When: Friday, May 2 from 4-6 PM & Sunday, May 25 from 2-4 PM
Where: Dog-Eared Books front tables
May is an important month in that the national eye turns towards mental health. The statistics
surrounding mental health are alarming:
- 1 in 5 people experience a mental health condition each year.
- 1 in 6 young people have experienced a major depressive episode.
- 1 in 20 Americans have lived with a serious mental health condition, i.e., schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, major depression.
- Mental health disparities are considered a risk factor of suicide, which is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.
The more positive news is that we can all impact not only our own mental health, but that of others, and this approach is the overarching theme for Mental Health Month. This year’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action,” which drives the activities planned at Dog-Eared Books.
B Tyrrell from the Mental Health & Wellness Education Department at YSS will be in the store on Friday, May 2 and Sunday, May 25 to host a letter-writing workshop and a create your own “praise-let” activity. The workshop allows participants to write a letter of advocacy to a representative and/or write a letter to a loved one, a caregiver, a friend, or another person of their choice expressing their concern over mental health status. The “praise-let” activity encourages participants to think about self-praise and positive self-talk while making really cool bracelets!
Recognizing our worth and being kind to ourselves helps us be kind to others; these bracelets are tangible reminders to start with our own mental health. Both activities are designed for adults and youth.
If you have any questions for B, please email her at
YnR5cnJlbGwgfCB5c3MgISBvcmc=. Let’s make an impact on
our communities’ mental health!
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Ames.
