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 4: EMBRACE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY.
Learning about our mental health and what we need to support our wellbeing takes time. It’s important to make mental health an ongoing priority in our lives, take care of ourselves, know when to get help, and share our own stories about mental health when possible. Prioritizing self-care and emotional wellbeing as part of your daily routine can help you learn more about your mental health and wellness, feel more comfortable talking about mental health, and access helpful resources that are available when you need them. As a result, your efforts will help you build connections, foster the feeling that you are not alone, and make space to gain perspective on the difficulty you are experiencing.
- This guide by SAMHSA 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
- 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 and family. 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.
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. Everyone’s journey is different, but you are NEVER alone!
Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~