Category: Awareness

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.

This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.”  The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about how taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives.  To make change happen, we will need to take action to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support.  Each week we will highlight different ways to Create Hope Through Action.

Week 4 – Advocate For Change: Your Voice Matters.

Talking about mental health and suicide on a community level can help raise awareness and support of suicide prevention efforts and encourage those who need extra support to connect to services. Surrounding people and families with supportive neighborhoods, businesses, schools, faith communities, and services is a critical way to support every person. Communities that work together in an intentional and proactive way is vital to providing needed mental health and suicide prevention support and resources.

Ideas for action include: Start conversations that focus on normalizing mental health over stigma reduction. Promote help seeking and resources for those in need. Emphasize that suicide is preventable and there are actions individuals can take. Resources such as the 988 Lifeline, local mental health service providers, and crisis centers are available to assist. Learn the warning signs as well as risk, and equally important, know what is effective to protect individuals.

• Community conversations are a common thread that builds relationships. There are many ways to hold conversations within your community. Consider searching for a community education class or program near you where you can talk about mental health and suicide prevention.
• Community can be defined as a feeling of fellowship with others because of shared common interests and goals. Where do you find your community?
• Our community plays an important role in our mental health and wellbeing. What in your community supports your mental health and wellbeing?
• Every person and organization in the community has a role in normalizing conversations about mental health and suicide. To see what you can do, explore the Normalizing Conversations About Mental Health and Suicide Toolkit. Recommended actions, tools, and resources can be used to normalize conversations about mental health, prevent Minnesotans from having suicidal experiences, and improve the lives of people who are struggling.

Opportunities for action. Individuals, organizations, and communities across Minnesota play a vital role in preventing suicides. At every level, across any sector, there are opportunities that someone can take individually and collectively to prioritize suicide prevention and reduce the number of people experiencing suicidal feelings. Moving to action expands an individual’s ability to address the many layers that can reduce the risk of suicide.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.

This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.”  The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about how taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives.  To make change happen, we will need to take action to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support.  Each week we will highlight different ways to Create Hope Through Action.

Week 3 – Connect to Protect: Relationships Save Lives.

Often our first points of contact when we are struggling are our friends, family or colleagues. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, talking with them can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Talking with a loved one about mental health and suicide can be an uncomfortable and an uncertain topic, but it is also one of the best ways to prevent it. We can all take action to have these conversations with someone who may be suicidal by using the five action steps from #BeThe1To.

ASK. Asking openly and directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” shows that you are willing to discuss suicide in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner. The other important part of this step is to listen to their reasons for their emotional pain as well as reasons that they want to continue to live. Help them focus on their reasons for living, not on the reasons that you think they should stay alive. Findings suggest that acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation.

HELP KEEP THEM SAFE. After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it is important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety. The first question will be to ensure that they have not done something already to hurt themselves. Secondly, you will want to ask them if they have a plan and a way to die by suicide. Knowing the answers to each of these questions can tell us about the imminence and severity of danger the person is in.

BE THERE. Be physically present for someone, speak with them on the phone when you can, or show up in any other way that demonstrates support for the person at risk. If you are unwilling or unable to commit to being there, speak with them to develop ideas on who else might be able to help and how they might support. Increasing someone’s connectedness to others and limiting their isolation has shown to be a protective factor against suicide.

HELP THEM CONNECT. One way to start helping them find ways to connect is to work with them to develop a Safety Plan. You can download and print a safety plan, or you can get a copy from our library, along with other 988 Lifeline materials. A safety plan is designed to guide people through a crisis, with a goal to keep them safe and get them help. Connected people are significantly less likely to feel depressed, suicidal, and overwhelmed, while also feeling more hopeful.

FOLLOW UP. Make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call. This is a great time to see if there is anything else that you can do to support them. This type of contact can continue to increase their feeling of connectedness and share your ongoing support. There is evidence that even a simple form of reaching out, like sending a caring card or postcard, can potentially reduce their risk for suicide.

• Check in on your family and friends. Talking with them is one of the best things that we can do to get them through difficult times. 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. If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you matter and can be the difference in getting them the help that they need. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has resources on what to look for and how you can get them help.
• It is important to have a conversation about safety if you or someone you know are having or have had suicidal thoughts in the past. Anyone can put together a safety plan to help identify when we might need additional support. Create your own safety plan and encourage your family and friends to do the same. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has a great video called Michelle’s Safety Plan to show how to develop a plan. As I stated above, the library has several 988 Lifeline materials available on display, as well as a tearaway pad for a person to develop a safety plan of their own.

Let’s use this week’s message as a starting point to get connected and have conversations. You truly never know what someone is feeling, or happens to be going through, at that moment. Be kind and encourage openness when talking about mental health and suicide. If you have a safety plan, make sure you keep it up to date with current support options and the names of people who can help you. I make it a point every year during Suicide Prevention Month, specifically World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th), to open my safety plan for review. I always hope that I will never have to use it, but it is always safe to be prepared.

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.

This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.”  The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about how taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives.  To make change happen, we will need to take action to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support.  Each week we will highlight different ways to Create Hope Through Action.

Week 2 – Reach Out: Help Is Within Reach.

It is important to find the help that is right for you when your mental health feels off. Hope and healing can come from many places and in many forms to get the support that you need. Talking about the resources available across Minnesota and in your community can help remove stigma and normalize talking about mental health and focusing on hope and healing.

People you know can be good resources to find support in your community. Talk to your friends and family, your primary care provider, or someone else that you can trust about what’s going on and what you are looking for. Sometimes it is nice to know that you are not alone in your struggle. Having peer support can be a great way to connect with others that may have similar experiences as you. This could be calling one of Minnesota’s warm lines or by attending a support group.

• Minnesota Warmline – Mental Health Minnesota
• Peer-to-Peer Warmlines – NAMI Minnesota
• Peer Support Connection MN Warmline (PSC) – Wellness in the Woods

If you are unsure about what to do and need to talk to someone, try a local or national phone line to get assistance. They have trained counselors available to speak with you or your loved one and assist. Professional help can also make a big difference, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to start, as there are many different types of mental health professionals. Ask for referrals from your friends, family, primary care physician, or other people you trust. You can contact United Way 211, 988 Lifeline, or your local mental health center to understand what resources are available in your community. Another starting point is to call the number on the back of your insurance card. They can help you identify what providers are a part of your plan.

• Talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in need of emotional and mental health guidance. If you or someone you know needs support now, reach out to the 988 Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or use the 988 online chat feature.
• Support groups can help us see that there are others with similar situations and experiences to our own. These groups can help members feel connected and provide peer support from those who understand. To find a list of support groups, visit NAMI MN or Mental Health America.

National Suicide Prevention Week (September 7-13, 2025) is an annual week long campaign in the United States to inform and engage health professionals and the general public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) is an awareness day observed in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. Encourage understanding and support, and silence the stigma around suicide and mental health.

As we come together to raise awareness, let us remember the lives lost to suicide, and celebrate the warriors and survivors who continue their healing and recovery. Unseen battles are the hardest fought battles. You are never alone in your journey. You can talk to me, even if we don’t know each other. I’ve been on this roller coaster of healing, relapse and recovery for almost 6 years. I didn’t start sharing my story openly until 4 years ago. As scary and uncomfortable as it is, sharing is caring, and caring is healing! So with that, STAY; Your story is not over and your life matters!

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally!

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  Although mental health and suicide prevention are important to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices and share that there is hope, help is available, and healing is possible.

This year’s theme is “Creating Hope Through Action.”  The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about how taking action to prevent suicide can create hope and save lives.  To make change happen, we will need to take action to shift our culture from silence and stigma, to encouragement, understanding, and support.  Each week we will highlight different ways to Create Hope Through Action.

Week 1 – Learn the Warning Signs: Hope Begins With Awareness.

We all have mental health and it’s as essential to a person’s life as physical health.  Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.  It affects how we think, feel, and act, and shapes how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

It can be hard to tell if someone is thinking about suicide.  However, there are some signs you can look for that may help you recognize if a person may be thinking about harming themselves.  Warning signs can come up in conversation or through action and behavior changes.  Most people who die by suicide have one or more warning signs.  Think of a warning sign as an invitation to help.

What they might talk about:  Wanting to die.  Feeling hopeless or helpless.  Having no purpose or reason to live.  Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.  Being a burden to others.  Suicide.  What they might do:  Looking for ways to harm or end their life.  Increase their alcohol or drug use.  Withdraw from normal activities.  Change in sleep, like sleeping too little or too much.  Give away possessions.  What behavior changes they may show:  Anxiety or agitation.  Extreme mood swings.  Uncontrolled anger or talking about seeking revenge.  Reckless behavior.

• Learn how to talk about mental health and suicide and identify and support individuals who are struggling or having suicidal experiences.  Starting the conversation around mental health and suicide doesn’t have to be difficult.  Seize the Awkward is a resource with signs that a person may be struggling, has opening lines to help make starting the conversation easier, tips for support, and where to get help.
• We are less alone when we turn to each other. The Mental Health Coalition has tips for fostering connection and how to find people to connect through technology.
• Sometimes it is hard to know when you need to connect with someone to support you with your mental health. If you want to learn more about when you may need to reach out, check out My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? from the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Learn about and promote resources available in Minnesota. 211 United Way is an easy to remember number Minnesotans can call to get free and confidential health and human services information.
• Seek help during times of struggle with loneliness or isolation by reaching out to a family member, friend, health care provider, or counselor. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, confidential support for people in distress. You can reach them by calling or texting 988. Or you can use the 988 Online Chat feature.

That’s all I have for this week! Stay tuned for weekly key messages and resources throughout the month that can help you or others during a mental health crisis. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. You are never alone in your journey. Help is always available and healing is possible!

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

The Summer 2025 Reading Program is in full swing at Meinders Library!  The library is buzzing with events and activities for people of all ages!  Less than two months of summer break and then it is back to school for the kiddos.  Whether you are enjoying the pool, going on family vacations, or having a blast with friends, summer is a busy time of year for everyone!

I want to continue writing and sharing about mental health and suicide more than just twice a year.  I’ve come up with a plan, so if it goes well, and it is well-received by our patrons and followers, I will do something once a month.  All of the information I share will be about mental health and suicide prevention and awareness and can be used for your wellbeing.  It will be called “Resource Spotlight” and will include local, state, and national resources.  Some you may be familiar with and others you may not.  My goal is to bring more resources to light and to get the right information into the right hands.  That is what a librarian does, after all.  Our library’s motto is “Get Connected” and that is the purpose of this project.  To connect with the community, bring awareness, and start a conversation about important topics.

Southwest Health and Human Services has launched a new mental health website.  Area residents now have access to CredibleMind, a free website with information on health-related topics, self-assessments, and links to community mental health resources in the six-county SWHHS service area. SWHHS covers Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Pipestone, Murray and Rock Counties.  The CredibleMind website (swmn.crediblemind.com) offers mental health and wellbeing resources that are free, confidential and available 24/7.

CredibleMind offers over 100 topics for your mental wellbeing.  From anxiety and depression, to parenting and time management, you can search to suit your needs.  Create a profile to be able to save your customizations and assessment results!  Get started on your wellbeing journey today with resources you can trust!

I hope you take advantage of the resources that SWHHS and CredibleMind have to offer. The first time I used the website, I browsed for over 2 hours and really lost track of time! It has so many wonderful topics and resources right at your fingertips!

Until next time my friends, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

While mental health is important to address year round, this month provided a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters!

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This year’s theme was “Turn Awareness Into Action.” The theme celebrates the progress we’ve made in recognizing the importance of mental health, and challenges us to turn understanding into meaningful steps toward change. Whether it’s through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in our own lives, “Turn Awareness Into Action” reflects our commitment to creating a world where mental health is prioritized for all.

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! Masking your symptoms can be easy and asking for help is not. Get connected with your own mental wellbeing. Prioritize yourself and give yourself permission to embrace it. Here’s a recap of the key messages that were discussed each week.

Week 1: Explore Your Mental Health. Encourage journaling, identifying emotions, and understanding triggers. Explore self-awareness as the foundation of mental health. Week 2: Nurture Your Wellbeing. Share strategies like mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and boundary setting. Highlight self-care routines that nurture wellbeing. Week 3: Find Mental Health Support in Tough Times. Share personal coping tools and encourage self-compassion. Focus on resilience and finding strength during difficult times. Week 4: Embrace Your Mental Health Journey. Inspire personal growth and goal setting for mental wellness. Highlight the importance of celebrating progress and embracing change.

Awareness and action takes initiative. Spark conversations regarding mental health. Help spread what you do throughout moments in your day to take care of yourself. Take a walk. Write in a journal. Read a book. Listen to music. Connect with a friend. Let’s collectively promote these self-connection moments by sharing with family and friends. Together, we can make a difference!

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. Here are some links to various websites that I have used during my mental health and suicide journey, a link to the library’s online catalog to browse our resources, and to a local agency that provides mental wellbeing resources. I will also link to the posts I previously published to this website. Have an idea for a mental health or suicide prevention awareness event or how to spread awareness and advocacy throughout the community? I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email at pipestonelibrary@yahoo.com.

NAMI – Meinders Library Catalog – CredibleMind – Mental Health America – SAMHSA – Mental Health Coalition – 988 Lifeline – Mental Health Minnesota – Wellness in the Woods – Meinders Mental Health Posts

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~

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.

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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.

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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~

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.

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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.

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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~

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.

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The following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health – Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.

WEEK 2: NURTURE YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING

Self-connection, or self-care, is about finding practices that help you thrive, and it can include a range of things. It takes purposeful effort, but it can help you maintain or improve your daily mental wellbeing. It can be helpful to think of it as taking time to connect with yourself and care for yourself as you would others.

Prioritizing time to connect doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive, and it is important for you to find out what works best for you. Here are a few different ways to nurture your mental wellbeing, from the Mental Health Coalition.

Physical: Notice and address the stress that shows up in your body. What physical activities reduce or alleviate pain, tension, and stress for you? Some common activities are massages, fitness or dance, aromatherapy, rest, and boundary setting. Emotional: Involves tending to your own mood and feelings. Ways can include connecting with others, acknowledging your emotions, therapy, journaling or creative writing, art, and setting boundaries. Cognitive: Engages in activities that are intellectually rewarding and/or stimulating. This can include reading, writing, listening to podcasts, watching movies, and therapy. Spiritual: This can take many different forms and does not have to be tied to formal religion. It means getting in touch with the less tangible aspects of yourself and the world around you. This can include meditation and breathing, prayer, connecting with a spiritual or religious community, and mantras.

Identify a few ways you’d like to prioritize your own wellbeing. Set aside the time you need to do it, give yourself permission to embrace it, and work towards adding these moments regularly into your life. Know what taking care of yourself may look like and that it can change over time. It is okay to adapt what activities you engage in to fit your needs.

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• Just like you do things to take care of your body, there are things you can do regularly to tend to your mental wellbeing. This can and will look different for everyone. The JED Foundation has a variety of resources to help find ideas to add to your self-care practice.
• Learning to recognize and name your emotions and know how they show up for you mentally and physically will help you navigate life when your emotions are strong. The Mental Health Coalition has tools for identifying and dealing with feelings.
• Being well connected to other people promotes positive mental and physical health and gives life meaning. Connecting with others is one of the 10 Tools for Resiliency that Mental Health America has put together to help you feel stronger and more hopeful.
• Finding movement that is a good match for you physically and mentally can help you thrive. Be kind with yourself and your body in the process of learning to move. Explore these videos from the University of Minnesota’s Move + Thrive Project, that features diverse bodies and a variety of movement and meditation.

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~

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.

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The following information is from the Minnesota Department of Health – Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.

WEEK 1: EXPLORE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

We all have mental health. Mental health is our ability to engage with our emotions, thoughts, interactions with others, and the world around us. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act every day. Just like with our physical health, we can do things that make us mentally healthier and happier. When you feel mentally well, you’re more able to enjoy life and the people in it, feel better about yourself, keep up with fulfilling relationships, and manage stress.

Exploring your mental health will help you better understand what you need to support your mental wellbeing. Mental health plays a big role in overall wellbeing. We all have tough days and weeks, and everyone manages their mental health every day. The best way to protect mental health is to pay attention to it, even when you’re feeling good. Becoming more aware of what disrupts your mental health will help you learn what actions, tools, and resources may be useful to you when you need it. There are many ways to take action to improve mental health for yourself and for those around you. Taking proactive steps to understand and care for your mental wellbeing isn’t just self-care, it’s an investment in your future.

Experiencing poor mental health is not the same as having a mental health condition. A mental health condition, or mental illness, refers to a set of symptoms that have been identified by a health provider. People with mental health conditions experience change in emotions, thinking, and behavior. For some, this means extreme and unexpected changes in their mood, like feeling more sad or worried than usual. For others, it means not thinking clearly, pulling away from friends and activities you used to enjoy, or hearing voices that others do not. Mental illness is treatable and is not always a permanent state of being.

The opportunities and resources we have available in our neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and communities can help support our mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is about what we do as individuals, and how we are supported in our communities. For example, neighborhoods and organizations can provide resources that support your sense of belonging, connectedness, and mental wellbeing.

• Taking steps to explore your mental health will help you learn what you need to support your mental wellbeing. Take action and check your mental health with a free, quick, anonymous test at Mental Health America.
• Research has found several ways that you can keep yourself healthy. Check out these Keys to Mental Wellbeing from Berkely University Greater Good Magazine.
• Mental health is all around us but is often misunderstood. The Roadmap to Mental Health, by the Mental Health Coalition, can explain what we mean when we say mental health.
• Every individual, family, organization, and community can promote mental health and wellbeing. For example, practicing gratitude is an individual exercise that can enhance our positive experiences in life. See Harvard’s Human Flourishing Program for more ideas to help you flourish.

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On that note, 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’ve reserved the library conference room on Wednesday, May 7th from 5-7pm and Wednesday, May 21st from 5-7pm for a Mental Health Meet-Up. Whether you are an advocate and want to share ideas to help, 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!

Until next time, stay happy, healthy, and safe! ~Sally~