Taking care of our mental health is vital, with an understanding that each person’s mental health matters. Hackley Public Library is striving to not only provide useful resources through print and digital materials, but also to provide insight from experts during a virtual series of free mental health programs.
To kick off Mental Health Month, HPL is having a virtual Mindful Movement Yin-Yoga class, where yoga poses will allow for dense tissues of the body to lengthen and find flexibility through passive movements. It’s a fantastic way to let go of some of the stresses our bodies hold onto, which is very important for mental health! No experience is needed to enjoy this fun, Zoom class on Thursday, May 6 at noon!
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HPL’s second virtual program in the series will be a Mental Health Q&A on Depression and Anxiety, including a panel conversation with Elisa Pérez-Arellano and Jazz McKinney. Elisa Pérez-Arellano, LMSW, is a psychotherapist and owner/CEO of Inclusive Empowerment Services (IES) in Wyoming, Michigan, and Jazz McKinney is a mental health advocate and Executive Director of the GR Pride Center in Grand Rapids. Jazz and Elisa will share their over 20 years of experience in the mental health field to demystify the many issues surrounding anxiety and depression, and use their unique perspectives to delve further into how these issues affect the Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQIA+ communities. This discussion is open to anyone wanting to better understand mental health and the stigmas that often overwhelm those seeking help. There will be a Q&A session at the end so bring your questions, a willingness to learn, and a desire to help break the stigma! This Mental Health Q&A will be on Monday, May 17 at 6 pm, virtually through Zoom.
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Art therapy is a wonderful mental health option that requires no artistic ability, and is a comfortable way to explore thoughts and feelings without necessarily having to use verbal expression. HPL will be having a Springtime: Letting Go to Grow virtual art therapy program through Zoom on Monday, May 24 at 6 pm with Art Therapist and counselor Deb Czechowicz. An art therapy kit will be included with registration (while supplies last)!
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Wrapping up the virtual series for Mental Health Month, HPL will be having a Music Therapy and Well-Being program, presented by Audrey Stein, MSW, MT-BC. Participants will learn about what music therapy looks like with a variety of populations, as well as neuroscience research that has led to advancements in the field. Furthermore, people will receive insight on how music therapy improves our physical, social, intellectual, and emotional well-being.
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All of these mental health programs will be FREE to the public, and will occur virtually through Zoom.
To register for any of these programs, visit hackleylibrary.org, call 231-722-8011, or stop by Hackley Library in downtown Muskegon (316 W. Webster Ave.), across from Hackley Park.
