Mental Health Comes Out Of Shadows At Gilroy Fair

GILROY, CA — Organizations that live by the benefits of securing mental health services will come together on May 4 at the Gilroy Library as part of the Balanced Life, Balanced Mind Resource Fair.

Funded by the California State Library’s State Mental Health Initiative, the all-day event kicks off at 10 a.m. at 350 W. 6th St. in Gilroy. It ends at 4 p.m.

“This year’s event builds upon the inaugural Mindquest Mental Health Fair in 2018,” County Librarian Nancy Howe said. “Our goal is to help community members find the right balance in their lives and help them obtain better peace of mind through the many resources being offered.”

One in five Americans face a mental health condition, including anxiety, depression, addiction and eating disorders. While traditionally such personal health issues are not publicly discussed, society has been moving toward greater openness in talking about such topics. The resource fair seeks to help all participants focus on their total well-being, including the many challenges found in daily life.

Activities for all ages are scheduled throughout the day, in addition to resource tables providing information, prizes and giveaways. Children may take part in yoga, arts and crafts. Adults and teenagers may enjoy yoga, origami, mixing bath salts, drawing and adult coloring for stress relief. Workshops will be offered on the topics of stress relief, engaging leadership and coping with grief. There will also be a workshop in Spanish on how to raise successful children by a local marriage and family therapist and certified family educator.

The Balanced Life, Balanced Mind Resource Fair is intended to provide information and resources to attendees about mental health. The event also emphasizes the library’s special role as a place to come together, bringing attention to important issues and sharing tools to address life’s challenges.