Library Embraces Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) and according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Baltimore, one in five people lives with a mental health condition. This year’s theme is “Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.” As a community connector, the library is a great place to start. There are materials for borrowing and resources to access for help that may be needed. The phone numbers listed can connect you with a mental health professional or check out these tips from NAMI you can do any time if you just need a little more pep in your step.
Take Screen Breaks
With constant access to screens through our phones along with social media and notifications constantly demanding our attention, it’s easy to lose hours of time on our devices. It’s important to remember that the blue light can hurt your eyes. Not to mention, the exposure to traumatizing headlines can take a toll on our mental health. Some ways to manage your screen time are below:
- Make sure to check your screen time app (most phones have this pre-installed) to see which apps are taking up most of your time.
- Set a timer on your phone to kick you out of addictive apps, like Instagram, Facebook or other social media.
- If you are frequently on the computer, download an app to your desktop that notifies you to get up and stretch every half hour or however often you want to move.
Spend Time in Nature
According to a study by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, “forest bathing trips significantly decrease anxiety, depression, anger, confusion and fatigue.” Don’t live near a forest? No problem. There are tons of green spaces around Baltimore County, including:
- Cromwell Valley Park
- Double Rock Park
- Lake Roland
- Loch Raven Reservoir
- Oregon Ridge
- Patapsco Valley State Park
The Library Is Here to Help
- Attend an event or program offered year-round, like yoga, painting classes, sensory programs and more. We also have a lineup of programs in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Be Surprised Bundles are great when you want to start fresh. Our librarians can handpick up to five items for you based on your preferences.
- Borrow items from our Library of Things, including adventure backpacks, board games, outdoor activities and memory kits.
- Explore our stacks or ask a librarian for help finding books covering topics like mental health, relationships with yourself and others, and LGBTQIA+. We also curated this collection to browse.
- Hoopla has a large collection of comics, movies, music and shows on mental health.
- Kanopy has a selection of movies and documentaries that discuss mental health topics. It also offers great courses with topics of healthy living, like workouts and meditation.
Help In Baltimore County
It’s okay to not be okay, and the sooner you talk with someone about how you’re feeling, the better. Here are some resources.
- Baltimore County Crisis Response System—Baltimore County’s crisis hotline that provides immediate crisis support, community resources and supportive services, 24/7.
Phone: 410-931-2214 - First Call for Help—24-hour, toll-free health and human service resource helpline. Information on assistance with utility bills, housing, food and more.
Call 410-685-0525 or 211 - Maryland Youth Crisis—Statewide crisis intervention, or intervention of any type, and supportive counseling hotline, 24/7.
Phone: 1-800-422-0009 - MD Mind Health—Text program for all mental health or substance abuse needs, 24/7.
Text MDMINDHEALTH to 898211. - National Alliance on Mental Health—Building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness
Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741. - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—Free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Available 24/7.
Call 988 or chat online.
Good for the Body and Mind
Laura Szewczyk operates Thumbs Up Yoga, a traveling yoga studio teaching children about mindfulness and the benefits of this exercise. Szewczyk is hosting eight programs throughout our branches this month. We caught up with her to talk about ways you can incorporate mindfulness in your life, regardless of your age.
Q: How does yoga contribute to mental health awareness and well-being?
A: Yoga encourages a sense of calmness and being present in the moment. Life is busy for most and we tend to worry about the past or future. When on your yoga mat, you are encouraged to separate from the outside world and focus on your breath and your body movements. This practice of presence allows time for clarity and relaxation.
Q: How is yoga beneficial to children’s mental health?
A: Youth are constantly growing and changing. Yoga strengthens body awareness and improves self-esteem. It's fun to watch children get excited trying a pose with success, especially if there was initial uncertainty. Yoga fosters the idea of community and support, which is a human necessity.
Q: For those that may not be able to attend one of the programs, what simple movements or breathing techniques do you recommend that help regulate emotions?
A: Five finger breath is a simple, hands-on approach to breathwork. Start by putting your open hand out in front of you (like giving a high five), using your opposite pointer finger to trace your fingers. Start with the outside of your pinky finger, taking a deep breath in while tracing your finger up, exhale while tracing the other side of that finger down. Then, repeat on the rest of your fingers until completing five breaths.
Moment of Zen
We get that life can get busy. Take a minute to watch our moment of Zen video with the soothing sights and sounds of the library.
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