Mental Health Awareness Month aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses and treatments by encouraging folks to speak more openly about their mental health journeys. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. Adults experience mental illness each year, but only half of them receive treatment. All of us can play a part in learning how to understand and support one another more effectively. After all, our brains are a very important part of our overall health!
If you or someone you love is living with a mental health diagnosis that brings you extra challenges, know that your library is here to provide you with information about your diagnosis and your local support options.
Please check out these materials and events honoring Mental Health Awareness Month.
Library Events
- May 29 - Mindful Reflection through Ar, opens a new windowt from 4:00 – 6:00PM at Camano Island Library.
Community Events
- NAMI Sno-Isle offers many community events for support and community connections. See their calendar.
- Stilly Valley Health Connections also offers many free classes including Mental Health First Aid and Suicide Prevention courses and multiple support group options. See their calendar.
- Homage provides free mental health support for low-income older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County. They have free in-person individual and group therapy sessions scheduled throughout Snohomish County. See their calendar.
- MINDfest 2024 - Thursday, May 9th, 1:00 - 7:00PM at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA. This is a FREE community event that is open to everyone. This year’s theme is “Caring for the Mind, Body, and Spirit.” It is an informative, inspiring and inclusive event that brings diverse communities together.
Suggested Titles
But What Will People Say?: Navigating Mental Health, Identity, Love, And Family Between Cultures - In this critically important title, Sahaj Kohli Kaur shares her experience as an American immigrant in the mental healthcare field, tackling the complex issues surrounding culturally stigmatized understandings or therapy or mental health treatments overall.
(Don't) Call Me Crazy - To understand mental health, we need to talk openly about it. This collection explores a wide range of topics, from the authors' personal experiences with mental illness and understanding how our brains are wired, to exploring the do's and don'ts of talking about mental health.
It's OK Not to Be OK - This book is a fantastic introduction to mental health conversations with young people. It explores common mental health disorders such as depression, eating disorders and anxiety in a non-judgmental tone that encourages readers to understand that the described differences in our brains are unique for everyone.
Learn More
Issues That Matter: Wellness in Uncertainty
Recorded Jan. 14, 2021
Watch as behavioral health specialists talk about how to identify warning signs in yourself and loved ones, and share information about available resources.
Get Help
If you or someone you know is having a rough time and needs immediate help, call or text 988, or chat 988lifeline.org. Or view our list of local support hotlines, organizations and other mental health resources for teens and adults.
