May is Mental Health Awareness Month. That means organizations and individuals take this time to highlight and discuss the ongoing needs of people living with mental health difficulties. This includes the neurodivergent community as well as substance use disorders.
Why highlight this at the public library? Because we are a community hub where we try to limit barriers to using our resources. Our rooms are free to use for groups like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), the Parkinson’s Group, or the Brain Trauma Awareness Organization. These meetings are free as well as being open to the public.
Our staff is also ready to offer resource suggestions as well as programs that are important for mental health. For example, on May 8th we are offering a program called “Mindfulness Matters: What it is, How it Works, and How to Start.” Emely Rose, owner of Domingo Yoga, will be here to offer tips on beginning your mindfulness journey. Acting more mindfully is one way people can start to manage their mental health. You can find all our events on the calendar.
The library is also handing out two Take and Make projects this month. Take and Makes are projects that the staff has gathered the materials for in convenient take-home packages for you. The first craft is affirmation magnets-create insightful and functional pieces that will keep you motivated throughout your day. The second project, which will be available starting the 17th, is a DIY journal. Journaling is an important part of any mental health toolbelt. Writing about your experience lowers anxiety and circular thinking, as well as allowing the writer to recognize emotions and emotional stressors. Come by the Reference Desk to pick up your own Take and Make!
Of course, we have several books and movies to include in your mental health kit. Books that can help you with your own mental health or even your child’s. Mental health for specific populations of people and age groups. If you are looking to include your religious practice with your mental health study, we have those materials available as well.
No matter your familiarity with mental health, reach out to your community and start building a support system today!
If you or someone you know is in crisis, Call 988 or Text 988 or Chat 988lifeline.org/chat