Why Mental Health Matters During National Foster Care Month
Why Mental Health Matters During National Foster Care Month
By Binley Taylor and Faith Sharp
In this guest post, Binley Taylor of FosterClub, a National Center partner, collaborates with Faith Sharp, a Lived Experience Leader to talk about how she prioritizes her mental health.
May is National Foster Care Month, let’s talk about it…
What is National Foster Care Month?
National Foster Care Month is about raising awareness and showing support for youth and teens who are in or experienced foster care. It is also a time to celebrate caregivers, families, case workers, and organizations that help young people feel safe and cared for.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is an important issue for all people, but it’s especially important for young people that have experienced foster care. Going through dramatic changes, removed from your home, and not always knowing what’s next can be really stressful. Taking care of our mental health means talking about our feelings, finding ways to cope with stress, and asking for help when we need it. “Several of my friends speak to either one or both of their parents either everyday or every other day. My family life does not look like that, and so I have made a point to speak on the phone with someone I love 4-5 times a week. These calls vary from 5 minutes to 3 hours and have changed my view on life! Prioritizing connections is the best thing I have done for my mental health in years.”-LEx Leader, Faith Sharp
Tips for Taking Care of Your Mental Health
Talk About Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or confused. Find someone you trust—a friend, a teacher, or a counselor—to talk to about how you’re feeling.
Find Healthy Ways to Cope: Whether it’s drawing, writing, playing sports, or listening to music, find something that helps you relax and feel better when things get tough. “Reclassifying coping skills for myself has been life changing! Food, exercise, TV, journaling, are all healthy coping skills, but I used to think some were better than others. The reality is you need to figure out a balance between them all. Learning that difference is how I protect my peace.” -LEx Leader, Faith Sharp
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with people who care about you. Having supportive friends and adults in your life makes a big difference.
Ask for Help: If you’re struggling with your mental health, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to a counselor, therapist, or trusted adult who can support you.
During National Foster Care Month, remember your experiences matter, and your voice deserves to be heard.
This May, let’s raise our voices, share our stories, and spread awareness about foster care and mental health.