Since 1949, May has been observed as Mental Health Month. Every year throughout the month of May, The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW) has joined the national movement to provide support to individuals and families educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.
This year, MHAW is celebrating the start of Mental Health Month with a kick-off event to foster mental wellness through an individual’s connection to nature, along with mindful movement. The event, which takes place on May 1, 2023, at Blydenburgh Park plays off of this year’s theme of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is “Look Around, Look Within,” a concept that aims to emphasize the ways that our everyday surroundings affect mental health.
During the free event, MHAW staff and community partners will share the ways nature, mindfulness, and yoga support mental and physical wellness with participants. The event will include an informative session on how nature directly corresponds to mental and physical wellbeing, and will start with a yoga session. Activity in green space has been proven to reduce anxiety, stress and improve an individual’s mood. MHAW has requested that participants wear comfortable attire and bring their own towel and water bottle.
“We’re thrilled to be kicking off Mental Health Month with this informative session in our local greenspace.” said Colleen Merlo, Chief Executive Officer for MHAW. “The event will serve as a great opportunity to educate community members on the ways in which outdoor activity and movement can impact an individual’s mood, stress and anxiety levels and overall quality of life. Through events such as these, we have the unique opportunity to encourage deeper connections to one another and with nature.”
This event is co-hosted by Legislator Kara Hahn. Legislator Hahn said, “Long Island’s identity is tied to its spectacular outdoor spaces, whether along its waterfront or deep in a forest. We have invested in preserving these spots for our residents to use, and I hope this event reminds people to take time to be in nature, because there are so many physical and emotional benefits.”
The event is part of a MHAW’s larger initiative to provide outdoor green space activities that help participants develop a sense of connection and inclusion to the natural environment and enhance overall mental and physical health.
Where: Blydenburgh Park,
Veteran’s Memorial Highway Smithtown, NY
When: Monday, May 1, 2023 / 3:00pm-5:00pm
Rain Date: May 3, 2023
About the Association for Mental Health and Wellness
The Association for Mental Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation based in Ronkonkoma, NY, with the mission to empower and inspire people of all Suffolk County communities to identify, pursue and sustain healthy, meaningful lives. MHAW provides programs, services, and advocacy for people facing mental health challenges with an enhanced focus on serving Veterans. MHAW is committed to the core practice values of empowerment, hope, recovery, and cultural humility. All of the agency’s direct service workers are trained in the importance of addressing health from trauma-informed and whole-person perspectives with an enriched understanding of the social and economic conditions that contribute to physical and mental health and substance abuse. Central to our mission is the belief that mental health is just as important as physical health. As the local affiliate of Mental Health America (MHA) and the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), we drive evidence-based practices and care, and provide information, education and resources to the community and behavioral health workforce. Our goal is to ensure that policy makers, educational institutions, hospital and healthcare systems businesses and individuals across our region prioritize social and emotional wellness.
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