May is Mental Health Awareness Month
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
- 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14
As you can see, you are not alone if you are struggling with your mental health. The library has information about various mental health issues, from workplace stress to body anxiety to PTSD. If you aren’t ready to get help, our books and handouts are a good place to start. We have a book display on the brown bookshelf near the old microfilm machines on the second floor along with a binder containing information sheets that you are welcome to take. Don’t forget about our electronic options on Overdrive or Hoopla.
Let us know if you read any of these books. If you love these books, you can write a review or place them in the “Awesome Box” at the ground floor checkout desk.
If you are not comfortable entering the library, you can request items for curbside pickup during our regular hours (Monday-Thursday 9-9; Friday and Saturday 9-5). You can reserve a book by placing a request in the online catalog, filling out a request form, or calling the reference desk at 978-674-4121. (Please note that our phones are currently down.)
Double click on an image for more information
Services and Local Resources
Handhold provides resources to help guide children who are struggling with mental health issues.
Lowell Community Health Center offers health care, including mental health services, to children and adults of all ages regardless of their ability to pay.
Phone: 978-937-9700
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is a referral service available by phone, texts, or chat in 200 languages to anyone in Massachusetts regardless of insurance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone/Text: 833-773-2445
Massachusetts Department of Mental Health is a state organization that provides services to people with the most serious needs.
Phone: 617-626-8000
NAMI Massachusetts Compass Helpline offers information, ideas, and resources to help people navigate the mental health system.
Phone: 617-704-6264 or 1-800-370-9085
Network of Care Massachusetts is a website that provides links to various resources across MA.
Northeast Recovery Learning Community provides peer support for mental health challenges, addiction and/or traumatic life experiences.
Phone: 978-687-4288 ext.131
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 988
Websites
These are trustworthy websites that you can find on any computer with internet access or smart phone.
Centers for Disease Control Mental Health
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm
has basic information about mental health as well as links to data and resources.
Mayo Clinic Drugs and Supplements
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements
has easy-to-understand information about medications.
MedlinePlus
links to reliable and up-to-date information about diseases, health topics, and drugs written for the average person. You can read it in English or Spanish. You can also link to health topics in other languages.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health
has basic information about mental health, signs and symptoms of disorders, tips for living well with a mental health condition, and links to hotlines and providers.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions
has information on health disorders, including an overview, treatment, support, and discussion groups, as well as statistics, videos, and personal stories.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
offers information on non-traditional treatment options for both health providers and average people.
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/
has a list of mental health topics, statistics, brochures and fact sheets on mental disorders, as well as information about clinical trials.
If mental illness is interfering with your daily life and you cannot cope, know that help is available. Click here to determine if it is time to seek help.