Whittemore Library Blog

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

(Mental Health Awareness Month bulletin board on the Upper Mezzanine of the Whittemore Library.)

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States every May.  The goal of the Mental Health Awareness Month has been to bring awareness to and minimize the stigma surrounding mental health.  (Source: https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month).

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the National Suicide and Crisis Helpline is available 24/7.  Dial 988 from any phone to get immediate help.  You can learn more at: https://988lifeline.org/.

That Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (call or text 833-773-2445) is available 24/7.  To learn more, visit https://www.masshelpline.com/.

• The Framingham State University Counseling Center has a variety of resources for students.  You can learn more about their resources and services by visiting their student website: https://www.framingham.edu/student-life/counseling-center/for-students/index.
• The Rams Renew Space at the Whittemore Library is available for students, faculty, and staff to use for relaxation and self-care.  Take advantage of the massage chair, happy light, white noise machine, and much more.  Book your time slot here: https://framingham.libcal.com/reserve/WhittemoreLibrary/RamsRenew.

Learn more:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: “The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.” (source: https://www.samhsa.gov/)  You can also learn more about finding support by visiting https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: “NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.” (source: https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/Who-We-Are).  To see resources specific to Massachusetts, visit http://namimass.org/resources/.
• National Institute of Mental Health: “The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.” (source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/strategic-planning-reports/overview)

• Mental Health America: “Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all.” (source: https://mhanational.org/about-us)
• Massachusetts Department of Mental Health: “The Department of Mental Health, as the State Mental Health Authority, assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages; enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities.” (source: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-mental-health)
• The Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAHM) works “to improve understanding of mental health conditions and combat disparities in health services access.”  (source: https://www.mamh.org/). 
• The Psychology Today Find a Therapist tool (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists) can help you find mental health professionals all over the United States. 

Self-Care Ideas:

• Check out the Boston Public Library’s blog post about self-care during Mental Health Awareness Month: https://www.bpl.org/blogs/post/self-care-during-mental-health-awareness-month/.
• The National Institute of Mental Health has a list of self-care activities and ideas: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health.
• Check out some great self-care techniques from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work: https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/10-surefire-self-care-practices-for-mental-health-awareness-month.