May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and promoting the well-being of individuals and communities. It is an opportunity to prioritize education, understanding and support for anyone experiencing mental health challenges.
Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. By creating a culture where we can have open discussions, share resources, and support one another, we help reduce prejudice and build a more compassionate world. Mental wellness looks different for everyone, what matters most is finding what works for you.
Some meaningful ways you can support your mental health might include:
- Setting healthy boundaries
- Engaging in regular movement
- Practicing mindful breathing
- Eating nutritious meals
- Exploring creative outlets
- Making time for sleep and rest
- Spending time in nature or with loved ones
- Seeking professional support or peer connection
Check out our collection of books and resources on mental health, and upcoming events and programs to help you prioritize your mental wellness.
Resources:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Text Line – Text or call 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to get connected to care and support.
- Mental Health America – Provides screening tools, resources, and tips for wellness
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Offers support groups, education, and advocacy
- The Trevor Project – Support for LGBTQ+ youth and a 24/7 crisis line
- Tips For How to Help a Person with Mental Illness
- How to Talk About Mental Health
Upcoming Events:
- An Introduction to Mindfulness – Monday, May 12 1-2pm @ South Hill Library
- Whole Person Health and Illness Prevention – Thursday, May 15 5:30-6:30pm @ South Hill Library
- Symptoms of Mental Illness and Options for Care – Thursday, May 22 5:30-6:30pm @ South Hill Library
- A Community Practice: Artistry – Wednesday, May 28 5:30-6:30 @ South Hill Library
- Careers in Mental and Behavioral Health – Thursday, May 29 5:30-6:30 @ South Hill Library
- Write Together – Friday, May 23 10:00-12:00 @ Hillyard Library
- Drop-in and Draw, Paint, Knit, Stitch… – Wednesday, May 21 4:30-7:00pm @ The Hive
For Kids & Teens
Louder Than Hunger by John Schu
Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo
The Rock in my Throat by Kao Kalia Yang
Maybe Tomorrow? by Charlotte Agell
Unstuck by Barbara Dee
Drawing Deena by Hena Khan
Adults
Get Out of Your Head: Stopping the Spiral of Toxic Thoughts by Jennie Allen
How to do the Work by Nicole LePera
What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Anna Lembke
Nobody’s Normal by Roy Richard Grinker
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
