May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
When it comes to mental health, we can do better. As a nation, we need more awareness, more treatment and more funding to promote mental health. What we don’t need is more stigma surrounding mental illness.
During the month of May, Lakewood Public Library will be offering several programs to promote mental health awareness. On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, a representative from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will be addressing the 2018 theme for Mental Health Awareness Month: CureStigma. Millions of Americans live with a mental illness, but negative attitudes surround the diagnosis and treatment of the mentally ill. When people feel shamed or judged, this stigma can prevent them from seeking support or treatment. NAMI’s mission is to humanize the misunderstood, highly stigmatized topic of mental illness by showing that it’s possible – and common – to live well with a mental health condition. The presentation at Lakewood Public Library will offer the opportunity to ask questions and get information about mental health and the mental health community.
On Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium, Lakewood Public Library will screen a documentary that originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2016. “Resilience: the Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope” explores the toxic stress caused by abuse or neglect during childhood. Childhood trauma increases the risk of disease, prison time, homelessness and early death for its victims, but experts are beginning to identify the effects of toxic stress and to offer solutions. Following the movie, a representative from Recovery Resources will be available to discuss mental health issues with the audience.
If self-care is on your agenda during Mental Health Month, you can explore meditation in a session presented by Nadine Feighan on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room. Meditation can reduce anxiety and stress and lead to a healthier state of mental well-being.
Join us at Lakewood Public Library during the month of May to promote improvements in mental health services and end the stigma attached to mental illness.