Gayla's Heros

05/11/2026

This is So important for mental health. Please share.

🎗️ Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month was first recognised in 1949 as part of a wider public health campaign. Its purpose is to encourage communities, organisations, and individuals to raise awareness of mental health and the impact it can have on people’s lives.

A key focus of the campaign is reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness and creating a more supportive and inclusive society for those experiencing mental health challenges.

Mental Health Awareness Month takes place every May. During this time, schools, workplaces, charities, and communities often come together to provide education, advocacy, and support.

🎗️ Ways to get involved

There are many ways to support Mental Health Awareness Month. Even small actions can help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind people they are not alone.

🎗️ Events

• Attend or support local mental health events and fundraisers
• Help organise awareness sessions in schools, workplaces, or community groups
• Share information about local events with friends and family

🎗️ Advocacy

• Encourage workplaces to support mental wellbeing
• Speak openly to help challenge stigma
• Support campaigns for improved mental health funding and services
• Share trusted information and resources online

🎗️ Volunteering

• Volunteer with local charities or support groups
• Support wellbeing projects or crisis services
• Take part in Mental Health First Aid training
• Help organisations supporting people with mental health difficulties

🎗️ Social media

• Share trusted mental health information
• Promote awareness campaigns and events
• Repost educational content to help reduce stigma
• Share supportive messages or lived experiences

🎗️ Show support

• Wear a green ribbon to support mental health awareness
• Check in on friends, family, or colleagues
• Prioritise your own wellbeing and self-care
• Donate to mental health charities if you are able to

Support is available through your GP, NHS Talking Therapies, Mind, Samaritans, and local mental health services.

🎗️ Mental health matters every day, not just during May. A simple conversation or kind gesture could make a bigger difference than you realise. You are never alone, and support is always available.

🫶 Like, share or comment to show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Join me at: Meltdown Mumma

03/17/2026

This really hit home.....

Together, let's do something to honor these men and women who serve during this period in their life. The baby boomers who are 70+, let's do something for them while they're still alive to let them know that they made the biggest difference in our country and in our lives.

Any ideas of what we can do?

Estimates suggest that around 610,000 to 850,000 U.S. veterans who actually served in the country during the Vietnam War are still alive as of 2025–2026. While over 2.7 million personnel served in Vietnam, and roughly 9 million served globally during the "Vietnam era," these veterans are currently in their 70s or older.

In-Country Veterans: Of the ~2.7 million who served in Vietnam, about 23% or roughly 610,000 are estimated to be alive.

Vietnam-Era Veterans: The total number of living veterans who served in the military during that era (1964-1975), including those not in combat zones, is much higher, with estimates often cited around 6 million or more.

Demographics: Most living Vietnam-era veterans are over 70 years old.

The number of surviving veterans is decreasing rapidly due to age and health issues related to their service

Vietnam War veterans primarily belong to the Baby Boomer generation (born 1940s–early 1950s), with some from the Silent Generation, particularly older officers.

Over 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam, with an average age of 23 for those who died. The force was characterized by high education levels, with 79% having a high school diploma or better.

Key Statistics of U.S. Personnel
Total Served in Vietnam: Approximately 2.7 million American personnel.

Total Casualties: 58,220 U.S. military fatalities.

Demographics: 88.4% of those who served were Caucasian (including Hispanics), 10.6% were Black, and 1% belonged to other races.

Draftees vs. Volunteers: 25% of in-country forces were draftees, accounting for 30.4% of combat deaths.

The "Average" Soldier: While often thought to be 19, the average age of an infantryman (MOS 11B) was 22.55, and the average age of all deaths was 23.

Women's Service: Approximately 7,484 women served in Vietnam, 83.5% of whom were nurses.

Background and Experiences
Background: 76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from lower middle/working-class backgrounds.

Combat Experience: In one year, the average infantryman saw 240 days of combat.

Post-War: 85% of Vietnam veterans made successful transitions to civilian life, and they have a lower unemployment rate than non-veterans of the same age.

03/11/2026

Excited to get so many amazing hearts & minds together that continue to serve and promote mental resilience to prevent Veteran suicides.

Please do not feel like you have any time responsibility to this group. I just like posting everything in one place and letting people put some eyeballs on stuff and make some suggestions instead of me posting all over the place. 🤪

I'm open for suggestions. This is an informal group. If there are others that you would like to include, please feel free to do so, so that they can contribute.

As you know, I have a huge heart ❤️ for Veterans and am a strong Warrior for Christ. I have prayed for each and everyone of you to come into my life and to guide me and protect me in what His plans are.

Change will NOT be easy and will take an Army & a village.

Everyone here has made a huge impact on my life and I'm so grateful to have everybody together to bounce ideas off of and be there to support.

Please introduce yourself with your mission, your legacy & your picture.

Mine:
End suicides by giving everyone a purpose and letting them know that trauma is normal BUT drama is not.

No one ever needs to feel like they're alone and every one deserves a second chance.