Mental Health Awareness Month

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the City of Summit announces several initiatives to enhance public awareness and support for mental health throughout May. This national observance is dedicated to shedding light on mental health issues and promoting well-being in communities across the country.

Throughout the month, the City of Summit will provide valuable tips, tools, and resources for stress management via its social media channels and the official city website, enhancing public access to mental health resources.

mental health graphic with flowers coming out of the top of a head
Mental Health Awareness Month flyer
Mental Health Awareness Month flyer

The Summit Communications Office has partnered with Summit Downtown Inc. and local businesses to distribute and display vibrant Mental Health Awareness posters. These posters aim to foster awareness and provide support. Click on each image to download a PDF version; please feel free to display at your business/storefront window during the month of May.

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In a visible show of solidarity, green ribbons, the recognized symbol of mental health awareness, will adorn trees at City Hall, the Village Green, and the Community Center. City staff and council members will also wear these ribbons to emphasize the importance of mental health.

Adding to municipal outreach, the ‘Chalk It Up!’ campaign invites community members to engage in creating positive messages and artwork using sidewalk chalk available at local parks and elementary schools. This initiative includes a collaborative effort with the United Methodist Church of Summit, where a chalkboard will be placed at the intersection of Springfield Avenue and Kent Place Boulevard. This board will feature weekly prompts encouraging people passing by to express their feelings and thoughts. 

chalk it up poster

Videos

Deep Breathing Exercise


Amy Lewis, Health Educator for the City of Summit, leads a deep breathing exercise in this video. This can be done at your desk or wherever you are right now. Take a couple minutes to breathe and relax.

In the April 29 and May 6 Mondays with the Mayor videos, Mayor Elizabeth Fagan, MD, discusses the city's planned activities for Mental Health Awareness Month, including its display of green ribbons on trees and Chalk It Up! campaign.

Mental health resources flyer
flyer with colorful graphics and information on taking care of your body
Beige flyer with info on practicing gratitude
beige and green flyer with information on Worry and Anxiety Tips

This Mental Health Awareness Month, elevate your emotional well-being by nourishing your body with these simple yet powerful tips from the Westfield Regional Health Department and CDC.  Click here to view more information and tips.

The Westfield Regional Health Department is sharing this information on practicing gratitude. More information from the CDC is available here.

The Westfield Regional Health Department is sharing this information on managing anxiety and worry. More information from the CDC is available here.

Stress relief graphic
Behavioral Health Awareness Month Social
blue graphic with information on stress vs. anxiety
Childrens mental health graphic

Click on the link below to view stress management tips from Mayo Clinic.

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relievers/art-20047257

Click here to register for these and other upcoming webinars from Atlantic Health System.

Click on the link below to view information from the National Institute of Mental Health about the differences between stress and anxiety, ways to cope, and how to find help. 

www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic

Mental health in childhood means reaching developmental and emotional milestones, and learning healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Go to www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/index.html to learn more.

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