Mental Health Is Wealth

By Hattie Foote

“Mommy do you know what Turtle Time is?” I looked down at my sweet kindergartener, internally panicking because the only Turtle Time I was aware of was when Ramona from Real Housewives of New York was chanting “Turtle Time” while drunk dancing after too much Pinot Grigio. Was he finally realizing his mother’s love of trash television? Instead, he took a booklet out of his backpack and taught me Turtle Time, a method that teaches children how to deal with big feelings. Thankfully it didn’t involve Pinot Grigio. I noticed the lesson was presented by Safe Harbor Coronado, which coincidently I had recently been invited to be on the Spring Fundraiser committee. I had mentioned a few months ago that I was going to put myself out there and get more involved in the community, and this cause really spoke to me. Mental health is wealth baby!

I was reflecting on my own elementary, middle, high school experience, and it is so interesting to think that we didn’t have a resource like Safe Harbor, which is our local community mental health non-profit providing support for families who are navigating life. Sure, we had DARE, which taught us the dangers of drugs. Although aside from don’t do drugs, my only memory of DARE was in fifth grade when an officer came to teach us a lesson and a boy in my class tooted. The whole class lost it because we were immature kids, and the officer was furious, like turning red mad and proceeded to yell at us for the next ten minutes about manners. Ah good times, it’s funny the things that stick with you. Anywho, it was a different time, mental health simply wasn’t discussed. Now my generation is an anxious mess and could have definitely used some Turtle Time! As I parent in the age of social media and cell phones, I am wildly grateful to have the resources Safe Harbor provides at the ready.

It was so inspiring watching the Spring Fundraiser come to life. Led by Executive Director Georgia C. Ferrell and President Lyle Anderson, our committee was full of brilliant women with big ideas and hearts.

It may sound cliché, but it truly takes a village putting these events together. It was a magical night at the Blake Family Home, the perfect weather, wonderful music, delicious food, and a generous community. It truly touched me seeing how many people recognize the importance of providing guidance for our youth and their families. I feel so proud to have been able to lend a hand to this organization and will continue to do so. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can do so on their website www.safeharborcoronado.org. I would also suggest giving them a follow on Instagram (@safeharborcoronado), they are always posting valuable information and upcoming events.

I had a silly situation this year when I found out I had been exclusively left out of an upcoming event. I was legit devastated, I cried at The Henry when I realized it. Talk about mental health, I was in my own head for a while and I felt, as our girl Taylor Swift sings “I’m just too soft for all of it.” At that moment I wanted to not be involved in anything, I had a wounded ego and wanted to retreat and lick my wounds. I’m so proud of myself for snapping out of it and seeing the bigger picture. I appreciate my friends (hi Lyle) for pushing me outside my comfort zone, because we all bring something to the table. I met so many funny, kind, interesting people through this experience, and I hope this motivates you to lend a helping hand to one of the many fantastic organizations in town. Let’s support them like they support us! Cheers to giving back.