Mental Health Awareness Month 2023

MHAM Postcard

Throughout the month of May, community partners across Ashland will observe Mental Health Awareness Month through programs, education, and events that seek to reduce the stigma around mental health and promote opportunities to celebrate health and wellness.

Light Up Green event flyer

Calendar of Events

(check back often – information subject to change)

*Event flyers and registration information is available at: https://ashlanddecisions.org/calendar/ 

May 1

Light up Green at the Corner Spot! Mental Health Awareness Month Kick-off Event 

Ashland Corner Spot 

7-8 PM rain or shine

All are invited! Stop by for a lighting ceremony to kick off the month-long recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Refreshments, resources, and activities! Take a luminary and lawn sign home to show your support for mental health awareness.  For more information: https://ashlanddecisions.org/calendar/

May 12

DAET Movie Night - Disney Pixar film “Inside Out”

5:30-7:30 PM

Ashland Community Center

Join us for a night of family friendly mental health fun. Activities, resources, take-aways and more! Best suited for Kindergarten – Grade 5. Capacity is limited to 90 participants. Registration is required: https://ashlanddecisions.org/calendar/

May 17

“Our Turn to Talk” film and discussion (VIRTUAL)

6:30 – 8:00 PM

Linda Price from Minding Your Mind returns to Ashland to provide a virtual screening of the film Our Turn To Talk, a documentary bringing together teens from all walks of life to use storytelling to bravely share their mental health journey without fear, shame or stigma. Following the film, Linda will provide guidance on how to support the youth in your lives and will take your questions. This program is appropriate for students middle-school aged and above and all adults interested in learning more about teen mental health. Registration is required: https://ashlanddecisions.org/calendar/

May 19 

Wear Green for Mental Health! Lime green is the official color for mental health. Take part in celebrating mental health awareness by wearing lime green - or any color green!  Show us your green by tagging @ashlanddecisions. 

May 22 

DAET Parent and Caregiver Coffee & Conversation: Trauma Intervention 101   

9-10 AM

The Bagel Table

Facilitated by Astou Diedhiou & Alexandra Wilson with Wayside Milford Community Services.  This discussion will break down the impact of trauma on an individual/family, offer different strategies used to support individuals who experience trauma and share resources that are available.  This program is limited to 15 participants. Registration is required: https://ashlanddecisions.org/calendar/ 

May 23 

Supporting Social Challenges for Grades K-5 Youth

6:30-7:30 pm (virtual)

We invite parents & caregivers of elementary-age youth to join this virtual program about supporting youth to more effectively manage their big emotions and impulses and build friendships. Linda Price from Minding Your Mind will address how to help youth to handle common experiences, such as losing, taking turns, and waiting in line.  Linda uses a trauma-informed SEL framework to help youth and caring adults navigate difficult emotions and improve their connection through mindful presence. There will be plenty of time for your questions.  Registration is required: https://ashlanddecisions.org/calendar/

May 25 

Families for Depression Awareness FREE live webinar discussion 

Setting Boundaries for Healthy Relationships and Caregiver Self-Care 

7:00 – 8:30 PM VIRTUAL

Jenny Woodworth, LISW, will define boundaries as they relate to familial relationships. Participants will learn why boundaries are necessary when supporting a loved one with a mood disorder and how to apply boundaries as a form of self-care. Registration is required: https://www.familyaware.org/webinar/setting-boundaries-for-healthy-relationships-and-caregiver-self-care/

ONGOING EVENTS

 

River Book Walk for Tweens, Teens, and the Young at Heart!

May 1 – 31
 
Mill Pond and Riverwalk Trail

Teens 12+ are encouraged to take a relaxing walk down one of Ashland's beautiful trails while looking for quotes from some of our favorite YA novels. In collaboration with Ashland's Decisions at Every Turn Coalition for mental health month, this walk is meant to be a calming and meditative walk to take with friends, family, or as a solo-experience.  

31 Days = 31 Ways 

Follow DAET on Facebook and Instagram for daily tips to practice positive mental health (@ashlanddecisions) 

Mental Health Mondays 

Join DAET every Monday on our Facebook page for Mental Health Monday’s all May long! Each week we will be sharing Teen focused videos centering on Mental Health Topics ranging from Anxiety, Burnout, how to check in on friends, and self-love. All conversations about mental health are important ones, so make sure you are following us on social media to learn more!  

Wellness Wednesdays 

Watch your email inbox for weekly Wellness Wednesday emails for resources to support mental health & wellness. Learn about the brain and stress, teens & depression, strategies for supporting teens, mindfulness tools and more. Not on the DAET email list? Sign up at https://ashlanddecisions.org/get-involved/  

Button Baskets

Visit any of these locations to get your “Ashland Supports Mental Health” button and wear it to promote positive mental health. 

Ashland Public Library

Ashland Community Center

Ashland Town Hall

More to be added!

Hosted by Decisions at Every Turn Coalition and the Town of Ashland

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