Menlo Park Library Commemorating Mental Health Awareness Month

MENLO PARK, CA -- All throughout May, the Menlo Park Library is partnering with San Mateo County Health and other organizations throughout the area in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month.

"Join us in the effort to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions," the City of Menlo Park said in a May 6 statement.

The upcoming events calendar includes:

• Singer-Songwriter Gaby Castro:
  Songs of Hope and Healing Monday, May 13 7-8 p.m. Castro combines introspective song writing with a contemporary style.
• Good Reasons for Bad Feelings Friday, May 17 6:30-7:30 p.m. Why has natural selection not rid our species of psychiatric disorders?
• Str8jacket Hip Hop Saturday, May 18 1-2 p.m. This dance team values passion, and promotes mental health and acceptance.
• Teen Design and Bind Journals Monday, May 20 4-6 p.m. Belle Haven Branch Art therapy for Grades 5-12: create your own journal. Register in advance.
• Teen Design and Bind Journals Tuesday, May 21 4-6 p.m. Art therapy for Grades 5-12: create your own journal. Register in advance.
• Mental Health Open Mic Friday, May 24 7:15-8:30 p.m. Café Zoë San Mateo County Poet Laureate Aileen Cassinetto joins us to help break the silence surrounding suicide and mental illness.
• Film Screening and Discussion: "The S Word" Wednesday, May 29 6-8:30 p.m. A suicide attempt survivor meets fellow survivors and shares their stories of courage, insight, and humor.