Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers suffer from mental health problems in silence. Support is out there.
It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s available, free, friendly and professional
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| It's Mental Health Awareness Month |
By Jacob Green, Metro
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and as New York can be one of
the most emotionally challenging/stimulating/draining cities in the
world, it’s especially important for us to take care of ourselves. And
vital to remember that — just like on a rush hour train — you are never
alone.
At least one in five adult New Yorkers experience a mental health
disorder in any given year, and almost one in ten suffer from
depression. These are not just adult issues —approximately 8% of New
York City public high school students report attempting suicide.
This is alarming. And these frightening statistics don’t just frame
the emotional baggage we carry; they also have a financial impact on the
city — $14 billion are lost to productivity every year due to
depression and substance misuse.
Unfortunately, mental health challenges are faced disproportionately
by people of color and the LGBTQ community, both of which can be
disproportionately underserved when it comes to services. Thankfully
there’s a solution, and it isn’t necessarily in an expensive doctor’s
office. You’ll find it at the library.
The Queens Library, in collaboration with industry experts, has curated a program
of free classes and workshops that address mental health from myriad
angles, and in multiple languages (English, Spanish and Mandarin) — all
free of charge.
Everyone could use a better night’s sleep, but if you’re chronically
tired check out a Coping with Insomnia or Sleep Hygiene session — there
are certain behavioral shifts and new practices that might help you
squeeze out a few more z’s each evening.
Feeling low, generally? Sometimes we need a bit of motivation in
order to structure more joy into our day-to-day. Stop by It’s Not My
Life to learn about what might be getting you down, but more importantly
what you can do to saddle positivity and ride it to success.
There’s even a guided meditation session which will help you focus.
And don’t forget that children can experience just as much stress as you
(minus the bills!) Consider sending your young ones along to a Stress
Management for Children meeting so they can learn skills and tips to
keep them on an even-keel.
Further, there are group meetings for caregivers, because when we
pour so much of ourselves into others it’s easy to neglect yourself.
Fiona Harvey and Tamara Michel, health professionals at the Queens
Library, curated the month’s calendar of programs with their communities
in mind. “Mental health awareness is such a pertinent and sentimental
initiative; Tamara and I worked diligently to bring this Queens Library
project to fruition” says Harvey.
You’re in good hands, and will find a comfortable, safe space this
May at Queens Library. For more information and a calendar events, visit
queenslib.org/mentalhealthawareness.
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