Mental Health Awareness Month at the Library 

Written By Maryl Fleisher

Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949.  It was started by an organization called Mental Health America and received a presidential proclamation. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings.  

The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to educate the public about mental illnesses, raise awareness about the realities of living with these conditions, and provide strategies for attaining mental health and wellness. It also aims to draw attention to suicide, which can be precipitated by some mental illnesses. Additionally, Mental Health Awareness Month strives to reduce the stigma around mental illness by challenging misconceptions and encouraging positive attitudes.  

While it may be that some of us are more vulnerable than others, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. After all, just a short time ago, none of us had any idea that all our worlds would be upended by the coronavirus, and that worry, isolation, loneliness, depression, and anxiety would become collective experiences. As human beings, none of us are immune to these struggles. Perhaps the emotional and psychological impacts brought on by COVID-19 will help cultivate not only more awareness of mental health issues, but more compassion, too. 

In 2018, Glendale Library Arts & Culture (GLAC) held the first Body & Mind Wellness Fair. Agencies were invited to set up booths in the library and introduce their services to the larger community. NAMI’s “In Their Own Words” workshop and sound meditation by Yuki Uwasawa were among the popular activities offered at this inaugural event. Didi Hirsch, the DMV, Ascencia, and many more Glendale agencies answered questions and provided information. This fair was well-attended and a large number of pleasantly surprised patrons learned that a) these types of services were available and b) could accommodate languages other than English. 

 

2021 Body & Mind Wellness Fair, Central Library

 

This fair has continued every year except for 2020 and 2021 when the library building was closed during the pandemic. Each year the number of participating agencies has increased and the services provided have become more varied.

This year, the Body & Mind Wellness Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 6 from 10 am to 1 pm in the Reading Spa at Glendale Central Library. NAMI’s “In Their Own Words” program and sound meditation by Yuki Uwasawa will return. Other activities include making a personal self-care kit and creating a coping strategy jar. Exhibitors will include Ascencia, Catholic Charities, Glendale Memorial Hospital, Glendale Police Department, the Verdugo Job Center and the Department of Social Services, who will be offering sign-ups for Cal-Fresh and MediCal, plus many more.  

Mental Health Awareness Month provides a reminder that mental health is essential and that those living with mental health issues are deserving of care, understanding, compassion, and pathways to hope, healing, recovery, and fulfillment. After all, that is what we all want and need now more than ever, for ourselves, for our loved ones, for our communities, and for our world. 

Maryl Fleisher
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