May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County is working tirelessly to bring attention to the importance of mental health and remove the stigma surrounding it. The executive director, Melodie McSwain, emphasized that mental health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, as it impacts how we think, feel, and act. Just like we take care of our physical health, our mental health needs nurturing to lead satisfying lives.
To kick off the month-long celebration, an information booth was held at the Foothills Farmers Market, where attendees had the chance to paint kindness stones. This was followed by a free community art activity at the Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library. Additionally, MHACC has partnered with Cleveland Community College’s Pennington-McIntyre Art Gallery to present an Art Of Mind exhibit exploring how individuals dealing with mental health issues navigate the world. The exhibit will run from May through September, with an artists’ reception open to the public on Monday at 3:30 p.m.
To conclude the celebration, a Storyteller’s Event will take place at Got Books on Friday, May 24, where speakers will share stories of mental health, resilience, and hope. All events throughout the month are free and open to the public. MHACC’s main objective for May is to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to sign the “We Believe Mental Health Matters” pledge on the campaign page found at clevelandcountymha.org/mentalhealthmatters. Participants will receive a free sticker to show their support for mental health in Cleveland County.
Overall, MHACC aims to raise awareness about mental health and encourage people to prioritize it as much as physical health in order to live healthy and fulfilling lives
