Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
We want to open the channels of communication on mental health, provide resources and share messages that will help break down the walls of stigma.
Spin for a quick tip about how to take care of yourself today!
Adapted from the Student Wellness Council!
Self Care Action Calendar | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
Environmental | Mental | Emotional | Spiritual | Social | Physical | Recreational | |
| May 1-2 | Go for a walk. Learn about the benefits of walking. | Spend time outdoors. Check out activities going on at local parks. | |||||
| May 3-9 | Create a relaxing sleep-friendly bedroom with these four tips. | Mindful listening Listen to guided videos or spend quiet time listening to the sounds around you. Left Brain Buddha: Teaching Mindfulness Through Listening. | Positive Self-Compassion Ask yourself: “Am I speaking to myself the way I would speak to a friend?” How to relate to yourself in a forgiving way. | Mindful listening Listen to guided videos or spend quiet time listening to the sounds around you. Left Brain Buddha: Teaching mindfulness through listening. | Check in on someone that makes you smile (even virtual "friends"). | Stretching helps release tension in muscles, which can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Try these quick stretches. | The "sunshine vitamin" can be absorbed through the skin by spending time in the sun, or taken in supplements. Vitamin D reduces inflammation and regulates mood. |
| May 10-16 | Form good daily habits to take care of your mental health. Benefits of having a routine. | Puzzles and brain games can improve mental function and provide a sense of control. | Look for the good in a situation. Five tips to train yourself to think positively. | 5 Senses Grounding Technique Acknowledge 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. YouTube Guide: 5 Senses Grounding | Connect with your community! See what's happening at your local library. | Make movement a habit. Start small, then increase your activity gradually. Put your exercise plan on your calendar, so it's part of your schedule. | Spend time with friends or family. How friendship improves your health. |
| May 17-23 | Practice tidiness to optimize a healthy living space. | Practice forgiveness to heal your brain and body. | Acknowledge when you are not feeling great and accept your emotions without judging them. | Try singing for wellbeing! There are emotional, social, and psychological benefits to singing. | Any act of kindness provides both the giver and the receiver with a sense of well-being and connection. Mental health benefits of simple acts of kindness. | Practice yoga to lower anxiety and stress. Check out this library of free yoga videos! | Listen to music for a sense of wellbeing. |
| May 24-30 | Take the Road to Self-care to lower anxiety and reduce risky driving. | Give yourself credit. Name your strengths. | Positive Affirmations Choose and practice a daily affirmation, such as: "I am likable." Enhance your life with positive psychology. | Attend a religious service or spiritual group. How spirituality helps your mental health. | Give someone a compliment. Create a ripple effect of kind words. | Even small amounts of exercise can help! Five or ten minutes at a time adds up to big benefits! | Make time for a hobby to support your mental wellness. |
| May 31 | Improve your study / work space. How to create a productive study space. | ||||||
May Community Events
May
2
Saturday
Let it Out! Collective Scream & Activities
Feeling stressed? Let it out with stress-busting activities like splatter painting, take a whack at a pinata, and get some vocal tips for how to scream without hurting your vocal cords before gathering outside for a great big collective scream!
This program will be held outside, weather permitting. Please plan accordingly. You are welcome to bring your own blanket or chair to enjoy this program.
Brooklyn Park Library
1 E 11th Ave, Baltimore, MD 21225
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
May
4
Monday
Take some time out to destress, and give yourself permission to rest and relax! Participate in some simple art activities, watch some ASMR videos, or simply chill and hangout with friends.
Maryland City at Russett Libraryl - Community Meeting Room
3501 Russett Common, Laurel, MD 20724
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
May
4
Monday
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education Program
NAMI Peer-to-Peer Education Program is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions and informative videos. However, as with all NAMI programs, it does not include recommendations for treatment approaches. To register, email programs@namiaac.org and request the Peer-to-Peer registration link.
Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church
611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
May
6
Wednesday
Caregiver Educational Workshop
The Dementia Live Experience
Pre-registration by phone is required for this workshop (410) 222-4375/4339. This workshop is a high impact, dementia simulation experience that immerses participants into life with dementia, resulting in a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with cognitive impairment and sensory change. Space is limited at each session.
Anne Arundel County Department Of Aging And Disabilities
7320 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
May
7
Thursday
Studying for finals is stressful, so take a brain break at the library! Enjoy calming activities, relaxing vibes, and cuddle with a friendly therapy pup to de-stress from the end of the school year. Programs that involve interaction with animals require a signed Animal Waiver Form.
Edgewater Library
25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
May
7
Thursday
Caregiver Educational Workshop
End of Life Care and Decisions Tammy Turner, Founder & President of the Board of Directors of Care Prepared Michelle Henderson, Manager, Community Partnerships, Hospice of the Chesapeake
In the first part of this evening's workshop, Ms. Turner will discuss how creating an advanced healthcare plan can empower individuals to take charge of their future healthcare and improve their quality of life. She will also discuss the similarities and differences between a Maryland Advance Directive form and the Maryland Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) form. This is an important discussion for family caregivers as well as for all of us as we decide how we want to live out our lives. During the second half of this workshop, Ms. Henderson will share the role that hospice care can plan in supporting families during the final stages of life. Understanding the comprehensive nature of hospice can inform better planning and ease the emotional burdens often associated during this time.
Edgewater Library
25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
May
9
Saturday
Annual Mental Health Awareness Family Fun Day!
Co-hosted by the Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority and Severn Elementary School.
Severn Elementary School
838 Reece Rd, Severn, MD 21144
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May
9
Saturday
Healthy & Happy Futures Summit
We are planning a day of fun, learning and resources for the Annapolis community and would love for you to join us.
How you can join and support:
- Host a resource table: We will provide space and tables for you to set up your display!
- Host as session: We are looking for speakers on everything from Financial Wellness to Mental Health to Knowing Your Rights! We are hoping you would like to host a session on Healthy Eating but if you have another idea – we are open!
- Spread the word!
Annapolis Middle School
1399 Forest Dr, Annapolis, MD 21403
Contact Amy Beller at abeller@aacps.org for more information
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May
9
Saturday
Mental Health Journaling Crafternoon
Journaling can be a great way to express yourself and relieve stress, but there's no one right way to do it! Explore the possibilities by decorating your own journal and getting tips on different journaling techniques.
Glen Burnie Library
1010 East Way, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
May
13
Wednesday
Caregiver Support Group Meeting
- Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged.
- Gaining a sense of empowerment and control.
- Improving your coping skills.
- Reducing distress, depression or anxiety and having lower rates of clinical depression.
- Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation.
- Getting practical advice or information about treatment options.
- Improving your caregiving ability and giving better quality of life for the care recipient.
- Helping you keep your loved one at home longer.
This meeting is also held virtually. Please contact caregiver_support@aacounty.org for the date, time, and Zoom link. Anyone needing special accommodations must contact Mary Chaput at (410) 222-4339 or by e-mail at agchap01@aacounty.org at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
Virual via Zoom
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
May
15
Friday
Could you use a few moments to stretch, de-stress and just breathe? Join us for a Teens Only Mindful Movement and short meditation. We have the yoga mats and refreshing drinks, just bring yourself and an open mind.
Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
1410 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401
4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.
May
16
Saturday
Community Resource Fair
My Life Foundation presents:
Health information, resources, and much more!
Over 30 resource vendors, Free health screenings, Health education, Youth Poster Contest award, Music and dance performance, Raffle, Prizes and giveaways, Grand Prize 70” Samsung TV and more!
Heavenly Vision Church
7565 Teague Rd, Severn, MD, 21076
For more information or to reserve a booth, call 443-996-2273 or info@mlfmd.org
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May
16
Saturday
Women's Wellness Resource Fair
Join us at Discoveries to connect with local resources that support the mental and physical wellness of all women and nonbinary people. This event is a part of the Women's Wellness Day.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May
16
Saturday
Boundaries that Build Better Relationships
In this interactive session, participants will explore what boundaries are, why they matter, and how to communicate them in real-life situations. We’ll address common challenges like feeling guilty, overexplaining, or fearing conflict, and explore how both the absence of boundaries, and the presence of healthy ones, can impact relationships either creating stress and disconnection or fostering clarity, respect, and stronger connections. Facilitated by Maria Winters, LCPC, NCC
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
May
19
Tuesday
Caregiver Support Group Meeting
8 benefits of Caregiver Support Groups:
- Feeling less lonely, isolated or judged.
- Gaining a sense of empowerment and control.
- Improving your coping skills.
- Reducing distress, depression or anxiety and having lower rates of clinical depression.
- Developing a clearer understanding of what to expect with your situation.
- Getting practical advice or information about treatment options.
- Improving your caregiving ability and giving better quality of life for the care recipient.
- Helping you keep your loved one at home longer.
This meeting is also held virtually. Please contact caregiver_support@aacounty.org for the date, time, and Zoom link.
Heritage Office Complex
2664 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Anyone needing special accommodations must contact Mary Chaput at (410) 222-4339 or by e-mail at agchap01@aacounty.org at least seven days in advance of the event. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.
12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
May
20
Wednesday
Do you like doing the Wobble or the Cupid Shuffle? Come learn some other beginner soul line dances and discover a fun, low impact physical activity! This program requires the completion of a Release and Waiver form.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
May
23
Saturday
Community Wellness Fair
Join Monarch Academy Annapolis, the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Luminis Health for our first ever collaborative Wellness Fair - centering Black and Brown families, joy, prevention, and access to care. Health Screenings, Maternal & Family Mental Health Support, Youth Wellness Zone, Barber & Beauty Corner, Creative Wellness Activities, Community Resources & Advocacy
Monarch Academy Annapolis
2000 Capital Dr, Annapolis, MD 21401
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Additional Resources
