Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been a cornerstone of addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions.
On Wednesday, May 1, the Red Bank Public Library kicked off the month with In Our Own Voice, a powerful presentation hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is all about fostering open dialogues, cultivating empathy and understanding—something we know a thing or two about at the Library.
To continue the conversation around mental health, we’re sharing a few of our favorite resources from the Library and Monmouth County.
nATIONAL aLLIANCE ON mENTAL iLLNESS (nami)
Mental Health Information Guide: This document is a guide for people in Monmouth County who are dealing with challenging mental health issues, offering information on programs, peer support, coping strategies, and managing a mental health crisis.
In Our Own Voice is a powerful presentation that aims to change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes about people living with mental health conditions. Missed our in-person presentation? That’s OK, you can watch the YouTube videos on your own time:
NAMI New Jersey provides in-person, online, and peer support, as well as a free, eight-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions. Visit their website to learn more and get connected with our local Greater Monmouth branch.
NAMI HelpLines: Need to talk to someone?
The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text "HelpLine" to 62640 or chat with us at nami.org/help. Available Monday Through Friday, 10 A.M. – 10 P.M., ET.
The NAMI Teen & Young Adult HelpLine offers a direct connection with another young person who shares similar experiences and is prepared to offer information, resources and support. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “Friend” to 62640 or chat with us at nami.org/talktous. Available Monday Through Friday, 10 A.M. – 10 P.M., ET.
Reading materials
Maybe you’re not looking for digital content, but something a bit more tangible? Check out our non-fiction and fiction favorites, or stop by to browse for a book.
Fiction:
Interesting Facts About Space, Emily Austin
Turtles all the way down, John Green
How it feels to float, Helena Fox
The Midnight Library, Matt Haig
Non-Fiction:
Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics, Dan Harris
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself, Nedra Glover Tawwab
This Messy Magnificent Life: A field guide, by Geneen Roth
How to Like Yourself: A Teen’s Guide, by Cheryl M. Bradshaw
Do Something different
Sometimes, the best step we can take for ourselves is to get out of our own head and focus on something else. Use your library card to:
Browse Hoopla for an audiobook. With this online resource, you don’t need to leave your house to listen to something new.
Do something just for you. With Creativebug, you can nurture your creative soul by learning new skills.
Visit Universal Class for online courses like Anxiety Therapy 101, Depression Management, and Emotional Healing 101. Or pivot away from Health & Medicine and learn a new skill from one their many online courses.
Join us for an in-person program at the Library! Sometimes human connection helps. Get out of your space, and out of your head, by visiting us for an event.
