Speakers to bring awareness to mental health self care in May

PERRY TWP. – May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Stark Parks, in partnership with StarkMHAR, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, NAMI Stark, and the Canton Symphony, has scheduled weekly activities to increase awareness and fight the stigma against mental illnesses, according to a news release. 

Mental health professionals will speak on mental health topics followed by an on-your-own self-guided hike through the Mindfulness Walk at Petros Lake Park, 3519 Perry Dr. SW. Register at StarkParks.com/mindfulnesswalk. 

Ten stations promote relaxation, focus and awareness, reflection, and embracing the present moment. Examples include a zen sand garden, a musical instrument, stacking stones, and a labyrinth. 

Meet at Woodland Shelter (No. 1) on your right as you drive into the park from the north entrance. The Mindfulness Trail begins to the right of the shelter and volleyball court.

• Depression: Wednesday, 6-6:45 p.m.: Mary Kreitz, from Child and Adolescent Health, will speak about depression and what people can do to fight off depression and support a loved one who is struggling with depression. 
• NAMI Stark, You are Not Alone: May 11, 6-6:45 p.m.: “NAMI Stark Cares: You Are Not Alone” NAMI Stark County, a local nonprofit mental health organization, offers hope for recovery for persons and families impacted by mental illness. 
• Grief and Loss: May 18, 6-6:45 p.m.: Mary Kreitz, from Child and Adolescent Health, will speak about grief and loss. We need to allow time to grieve these losses and to support each other as we build a new way of living after the losses. 
• Mindful Monday: Gratitude Journal: May 23, 5 p.m.: Brandice Schnabel from StarkMHAR will show how to utilize a gratitude journal and the ways that it can positively impact mental health. 
• Principals of Music Therapy: May 25, 5-5:45 p.m.: Music can be a tool for mindfulness and healing. It can be a way to escape or to dive deeper into memory and emotion. Join a trained music therapist as they explain with principles of music therapy and guide attendees in a group music making experience. Afterward, stroll through the Mindfulness Walk, where Canton Symphony Orchestra musicians will provide accompaniment.