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.
Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 Creative Arts Project
Take Action to Improve Your Mental Health | |||||||
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Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | |
Sleep Health | Movement | Positivity | Mindfulness | Nutrition | Community | Gratitude | |
| May 1-3 | Magnesium combats depression and anxiety. Magnesium-rich foods: whole grains, nuts, leafy greens, low-fat dairy | Check in on someone (virtual "friends") that makes you happy | Reflect on something good that happened this week | ||||
| May 4-10 | Turn off electronics to regulate your sleep cycle. How electronics affect sleep | Spend time outdoors! Check out activities going on at local parks | 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 Either listen to guided videos or spend quiet time listening to the sounds around you. Left Brain Buddha: Teaching mindfulness through listening | Eating your fruits and veggies can actually make you happier! | Give someone a compliment. 5 Reasons why you should give compliments | Reflect on something good that happened this week |
| May 11-17 | Enjoy a cup of hot tea for a calming effect. Best beverages to drink before bed | Stretching helps release tension in muscles, which can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Try these quick stretches | Positive Affirmations Choose and practice a daily affirmation, such as: “I add value to conversations.” “I have many positive traits.” “I am likable.” Learn more: Enhance your life with positive psychology | Body scan meditation Acknowledge your body from your head, gradually working your way down through each muscle group to your toes. Learn more: Mindful: Beginner's body scan meditation Healthline: Body scan meditation benefits | Vitamin B supports normal positive mood. Eat leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified breads and cereals | Give a gift (ways to show people that they have value). The psychological gift of giving a gift | Reflect on something good that happened this week |
| May 18-24 | Go to bed at the same time each night. 6 Steps to better sleep | Go for a walk. Learn about the benefits of walking | Look for the good in a situation. 5 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 | 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 | Even your strongest supporter may need a check-in. How to check in on your strong friend's mental health | Reflect on something good that happened this week |
| May 25-31 | Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Alcohol and caffeine hurt sleep quality and quantity | 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 | Sometimes it is hard to be positive. Here are 3 positive thinking techniques that can help | Mindiful listening Either listen to guided videos or spend quiet time listening to the sounds around you. YouTube: Mindful Listening | Omega-3 improves brain function. This is found in fatty fish like salmon, macherel, sardines, and anchovies. As well as walnuts, flaxseeds, soybeans, soybean oil, and chia seeds | 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 | Reflect on something good that happened this week |
May Community Events
May
2
Friday
An introductory class to the practice of Hatha yoga focusing on learning the safe alignment of foundational postures, common poses, the flow of Sun Salutation, and linking breath to movement. A brief history of yoga and a short pranayama (breath practice) will be included.If possible, please remember to bring an exercise mat or bath sheet.
Crofton Library
1681 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
May
3
Saturday
Community Fair
North County + feeders
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May
5
Monday
Join us for a presentation by Lauren Symmes, Interior Designer and Certified Aging In Place Specialist. She will be presenting solutions and simple home modifications to help Seniors to safely age in place.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
May
6
Tuesday
What to Know About Parkinson's Disease
Living with Parkinson's can be challenging, but there are many things that can be done to maintain and improve the quality of life for a loved one. This program will provide families with information to help those with Parkinson's find the balance between a proactive approach and wondering what lies ahead.
Crofton Library
1681 Riedel Rd, Crofton, MD 21114
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
May
6
Tuesday
What Caregivers Want (and Need) to Know
Presented by: Dept. of Aging & Disabilities Family Caregiver Support Programs Staff
Caregivers typically want to know about the specific medical condition of the person they are caring for and how the condition might progress; how to access support systems and resources; what they need to know to plan for the future and most importantly, how to prioritize their own physical and emotional well-being while providing quality care. Join the Department of Aging & Disabilities caregiver program staff as we answer these questions, as well as any other questions you bring to the session.
Severna Park Library
45 West McKinsey Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May
8
Thursday
Since 2008, the Send Silence Packing® exhibit has traveled the country to end the silence that surrounds mental illness and suicide. Send Silence Packing® encourages people to seek out resources for themselves, friends, or loved ones. Trained professionals are on hand at each stop and thousands of mental health resources are distributed.
Anne Arundel Community College, Campus Quad
101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
May
8
Thursday
Join this gently guided group held in a private room setting. Whether you are experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one or pet, estrangement, health concerns, the season change, or any other significant loss, you are welcome.
Edgewater Library
25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037
1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
May
10
Saturday
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
10
Saturday
Mental Health Awareness Family Fun Day
Free event with resources and fun activities
Center of Applied Technologies North
800 Stevenson Rd, Severn, MD 21144
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
May
12
Monday
Practice breath work and physical poses that best support your physical and emotional needs so you can cultivate and maintain a stronger mind-body connection on and off your mat. Through gentle guidance from an experienced and trusted yoga facilitator, Yoga For You meets you where you are. Right now.
Instructor: Kirtana (Keer-tha-na) Kalavapudi, M.P.H
For the 60-minute class, participants need to bring their own yoga mat and a bath towel (to add a bit of cushion similar to a pillow or bolster).
Mountain Road Library
4115 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
May
13
Tuesday
Join us for some mental health related arts and crafts to help kids explore their emotions and creativity.
Michael E. Busch Annapolis Library
1410 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
May
14
Wednesday
Healthy Anne Arundel County Mental Wellness Work Group Meeting
Bi-Monthly work group meeting. This event is open to the public!
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
May
15
Thursday
Talk Saves Lives
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a community-based presentation that covers the general scope of suicide, the research in prevention, and what people can do to help save lives.
Virtual - Registration is required
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
May
17
Saturday
2025 Community Resource Fair
Health screenings and checkups, vaccinations, education, resources, information, Music and Tae Kwon Do performance, giveaways, Youth Poster Contest, prizes, and more!
My Life Foundation at The Church at Severn Run
8187 Telegraph Road, Severn, MD 21144
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
May
17
Saturday
Read the Cards: Mental health and Tarot
Explore how to read and interpret tarot as a method of meditation, and stress relief. Work with tarot decks to unlock a deeper understanding of yourself, and even seek guidance from the cards. Unwind and relax while learning about this 15th century game and how it became a tool of self-reflection and discovery.
Deale Library
5940 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD 20751
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
May
18
Sunday
Burgers and Bands
Join us for a live music community event to support mental health initiatives!
Severna Park Taphouse
58 West Earleigh Heights Rd, Severna Park 21146
11:00 a.m. - 7 p.m.
May
20
Tuesday
Did you know that mindful outdoor experiences create happier, healthier humans? Join us for a fun session on practicing mindfulness in nature! As we explore the green spaces and the sensory garden outside the library, we will use all our senses to experience nature in a new and meaningful way. This program is presented in partnership with the Anne Arundel Watershed Stewards Academy.
Brooklyn Park Library
1 East 11th Ave, Baltimore, MD 21225
2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
May
20
Tuesday
Join us for a presentation by Lauren Symmes, Interior Designer and Certified Aging In Place Specialist. She will be presenting solutions and simple home modifications to help Seniors to safely age in place.
Severna Park Library
45 W McKinsey Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
May
20
Tuesday
Join us for Mindful Moments, a fun and interactive program designed just for tweens! In this monthly series, we will explore mindfulness techniques, stress-busting activities, and creative ways to boost your well-being. Through guided yoga, meditation and journaling, you'll discover tools to help navigate everyday challenges with confidence and calm. Perfect for ages 9-12, this program offers a safe and welcoming space to relax, reflect, and recharge!
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
May
22
Thursday
Suicide Prevention Coalition Meeting
10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
May
23
Friday
Donuts & Discussion: Chair Yoga
Visit us for a morning of socializing and learning some new chair yoga poses. Bring a towel to help with some of the stretches.
Linthicum Library
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
May
23
Friday
Join us for a story, songs, and breaths! Preschoolers will learn mindfulness techniques to help anchor them in the present moment using their 5 senses and their breathing.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
May
24
Saturday
Kids Yoga and Mindful Crafting
For Mental Health Awareness Month, drop in for a time of fun yoga from 1:30 - 2:00. Then at 2:00, create a mindful journal and other arts and crafts.
Deale Library
5940 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD 20751
1:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
May
24
Saturday
Introduction to Tai Chi for Stress Reduction
Join the Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi and learn more about the benefits of practicing Tai Chi to reduce stress in your daily life.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.
May
26
Monday
Health Equity Forum
Monthly hybrid meeting - open to the public!
Anne Arundel County Department of Health
3 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.
May
31
Saturday
Discover the transformative power of mindfulness with our Introduction to Meditation program. This beginner-friendly course is designed to help you learn to cultivate inner peace, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.
Edgewater Library
25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Additional Resources
