May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a great time to prioritize your mental well-being. What does it mean to mālama your mind? In Hawaiian, mālama means to care for, protect, and preserve. This value extends to caring for our land, our ʻohana, our community, and ourselves. To mālama your mind means giving yourself grace. It involves recognizing that taking a moment to breathe, cry, rest, or reach out for help is an act of courage, not weakness.
Your mind, emotional health, and overall well-being are important. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. When your mind is at ease, you can approach challenges with clarity.
Living in Puna, we understand both the challenges and the beauty of island life. Financial uncertainty, rising rents, caring for keiki and kūpuna, trying to secure housing, or feelings of isolation can be overwhelming. However, we also recognize the strength within our communities. We show up for one another and look out for each other. That’s what Neighborhood Place of Puna is all about. We’re here to remind you that support exists, and healing is possible.
How We Support Mental Health at Neighborhood Place of Puna
Mental health challenges are part of the human experience. And here on Hawaiʻi Island, where the cost of living is high and resources can be hard to access, stress, anxiety, and uncertainty can weigh heavily on many of our neighbors.
That’s why our services are designed to meet people with aloha, compassion, and without judgment, no matter where they are on their journey. Our programs are designed to ease burdens, restore dignity, and offer real support:
The Coordination Center is your first stop when life feels overwhelming. If you’re not sure where to go, start here. We’ll help you find the right services — whether you’re facing housing issues, financial stress, or need help navigating health systems.
Anchor Point Youth Center gives youth (ages 14–24) who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness a place to rest, recharge, and reconnect. We offer basic supplies, Wi-Fi, and support that’s free of judgment.
The Family Resource Center provides concrete supports to families with a monthly supply of diapers, hygiene items, parenting help, and referrals. But more than that, it’s a space to feel seen and supported because parents need care too.
Hale ʻIki Family Assessment Center gives families experiencing homelessness a short-term, safe place to stay, plus help navigating toward stable housing. A safe place to sleep is one of the most powerful steps toward mental wellness.
Homeless Engagement Team (HET) cares for our community by meeting people where they are with consistency and trust. It’s outreach with heart, rooted in respect and human dignity. Consistent, caring contact builds trust and supports long-term stability.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) helps families stay housed and reduces stress for families at risk of losing their homes. Stability is the foundation of mental health, and this program helps keep that foundation strong.
Mental Health Tips You Can Use Today
Here are some local, free, or low-cost ways to mālama your mind and improve your mental well-being:
Breathe with intention. Engage in a mindful breathing exercise. Try this: Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of 4 seconds, then hold the breath gently for another 4 seconds before exhaling slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds. Repeat this cycle for 2 minutes, feeling the rhythm of your breath bring calm to your mind.
Connect with nature. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world around us. Let the rhythm of the waves slow your breathing. Listen to the birds in the rainforest. Staying connected to the land soothes the nervous system, lifts the spirit, calms your nervous system, and can significantly reduce stress. Even simply sitting by the ocean can foster a sense of peace.
Ask for help. Remember, there’s absolutely no shame in seeking support when you need it. Whether it’s leaning on a trustworthy neighbor, confiding in a family member, or reaching out to our dedicated team at NPP, know that you don’t have to face challenging times alone. Building connections with others can lighten the emotional burdens you carry.
Practice gratitude. Each morning, as you awaken and prepare for the day ahead, take a moment to acknowledge one thing you’re truly grateful for. This practice helps to shift your mindset and can create a positive framework for your day.
Practice mindfulness in everyday moments. Transform ordinary chores into mindful rituals. Approach activities such as cleaning your home or washing the dishes with intention, allowing these moments to help you slow down, breathe, and ground yourself in the present.
Download a free Mental Health App. Explore a variety of mental health apps available at no cost. These resources aim to elevate your well-being in unique ways, offering various techniques such as online therapy, breathwork, meditation, and journaling. Here is a list of the best mental health apps, according to a therapist.
Visit the library. Your local library is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. Enjoy access to free books, internet resources, and enriching workshops — all of which can provide mental stimulation and emotional respite.
Create. Engage in activities that allow your creativity to flow. Sing your favorite songs, dance like no one’s watching, draw your thoughts, or write your feelings down. Expressing yourself is one of the most effective ways to release built-up stress and emotions.
Drink water and eat something nourishing. Keep yourself hydrated with a refreshing glass of water, and fuel your body with a wholesome meal. These simple acts can provide you with energy and enhance your mental clarity.
Limit doomscrolling. Consider taking a break from the noise on the news and social media after 8 p.m. Giving your nervous system some time to unwind can significantly improve your overall well-being.
Rest when you can. Prioritize rest, as sleep is essential for restoring both body and mind. Whether it’s indulging in a short nap or simply taking a quiet moment for yourself, every bit of rest counts in replenishing your energy and mental clarity.
This month, take a moment for yourself, and check in on someone else too. Healing happens in community. Whether you’re navigating tough times or simply feeling off, remember this: You are not alone. There is no shame in asking for support.
Neighborhood Place of Puna is here for you. No judgment, just people who care, ready to connect you to the support you deserve.
E mālama pono kākou — let’s take good care of each other.
If you or someone you know could use our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call or text (808) 501-1413 to reach our Coordination Center, and one of our Community Resource Navigators will be happy to assist you.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis: Hawaii CARES 988 provides a team of trained and experienced professionals to help individuals in times of a mental health crisis. Hawaii CARES 988 is there to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call statewide toll-free at 1-800-753-6879 or dial the 3-digit calling code 9-8-8.
The Hawaii CARES 988 website has options for text and chat. If you are experiencing an emergency or believe you are a danger to yourself and/or others, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.
Visit the State of Hawaii Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division for general information.
For more information on other mental health services available in our community, visit page 51 of our 2024 Resource Directory for a list of resources.