Transitions - Mental Health Association

12/26/2025

Happy Holidays folks! This week's song is Ong Namo by Snatam Kaur, submitted by Michael Kaplan. Michael says that "some mornings, this is the only thing I can listen to. It is calming, uplifting, reassuring. I can stretch in the dark while listening to this beautiful voice." He discovered the song after his daughter became interested in Kirtan chanting, which led to him giving it a listen as well. "She is the angel we all need now and then."

Michael is part of our community engagement team. "My department tells the story to the community about all the great work folks do here at TMHA. It is rewarding, creative, and full of variety."

12/24/2025

Hotline is here, no matter the season. Call or text 800-783-0607 anytime.

Last semester, TMHA was invited by Professor Danielle Hauck Epstein to take part in Cal Poly’s Marketing Senior Project. Student teams were given different themes related to mental wellness and TMHA programs, and they designed multiple campaigns. The work was wonderful and inventive, and we will showcase it throughout the months ahead. Thanks again to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) for helping us!

12/23/2025

Together, our county’s nonprofits make an incredible positive impact. Each week, we’re spotlighting one organization making a difference, from caring for families and protecting our environment to enriching lives through the arts.

This week's organization is the wonderful Lumina Alliance, who some of you might already be familiar with.

Follow along each week as we show how

12/22/2025

A quote from the fabulous Lady Gaga that helps remind us that in dark times there is light within us that can be found, even if it takes a bit of extra time and effort.

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

12/20/2025

Focusing on looks can make kids feel judged or compared. Complimenting actions and values shifts the focus to who they are at their core rather than what they look like.

12/20/2025

No two paths look the same — and that’s okay. Your journey is yours, and it matters. 🌨️

12/20/2025

BREAKING NEWS: The House of Representatives has just passed H.R. 3492, an anti-trans bill that would charge healthcare providers with a felony for providing medically necessary care to transgender young people, and open the door to criminal charges against loving parents for supporting their children and following the guidance of their child’s medical team. The bill is now eligible to be taken up by the U.S. Senate.

“The passage of HR 3492 marks a deeply terrifying moment for families, healthcare providers, and for the health and safety of transgender young people. This legislation criminalizes medically necessary, evidence-based care by making healthcare providers felons for doing their jobs and exposes loving parents to potential prosecution simply for supporting their children and following the guidance of trusted medical professionals. It forces politicians into the most personal family decisions and replaces care with fear.

“PFLAG chapters, members, and supporters sent thousands of messages to their legislators to prevent passage of this bill. While this is not the outcome they hoped for, PFLAG will continue leading on this critical work, and will always have the backs of our trans loved ones.” —Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National (he/him)

This bill threatens the dignity, safety, and respect transgender youth deserve. Read the full press release at pflag.org/press/house-advances-hr3492/ to learn more.

12/20/2025

For many people, this time of year brings more than celebration. It can stir up memories, loss, loneliness, and the ache of someone who isn’t here anymore. If you’re moving through grief this season, you’re not alone.

In her powerful story, Shari Rowe shares what helped her navigate the first holidays after losing her father, how she tended to her physical and emotional health, and the ways traditions, community, and self-reflection supported her healing. She also writes about facing a new season of grief after losing her mother and the importance of checking in with yourself, asking for help, and giving yourself permission to feel what you feel.

If you’re carrying loss into the holidays, Shari’s story may offer comfort, connection, and reminder that healing is not linear.

https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/personal-stories/grief-through-holidays