Mental Health Association hosts events for Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County is raising awareness and destigmatizing the issue.

“In today's hectic world, it's important to acknowledge that mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being," said Melodie McSwain, MHACC’s executive director. "Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being, influencing how we think, feel and act. Just as we take care of our physical health, nurturing our mental health is equally vital for leading fulfilling lives."

The month-long celebration kicked off at the Foothills Farmers Market with an information booth and opportunity to paint kindness stones and continued with a free community art activity at the Eugenia H. Young Memorial Library.

MHACC is also partnering with Cleveland Community College's Pennington-McIntyre Art Gallery to host an Art Of Mind exhibit beginning Monday which explores the ways individuals living with a mental health concern navigate the world. The Art of Mind exhibit will run from May through September.

An artists’ reception will be held Monday at 3:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

The month-long celebration will come to a close with a Storyteller’s Event at Got Books on Friday, May 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Speakers will share stories about mental health, resiliency and hope. All events are open to the public at no cost.

MHACC’s goal throughout May is to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. Organizations and individuals are invited to sign the “We Believe Mental Health Matters'' pledge to show support for mental health in Cleveland County. Everyone who takes the pledge will receive a free “We Believe Mental Health Matters'' sticker to display. The campaign page can be found at clevelandcountymha.org/mentalhealthmatters.

This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: Mental Health Association recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month