(Submitted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affect by mental illness.
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout the whole month NAMI Wood County is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and eliminating the stigma associated with it. Mental Health Awareness Month turns 70 this year. Topics being explored and highlighted by Mental Health America will include animal companionship (including pets and support animals), spirituality, humor, work-life balance, and recreation and social connections as a way to boost mental health and general wellness.
This year NAMI Wood County is focusing on the five components of self-care and throughout the whole month we have awareness events that you can attend. These components include:
- The psychological such as meditation, self-reflection, and mindfulness.
- The emotional such as self-evaluating, removing negativity, and increasing self-esteem and confidence.
- The social, such as physical interactions and connections.
- The personal such as spirituality, hygiene, hydration, and nutrition.
- The physical things such as exercise, movement, sleep, and other activities.
Mental Health Awareness Month Events to RSVP for:
- Mental Health Conference Series: May 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Perrysburg (4 CEU’s available)
- KidShop: May 4 in Bowling Green
- Cookies & Canvas: May 9 starts at 6 p.m. in Bowling Green
- Late Nite Out with NAMI: May 14, 7:30 p.m. in Bowling Green
- Education Series Event: “Bridges of HOPE” May 23, starts at 1:30 p.m. in Bowling Green
How else can you participate in Mental Health Awareness Month with NAMI Wood County? Lime Green being the OFFICAL Mental Health Awareness color, be sure to wear this signature hue and utilize the hashtag #GoGreenForMentalHealth on social media. Stop in Perrysburg or Rossford to see our green ribbon displays.
NAMI Wood County is also partnering with four local business to spread awareness in Wood County. Our partners this year are The Blue Bakery in Grand Rapids, Grounds for Thought in Bowling Green, Maddie and Bella Coffee Roasters in Perrysburg, and The Flying Joe in Perrysburg. The Blue Bakery will be featuring a green baked good during the month of May while Grounds for Thought and Maddie and Bella Coffee Roasters will be featuring a green beverage. Don’t forget to check out some NAMI Wood County literature at The Flying Joe.
Be on the lookout for Facebook posts all month long. Stop by these local businesses to try their featured green item and help us raise awareness for Mental Health.
For more information on NAMI Wood County and its programs, call the office at 419-352-0626, go on-line at info@namiwoodcounty.org, or visit the organization’s Facebook page at namiwoodcounty.org.
