Take Care of your Mental Wellness this May

May 1, 2024

Since it was introduced in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has aimed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health issues. During May and every month of the year, your mental health matters. Whether you or someone you know suffers from interruptions to your emotional, psychological, and social well-being, we are all affected by mental health issues in some way. Mental wellness is crucial to your overall health and quality of life, and it is important to remember that you are not alone in this struggle.

While society has become more and more comfortable with recognizing and discussing the mental health challenges that many of us face, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to taking care of yourself and your mental well-being. For better or for worse, the world is constantly changing, and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything that is going on around us. Self-care is a great place to start if you’re looking to improve both your physical and mental health. Even small acts of self-care can impact your daily life by helping to manage stress, increasing your energy, and connecting you to people around you.

Not sure where to begin? Try one of these simple self-care practices to get started:

Try a relaxing activity. Many Lackawanna County Library System locations offer programs that promote calm, relaxing environments, such as crafts, yoga, de-stress activities, knit and crochet groups, mental health groups, and more. Visit our events directory to see what kind of programs are available at your local Library.
Keep your body happy. A regular diet, sleep schedule, and exercise regimen can go a long way to improving your mental wellness. While we have plenty of books in our catalog that can teach you new techniques for sleep and exercise or help you prepare a new recipe, you can also visit one of our eResources, like Craft & Hobby, to improve your skills and learn something new. For a list of mental health resources available at our Libraries, visit this information page.
Set goals and priorities. Now matter how big or small, deciding what tasks you can get done and which ones can wait can help you manage stress and feel a sense of accomplishment. Appreciate the things you can get done, and focus on the positive.
Stay connected. Though our librarians are not mental health professionals, we are here for you and are happy to help connect you with resources and services to help you achieve your goals and find whatever information you’re looking for. Use our online contact form to get in touch with your local Library or stop by any LCLS location for in-person assistance. The NAMI HelpLine can also connect you with a qualified volunteer with similar experience who can help provide you with resources and support.

If you have concerns about your mental or physical well-being, contact your primary care provider to be forwarded to a mental health professional who can help you as you work towards self-improvement. If you need immediate assistance, dial 988 or 911. For more information, visit the National Institute of Mental Health’s suggestions for healthy practices or finding help.