or going out for coffee. Some physical activities, like taking a yoga class, going for a walk, and running, can help your body too!

Remember, your mind and body need rest and deserve to be treated for all the hard work they do!

Don't be so hard on yourself, you're doing okay

2025-11-21 01:51:12 UTC

I sometimes need to remind myself that I need to stop focusing on the future and things I haven't done and recognize where I am right now used to be a dream years ago. It's important to not burn out by doing so many things, and remembering there is still time to achieve the things you want to. Also remembering that you WILL achieve all the things.

Listening Makes A Difference

2025-11-22 18:31:06 UTC

Just listening to someone talk about their problems, emotions and feelings can make a big difference in their life without you even knowing it.

"We're all first-time humans. Give yourself grace as you keep learning and changing." -Unknown

2025-11-23 19:53:47 UTC

Seeing the first-time humans part helped remind me that this life isn't going to perfect. That I am supposed to not know what to do or that anyone around me knows either. Life definitely isn't simple, but it's amazing because we all are here experiencing it. It's also a part of life to learn and to change. Hopefully this affirmation reminds anyone and everyone it is okay to make mistakes and to learn from them.

2025-11-24 00:22:19 UTC

💬 “You are not alone in this journey. Every step you take toward caring for your mental health—no matter how small—shows incredible strength. Healing isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress, patience, and compassion for yourself. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help, to rest, and to lean on others when life feels heavy. Your voice matters, your story matters, and your presence brings light to those around you. Keep going—you are worthy of support, love, and peace.” 💜🌱🌄

"Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself."- Mohsin Hamid

2025-11-24 01:28:47 UTC

With finals coming up, it may put a whole lot of weight on us and everyone around us. It may do a lot of good to show empathy to one another. Just a simple sitting with them and visiting, as we all feel pressure and anxiety. Empathy isn't trying to solve someone's problems, but instead recognizing and expressing shared feelings helps them know they're not alone.

Find the sunshine during the short and cold days.

2025-11-24 01:45:22 UTC

Take time for yourself, and go outside to see the sunshine! It's so important to move your body and get fresh air into your lungs! Even if its just for a 10 minute walk, its will benefit your mental and physical health.

2025-11-24 02:40:08 UTC

"Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about." — Wendy Mass

Sometimes being a mental health ally starts with slowing down, listening without judgment, and treating people with compassion because we truly never know what someone is carrying. Especially during finals week, this quote hits even harder. A lot of us are stressed, overwhelmed, or trying our best to balance school, work, family, and life. Being a mental health ally means remembering that everyone handles pressure differently and a little kindness can go a long way<3 Check in on your friends and classmates. Even a simple message like “How are you holding up with finals?” can help someone feel seen. Offer to study together, share notes, or just take a short break with them. Sometimes connection is the best stress reliever:)

Recharge Mode: ON

2025-11-24 03:40:53 UTC

"Self care beings with you! Give yourself compassion to create the space to heal, recharge, and offer the same kindness to your mind."

Drink water. Hanging out with family and loved ones. Get 8 hours of sleep. Have a walk to your favorite coffee shop. Mediate. Watch your favorite comfort movie. Read a book. Take a cruise. Most importantly be proud of how far you got this semester! :D

Resources on/off Campus

2025-11-24 04:10:47 UTC

Local 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 970-247-5245

FLC Counseling Center: Call 970-247-7212
counselingcenter@fortlewis.edu

Axis Health System: (970) 259-2162

Durango Counseling Associates: (970) 259-3944

Durango Family Counseling: (970) 259-1192

Colorado Crisis Services Hotline: 1-844-493-8255

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Support Groups: NAMI Durango (National Alliance on Mental Illness): (970) 259-5262

Alcoholics Anonymous Durango: (970) 259-6560

Durango Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: (970) 259-2982

Other Resources: Southwest Safehouse - Domestic violence and sexual assault support services

It's okay to take a break

mckennaeliza26 — 2025-11-24 04:42:45 UTC

Sometimes we all need to take a break and forget about school work, and other stressors. For me, I love watching funny videos and this is one of my favorites. It is okay to relax, and do something for yourself.

"Start prioritizing your mental health instead of adjusting to toxic spaces"- Thema Bryant- Davis

2025-11-24 05:40:26 UTC

I think it's important to realize it is okay to say no to things that make you extend yourself. It is okay to take time for yourself especially when things might be heavier in your life at the moment.

Inspiring Quote (Christopher Thomas Jr)

ccthomas12 — 2025-11-24 06:25:59 UTC

“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will become someone else’s survival guide.”
— Brené Brown