Mending Piece By Piece Newsletter

Mental Health Awareness

As we step into May—Mental Health Awareness Month—I'm reminded of how far we’ve come together. This is the 13th edition of the Mending Piece by Piece newsletter, marking one full year of connecting through shared stories, healing insights, and honest conversations about grief and mental health.

Thank you for walking this path with me. Your presence, your courage, and your willingness to engage with these difficult but vital topics have helped shape a growing, compassionate community.

This month, our theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” Mental health awareness plays a powerful role in reducing stigma, encouraging early support, and reminding us that no one has to struggle alone.

Key Facts

Mental health challenges are deeply personal—and far more common than many realize:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.

• 1 in 20 live with a serious mental illness.

• 1 in 6 youth have a mental health condition, but only half receive treatment.

• Half of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.

• In 2023, 20% of high school students seriously considered suicide.

• Over 30 million Americans still lack access to quality mental health care.

These numbers remind us: awareness alone isn’t enough.

🧠 How You Can Take Action for Yourself

DIY Mental Health – Small Actions, Big Change

All month long, I’ll be sharing short daily videos with simple mental health tips—ways to care for yourself emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Check in each day, try something new, and notice how you feel by the end of the month!
👉 Watch here

The Power of Boundaries
Setting boundaries is one of the most empowering ways to protect your mental wellbeing. Healthy relationships start with clear limits—and honoring your own needs.

Fitness, Food, and Mood
How you move, eat, and rest impacts your emotional state. Gentle exercise, nutritious meals, and breathing practices can help regulate your mood and reduce stress.

Healing Through Creativity
Whether it’s journaling, painting, dancing, or music—creative expression helps us process emotions and connect to purpose. Creativity is self-care.

Rest and Reset
Rest is more than sleep—it’s knowing when to pause, when to breathe, and when to let yourself simply be. You deserve rest, without guilt.

Starting Treatment
If you’re thinking about therapy, medication, or support groups, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out all at once. Start small, and let support meet you where you are.

💚 Take Action for Others

Give Back and Raise Awareness
This month, ALL proceeds from my mental health apparel shop will be donated to M.E. Carpenter for Suicide Awareness—a cause that’s very close to my heart.
🛍 By purchasing a shirt, sweatshirt, bag, etc. you’re not just raising awareness—you’re helping to save lives.

Advocate, Share, and Speak Up
Wear green. Post on social media. Have open conversations. Advocacy starts with your voice.

🎥 Watch: New on YouTube

This month’s featured grief & mental health videos:

• Is It Normal to Feel Relief After Losing a Loved One?

• 7 Expert Tips for Coping with Grief & Loss

• Grief vs Depression: Understanding the Difference & When to Seek Help

🌼 Coming in May: New Video Series

“After the Goodbye: What Happens Next” 
This helpful, compassionate series will walk you through the often overwhelming steps that follow a loss, including:

1. A Comprehensive Guide to What to Do After a Loved One Dies

2. What’s the BIG Difference Between a Funeral, Wake, and Memorial Service?

3. Easy Steps to Write a Meaningful Obituary

4. What Is a Eulogy and How to Write One That Matters

5. Why You Need a Death Certificate and How to Get It

This series is for anyone who’s lost someone—or wants to support someone who has. Videos are released on Tuesdays.

Support Mending Piece by Piece

If you’ve found comfort, inspiration, or support through our podcast and newsletter, consider helping us continue this important work by buying us "a cup of coffee." Your support goes a long way in allowing us to produce meaningful content, host guests who share their powerful stories, and create a compassionate space for those navigating grief. With your help, we can continue to offer hope and healing to those who need it most.

Buy Me a Coffee Here!

Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us make a difference—one step at a time.

💬 Mental Health Resources to Support You and Others

🔹 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

🔹 National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI.org | HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

🔹 Mental Health America (MHA)
screening.mhanational.org
Take a free mental health screening, access DIY tools, and learn more about mental health conditions.

🔹 Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741
24/7 support via text from trained crisis counselors.

🔹 Therapy for Black Girls
therapyforblackgirls.com
Culturally competent mental health care resources for Black women and girls.

🔹 Inclusive Therapists
inclusivetherapists.com
Find therapists who center cultural humility, social justice, and accessibility.

🔹 The Trevor Project
thetrevorproject.org | Call: 1-866-488-7386
LGBTQ+ affirming crisis intervention and suicide prevention for youth under 25.

Looking for additional resources to assist with the grief process check out Mending Piece by Piece Workbooks & Journals. Coming soon a new cover and book layout with additional room to write in - “Mending Piece by Piece After a Suicide Loss: A Workbook & Journal to Health the Survivor’s Heart”.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Mental Health Awareness Month isn’t just about sharing facts—it’s about building connection, breaking stigma, and showing up for ourselves and others in meaningful ways. Every time you speak up, set a boundary, wear a shirt, or simply pause to breathe—you’re making an impact.

Let’s turn awareness into action. Let’s support each other in healing, growing, and mending—piece by piece.

With compassion and strength,
Linda Falasco
Founder, Mending Piece by Piece