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 following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health – Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.
WEEK 3: FIND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN TOUGH TIMES.
When your mental health is off, it is important to find the help that is right for you. Where you go for help will depend on what is happening within your life. Often the best place to start is to talk with those that you already have connections with, including your family and friends, your primary care doctor, or a local mental health organization. Help can be found across many places and depends on what type of support that you may need. It can start with participating in some self-care, or engaging with someone else to talk to and finding a distraction, help you process, or problem solve. If the problems in your life are stopping you from functioning well or feeling good, professional help can make a big difference. Even if you’re not sure that you’d benefit from help, it can’t hurt to explore the possibility.
Engaging in formal services can help you develop plans for solving problems, feel stronger in the face of challenges, and change behaviors that hold you back. It can also help you heal pains from the past, look at ways of thinking that affect how you feel, set goals, and build self-confidence.
- Everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. Mental Health America Tools 2 Thrive provides information, tips, and practical tools for situations that we all deal with. These tools can be used to improve your mental health and increase your resiliency.
- Warm lines and peer support can be helpful for those who are managing stress. Anyone seeking support may call the Minnesota Warm Line for Peer Support Connection at 1-844-739-6369, from 5pm to 9am, 7 days a week. For more information, visit Wellness in the Woods: Transforming Wellness into Reality. As of March 28th, 2025, the State of Minnesota informed Wellness in the Woods that funding for the Warmline has been cut. The Warmline remains OPEN. This funding is crucial for operating our Peer Support Connection Warmline. Click here to learn how you can help!
- Mental Health Minnesota also offers a Warm Line. Their services are available 7 days a week, 9am to 9pm. Call 1-855-927-6546 or text “Support” to 85511. For more information, visit: Minnesota Warmline – Mental Health Minnesota.
- Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people who need it. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988, or chat at 988Lifeline.org. 988 connects you with a trained specialist who can help.
I am one of four wonderful librarians here at Meinders Community Library and we have books and resources on the topic that can help you or your loved ones. Patron confidentiality is a guiding principle in library work, so please don’t be afraid to ask. I am also a survivor and an advocate, so I am always here to help or lend an ear to listen. I have reserved the library conference room on Wednesday, May 21st from 5-7pm for a Mental Health Meet-Up. Whether you are an advocate and want to share ideas to help make a difference, or you are a survivor and want to share your story and plan activities moving forward, we are here to listen and to make connections! I hope you will join me! Everyone’s journey is different, but you are NEVER alone!
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~