Hello friends!

My name is Elliot Raff, and I’m pleased to serve as Editor-in-Chief of Mental Note. Today, October 10, is World Mental Health Day. On this day, every year since its inception in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health, supporters come together to celebrate this reminder of those suffering from mental illness and its effect on lives worldwide. Each year also has a theme – this year’s is “Mental Health in the Workplace”, an increasingly relevant topic.

Mental Note exists so that judges can come together to raise awareness about the importance of mental health – how it affects us daily, how Magic is an escape for many of us, myself included, and the benefits of self-care. On this day in particular, we invite you to join us in pledging to be your own advocate for your mental health. Take a moment today to reflect on what your mental health means to you, and how you can effectively use your resources and the people around you to make your life and the lives of others just a bit better through support and understanding.

Starting next week, we will bring you personal stories of how Magic and the Judge Program has helped those suffering from mental illness. Until then, please feel free to contact mentalnotejudge@gmail.com if you would like to contribute to our cause with your own story.