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In Honor of Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 Restorative Tips for Mental Wellness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to center healing, break the silence, and honor the humanity in all of us. At the Restorative & Transformation Justice (RTJ) Hub, we understand that wellness doesn’t happen in isolation. Healing happens in community. That’s why restorative justice isn’t just about conflict resolution, t’s about creating the conditions for wholeness, connection, and accountability.


Here are 5 restorative tips to support your mental wellness this month and all year long.


1. Pause Before You Push Through

In a world that glorifies hustle, it takes courage to pause. Restorative practice invites us to listen inward. Instead of pushing through stress or pain, take a moment to check in with yourself. Ask:

  • What am I feeling?

  • What do I need?

  • Who can support me right now?

Restorative wellness starts with giving yourself permission to feel, without judgment.


2. Create Brave Space, Not Just Safe Space

Mental wellness grows where people can be real. A "safe" space is helpful, but a brave space is where honesty and accountability can thrive. Whether you're journaling, in therapy, or talking to a trusted friend, let your truth rise. Be honest about your struggles and your strengths.

Healing is messy. It’s okay not to have it all together.


3. Center Relationships That Restore You

Restorative justice is relational justice. Who in your life makes you feel seen, heard, and held? Prioritize those connections. Limit time with people who drain your energy or invalidate your journey. Remember: boundaries aren’t barriers, they’re bridges to better relationships.

Wellness isn’t just personal, it’s communal.


4. Practice Accountability as Self-Love

Accountability isn’t punishment. It’s an act of love—toward others and yourself. Reflect on your actions and choices. Own where you may need to grow. Celebrate where you’ve already evolved. Apologize when necessary and forgive yourself when needed.

Accountability can be one of the most healing forms of self-care.


5. Breathe. Then Begin Again.

Some days, healing looks like deep breaths and doing your best. Other days, it means showing up to your appointment, your prayer, your journal, or your people. When you fall off, don’t stay stuck in shame. Pause. Breathe. Begin again.

There is no wellness without grace.



Healing in Community is What We Do!

At the RJT Hub, we’re committed to walking with youth, families, and our broader Trenton community on the journey of healing and transformation. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to be gentle with yourself, seek connection, and restore what the world tries to take away—your peace.


In community,

The RTJ Hub Team, A Program of Creative Change Counseling Inc.



 
 
 
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