To celebrate America’s 250th birthday and Pipestone’s 150th, Meinders Community Library is collecting responses to the phrase “I am…” It could be anything that describes you—how you’re feeling, identities or heritage, things you’re passionate about. Here are some examples:
I am kind
I am a musician
I am excited to go camping
I am a Twins fan
All responses submitted through the form below will be anonymous and we will not gather any information beyond the words shared with us. At the end of the project, we will put together a word cloud of who we are as members of the Pipestone Community. Thank you for sharing!
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, please consult a professional. I will include a list of resources at the bottom.
It’s no secret that July typically brings the hottest weather of the year. With elevated temperatures, you also face the increased risk of heat related illness, such as heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Implementing immediate measures, like frequent water breaks, is essential to protect against heat stress. And if you take SSRIs for a mental health condition, the risk of heat related illness increases.
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are the most widely prescribed class of antidepressant medications, primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD. They work by increasing the availability of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and emotion—in the brain. SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin by the presynaptic nerve cells. By preventing the brain from immediately reabsorbing it, more serotonin remains in the synaptic space to bind with receptors, which helps improve mood and communication between brain cells. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Citalopram (Celexa), Paroxetine (Paxil), and Fluvoxamine (Luvox).
SSRIs can impair your body’s temperature regulation and disrupt thirst perception, significantly increasing your risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke. They can also cause photosensitivity, making you more prone to sunburn. Here are some ways you can stay safe this summer, while keeping your mind happy and healthy:
Manage your medication: Keep SSRIs in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, as high temperatures can degrade their effectiveness.
Protect your skin: Because some SSRIs cause photosensitivity, apply an SPF 30+ sunscreen daily and wear protective, lightweight clothing.
Avoid peak sun: Limit outdoor activities and exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when UV rays and temperatures are highest.
Preempt dehydration: Drink fluids regularly before you feel thirsty. Carry water with you, and take breaks in the shade or indoors where it is cooler.
Watch for warning signs: Monitor for rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive/absent sweating. Seek medical attention immediately if you feel you are experiencing a dangerous, heat related emergency.
In addition to SSRIs, individuals taking antipsychotics are also at risk. Antipsychotics, which are used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can also interfere with the body’s natural cooling system, reducing awareness of heat or thirst, and increase the risk of overheating. This means people taking them may find it harder to stay cool during a heatwave.
So, as the temperatures rise, so must our ability to recognize the symptoms of a heat crisis. Watch for warning signs, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor sun exposure. Be sure to speak to your physician or healthcare professional if you notice severe or persistent sweating, are feeling faint or confused, or are unusually hot, which could be signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, cool, and safe! ~Sally~
Classics Book Club: Thursday, July 9th at 12pm, reading TheHouse on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Maker Event—Tiny School of Art and Design, Mobile Comedy Suitcase & More: Tuesday, July 14th starting at 2pm
Summer Music Series—Annie Humphrey, Anishinaabe Singer & Songwriter: Tuesday, July 14th at 6pm
Early Bird Book Club: Thursday, July 16th at 8:30am, reading The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Maker Event—Printmaking INC, Nature Prints: Tuesday, July 28th from 2-5pm
Maker Event—Pedal to the Metal, Traveling Foundry: Wednesday July 29th from 1-4pm
Weekly Storytime: Tuesdays at 10am
Crafternoon: Wednesdays from 1:30-4pm
Thank you to the Pipestone Area Friends of the Library, United Way of Pipestone County, Prairielands Library Exchange, and Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage fund for supporting Summer Reading activities at Meinders Community Library!
Meinders Community Library will be closed Friday, July 3rd through Sunday July 5th in observance of Independence Day. Our Plum Creek delivery will come on Thursday, July 2nd. We hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!
Meinders Community Library will be closed Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Our Plum Creek delivery will come on Thursday, June 18th. We will be open regular hours on Saturday, June 20th from 9am-2pm.
While mental health is important to address year round, May provided a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme was “You Matter.” The theme is intended to remind you that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are going through, you belong here and matter to the people in your life and community. Whether it is through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in your own lives, “You Matter” reflects our commitment to creating a world where everyone’s mental health is valued and supported, no matter who they are.
Each week of May, I used the Minnesota Department of Health’s Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit to raise awareness and provide actionable tips and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. I include key messages for discussion, as well as images and additional resources focused on mental health. Minnesota’s Mental Health Awareness efforts are rooted in the belief that help is available and healing is possible. Use the link above to download your own copy of this year’s toolkit.
I hope the information I provided was helpful and you took some time to explore the resources and you made time to explore your own mental health. Everyone’s journey is different, but you are never alone! Get connected with your own mental wellbeing. Prioritize yourself and give yourself permission to embrace it.
A huge THANK YOU goes out to the following people and organizations that made this month’s programs and events possible:
The Meinders Library staff: Jody, Emily, and Kim – For letting me plan and proceed with my vision for Mental Health Awareness Month. Their continued support, encouragement, and guidance is truly amazing and I am so proud to be a member of this wonderful team!
Caitlyn VanDamme from SWHHS – For coming and discussing the CredibleMind platform and all of it’s resources. It is very easy to get lost in the content, but also very easy to learn new things about the over 100 topics that it covers!
Joel Gindo: Author & Storyteller – For coming and reading from his published book, “The Bee’s Colony” and filling our minds with amazing bee facts!
Kristee Hart and Mariah Dragstra from Pipestone County Medical Center – For coming and discussing the Senior Life Solutions program and the options available for older adults in our community.
And lastly, our community and patrons – For every like, share, comment, and discussion that you had that was centered around mental health! TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~
Summer Reading Program: Sign up starting June 1st!
Joe Friedrichs, Minnesota Author: Wednesday, June 3rd at 6pm
Summer Reading Kickoff with the McFolke Brothers: Sunday, June 7th from 2-3:30pm, bring your lawn chairs and blankets for yard games, refreshments and music on the library’s patio and greenspace!
Classics Book Club: Thursday, June 11th at 12pm, reading The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Early Bird Book Club: Thursday, June 18th at 8:30am, reading Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
Closed for Juneteenth: Friday, June 19th
Bingo for Books: Friday, June 26th at 2pm
Closed for the Water Tower Festival Parade and Activities: Saturday, June 27th
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!
The theme “You Matter” is intended to remind you that no matter who you are, where you are from, or what you are going through, you belong here and matter to the people in your life and community. Whether it is through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in your own lives, “You Matter” reflects our commitment to creating a world where everyone’s mental health is valued and supported, no matter who they are.
Each week, I will use the Minnesota Department of Health’s Toolkit to raise awareness and provide actionable tips and resources around mental health and suicide prevention. It will include key messages for discussion, as well as images and additional web resources.
Week 4: Community Support For Mental Health Matters. It’s important to make mental health an ongoing priority in our lives and communities. Community advocacy for mental health and what’s needed to support our own and our neighbor’s mental health and wellbeing can help others feel more comfortable talking about mental health, seeking help, and ensuring access to helpful resources that are available when people need them. As a result, community efforts will help build connections and foster the feeling that no one is alone. It will also help connect our neighbors to mental health services and resources in times of need, and make space to gain perspective on the difficulties we and our neighbors are experiencing.
NAMI MN provides free education and support groups and confidential crisis resources to reach communities across the state, including those who remain disproportionately affected in the wake of recent ICE operations in Minnesota. Learn about free classes and support groups and find resources at https://namimn.org/support/information-and-resources/ and https://namimn.org/ice/.
Having conversations around mental health can sometimes be uncomfortable, but it can also make a big difference. Not sure where to start? Check out these tips and tools from Seize the Awkward to help you start the conversation and what to do during and after the conversation.
Offering support is one of the best things that we can do to support the mental wellbeing of friends, family, and neighbors. However, it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, daunting, or just plain awkward. The Roadmap to Friends Supporting Friends gives ideas on what support can look like, how to offer support, and where to begin.
This guide by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a broad approach for things we can do—at our own pace, in our own time, and within our own abilities—that can help support us in our wellness journey. Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wellness
Be sure to stop in the library and check out our book displays, which will be up through Saturday, and you can also browse our Online Catalog for more selections. A HUGE THANK YOU to PAFL (Pipestone Area Friends of the Library) for backing my Mental Health Awareness Month events and programs, and for purchasing the needed materials, supplies, and prizes.
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~
Join us today as we welcome Kristee Hart! She is the Senior Life Solutions program director at Pipestone County Medical Center. Learn more about the program and what is available for senior adults, ages 65 and up.
