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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

pink wildflowers in sunshine with blue lake in background

This annual nationwide event is a reminder to focus on the importance of mental health and its impact on wellbeing. Mental health conditions can affect anyone, and mental wellbeing is a part of each person’s overall health.

Since we all have unique needs, supports, access to resources, and capabilities, how we care for ourselves and others is also unique – especially in times of crisis. The dimensions of our wellbeing are interdependent and can be deeply informed by our culture and lived experiences.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, increase happiness and more. It can also help you adapt to changes, build strong relationships, and recover from setbacks. From a physical health perspective, self-care (movement, nutrition, and sleep) also reduces heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

This guide, Creating a Healthier Life: A Step-by-step Guide to Wellness, may help you consider the status of your wellbeing and explore potential approaches to help you feel better.

Below is a list of events, resources, programs, tools that you may find helpful.

Get Involved in Mental Health Awareness Month  

light blue background with painterly swirls of different shades of blue; Text: Mental Health Awareness Month, Cornell University Health Promoting Campus

Upcoming Events & Activities

Better Together for Mental Health – Community Celebration – Saturday, May 11, Stewart Park. A fun and free day of activities for all ages to assist in prioritizing mental health including guided nature walks, yoga, mindful movement, dance, live music, writing workshops, street performers, free food, and more! Over 40 different organizations, mental health providers, and entertainers will be spread across Stewart Park. Free, tickets not required.

Raising Resilient Kids: Children’s Mental Health in Today’s World with Care.com – Wednesday, May 22, 12-1pm. Presented by Dr. Bob Franks, President and CEO of The Baker Center and faculty member at Harvard Medical School.

Free Webinars & Workshops by Spring Health

  • How to Prioritize Your Mental Wellbeing – May 14, 3-4:00
  • Explore Your Story Through Journaling – May 28, 4-4:45
  • Mindfulness to Reduce Your Stress – May 9, 4-4:20
  • Mindfulness to Improve Your Mood – May 17, 1-1:20
  • Mindfulness to Improve Your Sleep – May 20, 4-4:20
  • Mindfulness for Your Concentration – May 31, 1-1:20

Cornell Inclusive Excellence Podcast Episodes

Building Community at Cornell

Nature, Physical Activity, and Mindfulness

Cornell Counseling Resources

Additional Cornell Resources for Employees

Cornell Community Response Team (CRT)

The CRT is a law enforcement alternative within the Cornell Division of Public Safety available to assist students, faculty, and staff during crisis. The CRT is staffed from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Thursday through Monday, in Appel Commons room 103 and is available at 607-253-2100. For emergencies, call 911 or the Public Safety Communications Center (607-255-1111) so that the appropriate team can be dispatched.

Supporting Cornell Students

Community Resources in Tompkins & Surrounding Counties