Mental Health Awareness Month was started in 1949 by the Mental Health America organization to raise awareness, educate the public, and normalize conversations about mental health to destigmatize mental illness and promote mental wellness.
Mental Illness affects many people around the world both directly and indirectly. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found a significant increase in mental health challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors over the past year. Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we address not only our physical needs, but that we are mindful of and address the different traumas affecting our diverse communities.
Alameda County Library is promoting mental health awareness and strategies for improved mental wellness by offering programs, resources, and information in May and throughout the year.
Upcoming Mental Health Programs
Join us for a series of mental health programs led by library staff and guest speakers in May.
- Thursday, May 13, 2021, 12:30 PM
Talking About Teen Depression and Anxiety
Join an open discussion with teens and families. A volunteer from NAMI East Bay (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will offer a brief presentation and questions can be submitted anonymously.
- Sunday, May 16th, 2021, 10:00 AM
Teen Work Out & Yoga
Strengthen and promote flexibility in the body, along with meditation, breath work and gratitude affirmations.
- Monday, May 17th, 2021, 6:00 PM
Life Lessons from Nobel Prize Winners & Others
Join us for a discussion of Nobel Prize winners talking about success and failure. A guest therapist from Asian American Recovery Services join us for the conversation.
- Tuesday, May 18th, 2021, 10:00 AM
Read and Play at Home: Mindfulness Storytime
This week our storytime is all about mindfulness! After our songs and stories we will show you how to make your own simple fidget toy. If your kids are struggling with distractions or other worries, these toys can help them regain focus and calm down.
- Friday, May 21st, 2021, 12:30 PM
Grief presentation and discussion with Hospice East Bay
Grief is a natural process, but many people are restricted from the supports and rituals that aid grieving while we follow social distancing and other COVID-19 guidelines. Hospice East Bay will provide a short presentation on understanding grief and lead a private discussion on ways we can find support and grieve during this time and in the future.
- Sunday, May 23rd, 2021, 3:00 PM
Teen Mental Health - Procrastination and Productivity
Two mental health practitioners from Feeling Good Wellness Center in Fremont lead a discussion on how to deal with procrastination and improve productivity.
- Tuesday, May 25th, 2021, 12:00 PM
Meditation as a tool for life balance with Umesh Bhatia
Umesh Bhatia, long time meditator will offer a practical technique of meditation through first hand demonstrations to discover the key to deeper concentration, relaxation and personal growth.
Staff Curated Book Lists
Please check out these book lists of titles created by AC Library staff for both children and adults.
- Being Present @ ACL
- Tough Topics: Death and Grief (an ACL book list)
- Big-Hearted Books: All My Feelings (an ACL book list)
Check Out Local and National Resources
- Berkeley Food and Housing Project
- NAMI East Bay
- Alameda County Behavioral Health
- Mental Health Association of Alameda County
- Frontline Workers Counseling Project
- Open Path Collective (Affordable Therapy network)
- National Institute of Mental Health
- The Trevor Project ( LGBTQ youth support)
- SAMSHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
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