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!
- 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.
- 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~