May is Mental Health Month

Mental Health Task Force
1 in 5 Americans will experience a mental illness in a year Lexington cares about mh end stigma

GET A FREE MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT!

Be among the first 100 Lexington residents to take an online mental health screening and get a free mental health toolkit. Screening must be taken between May 1-31, 2023. Take mental the health screening right now. 

Once complete, you will have the option to email your results. Please email results to yourself then forward that email to Human Services at humanservicesoffice@lexingtonma.gov and we will direct you on how to pick up your toolkit. If you don't feel comfortable emailing the screening answers, you may delete them and only send what you're comfortable sharing with us. Your results will be kept confidential. 

“Please note: Online screening tools are meant to be a quick snapshot of your mental health. If your results indicate you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, consider sharing your results with someone. A mental health provider (such as a doctor or a therapist) can give you a full assessment and talk to you about options for how to feel better” Mental Health America, (2022).

MHToolKit_Photo

May is Mental Health Month Schedule of Events
Sponsored by the Lexington Mental Health Task Force and Human Services Department.

Make Your Own Mental Health Tool Kit

Grades 5-12 join Youth and Family Services Manager, Penny Tsiounis, LCSW at the Community Center on May 10th or 17th, 4-5pm for a group where you will learn about 6 coping skills and create your own “toolkit” to utilize when experiencing stress. Register Here. Contact ptsiounis@lexingtonma.gov for questions.

Meet Kyla, Therapy Dog

Every Friday in May from 1-2pm at the Community Center. Kyla is an 11-year-old golden retriever who joined her Lexington family at 8 weeks old. She got her AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate and therapy dog credentials at 2 years old, and she has been doing therapy dog work ever since. She’s gentle, loves interacting with people of all ages, and has participated in elementary school reading programs, attended classes and therapy dog sessions with college students, and visited seniors at Brookhaven. You may have seen her walking around Willard's Woods or Lexington Center, where she is often seen waiting patiently outside Peet's for her people to return with Lattes (for them) and treats (for her).

Kyla Therapy Dog
Kyla Rreading
Woman Doing a Facial on Phone

Spa Day for Your Mental Health

Self-care is proven to improve your mental health. Book a massage, facial, manicure and/or pedicure. May 1st at the Community Center. $15 and 15 minutes for each service. To book a service visit lexrecma.org or call 781-698-4840.

Coping with Change

A support group for those 60+ dealing with difficult changes older adults face. We'll discuss a variety of topics, self-help tools & coping skills. May 16th, 2-3pm in-person at the Community Center. May 30th, 2-3pm virtual. June 20th location TBD. Register at lexrecma.com or 781-698-4840.

Collage Art

Gratitude Boxes

Studies have shown that gratitude reduces anxiety and depression. Participants will be creating reminders of the goodness in their lives while boosting their mood. Join Registered Art Therapist, Erica Curicio and create a gratitude box using collage technique on matchboxes. Each participant will take home two boxes, one they make and one made by another participant. Pick one of two times: May 10th at 10am or 1pm at the Community Center. Register at lexrecma.com or 781-698-4840.

Healthy Coping Skills for Sadness & Worry

Join Licensed Certified Social Worker, Emily McDonough for a discussion focused on how to identify symptoms of anxiety and depression and healthy ways of coping. This program is sponsored by Eternal Health. May 9th, 1-2pm at the Community Center. Register at lexrecma.com or 781-698-4840.

People Hugging

QPR

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is Suicide prevention training which will be presented by Sharon Gunda, LICSW. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. May 9th, 5-6pm and 11th, 2-3pm in-person at the Community Center and May 17th, 9-10am virtual. Registration Here. For questions contact Sharon Gunda at 781-698-4851 or sgunda@lexingtonma.gov.

Positive Affirmation Swag

The Lexington Human Services Department will be distributing free positive affirmation swag e.g. affirmation bead bracelets, stickers etc. during the month of May in honor of Mental Health Month. Baskets of swag will be located in the lobby of the Community Center.

If you or a loved on is struggling with your mental health, help is available. 
Contact the Human Services Department at 781-698-4840 or email humanservicesoffice@lexingtonma.gov.