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 | Mindful 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, mackerel, 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
14
Wednesday
The Human Library- Unjudge Someone
The Human Library® is, in the true sense of the word, a library of people. We host events where readers can borrow human beings serving as open books and have conversations they would not normally have access to. Every human book from our bookshelf represents a group in our society that is often subjected to prejudice, stigmatization, or discrimination because of their lifestyle, diagnosis, belief, disability, social status, ethnic origin, etc. Human books are available for checkout to individual or small group readers for respectful interaction and purposeful dialogue. Sign up and checkout will occur onsite the day of the event. Bring your questions and an open mind.
Busch Annapolis Library
1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
10 a.m. - 3 p.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
17
Saturday
This program will explore the harm diet culture has done to many. It will include information about the myths of BMI, how to spot a harmful diet, embracing Body Positivity, and intuitive eating. This is a three part program but you may attend one or all.
Busch Annapolis Library
1410 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 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
18
Sunday
Learning to wait and working toward a goal are important parts of growing up. As children learn that their needs will be met, they will be able to wait for longer periods of time. They will need to wait as teens for a car, to earn money to buy something, to have more autonomy. Having practice in waiting during childhood gives them confidence that they are in control over the decisions they make. Understand the remarkable power of your influence to help children handle the tension of waiting and learn to respect and nurture them and yourself with love. Presented by behavioral specialist Cheryl Townshend, M.Ed.
Severna Park Library
45 W McKinsey Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
7 p.m.
May
19
Monday
Dealing with Dementia-Related Behaviors
Join us for a presentation from the Department of Aging, to discuss how to deal with dementia related behaviors. As an individual with dementia loses their ability to communicate with words, behavior becomes a powerful form of communication. Often, it is an individual’s only way to communicate their needs, their feelings, and their pain. Sometimes these behaviors pose real challenges for the caregiver. This workshop will identify some common difficult behaviors and their triggers, as well as strategies to help decrease them.
Severn Library
2624 Annapolis Road, Severn, MD 21144
2 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
21
Wednesday
Take a moment for mindfulness as a family. Join us for a storytime incorporating yoga and movement with stories and songs. Please bring a mat if you have one or a towel.
Odenton Library
1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113
10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
May
21
Wednesday
In this introduction to mindfulness, children will learn learn about their minds and how breathing and listening can help them find a calm space. Parents are invited to attend as well to help reinforce the skills learned.
Maryland City at Russett Library
3501 Russett Common, Laurel, MD 20724
11 a.m.
May
21
Wednesday
This monthly storytime is specifically designed for children ages 3-7 years who are neurodiverse or with different sensory abilities. Siblings welcome. Please register once per family.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
2 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
25
Sunday
Dungeons & Dragons and Mental Health
Learn about the mental health benefits of playing roleplaying games like Dungeons and Dragons from Charlene McPhereson, a local psychotherapist who is also a Certified Therapeutic Game Master. Discover how escaping into a magical fantasy realm can help you improve your ability to connect, socialize, and problem solve in the real world.
7 p.m.
May
26
Monday
Enjoy games and activities at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall during this monthly social event for neurodiverse adults. Everyone is welcome, so come join us to socialize and meet some new friends.
Discoveries: The Library at the Mall
2550 Annapolis Mall Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
11 a.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
26
Monday
Join Dr. Peters, certified mindfulness professional, for Family Mindfulness Class, an interactive combination of games, creative activities, scientific mini-lessons, discussion, and breath work. This class is for parents/caregivers and kids ages 6-10.
Severna Park Library
45 W McKinsey Road, Severna Park, MD 21146
7 p.m.
May
26
Monday
Teen Writers Club ‘One Day at a Time’: Journal for Mental Health
It's OK to feel stressed, overwhelmed, tired, or lost. These are human feelings. Journaling gives us a safe space to express our raw thoughts, and in doing so, understand our feelings, relieve stress, and discover what we want and need to keep going, one day at a time. In this workshop, wellness practitioner Alina Liao, founder of Zenit Journals, will guide you in journaling to support your mental health and wellness. We'll talk about the benefits of journaling, do some journaling together with prompts and calming music, and talk about our reflections to support each other in community.
7 p.m. - 8:30 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
