Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) was established to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. The Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition (HDAAC) and Holliston Youth and Family Services (HYFS) recognize MHAM every May to decrease stigma about promoting the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. We also highlight resources and information to support our community members who may need assistance.
Substance misuse and mental health are closely connected in both adults and youth. As of 2023, 18% of our High School students reported depressive symptoms. Individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with things like depression, anxiety, trauma, or stress. In some cases, substance use can also contribute to or worsen these mental health challenges. This relationship is often a pattern, making it harder to break free without support. Early prevention, open conversations, having a trusted adult to talk to, and access to mental health resources are essential to promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of substance misuse.
HYFS & HDAAC have partnered on a number of initiatives this month to support Holliston and uplift all of our mental health. See our calendar of events below. Details of time and place can be found bulleted underneath the calendar.
*picture of calendar*
Event details:
- Wednesday, May 21st, 10-11 AM @The Library: DEI Story Hour w/ Mrs. Jackie
- Saturday, May 24th & Sunday, May 25th, all weekend long downtown: Wellness Weekend
- Saturday, May 31st, 10:30 AM @The Library: Screening of the movie Join or Die (a movie tackling the loneliness epidemic)
*Doreen, can you link the flyers attached to the email to the DEI story hour and the wellness weekend?*
Holliston Youth and Family Services offers a diverse range of services and innovative interventions to support children, adults, and families affected by various life experiences, emphasizing clients’ strengths and holistic well-being. FREE to all
Holliston residents!
Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all our programs throughout the year!
HDAAC Instagram: @hollistonDAAC
HDAAC Facebook: HDAAC-Holliston Drug & Alcohol Awareness Coalition
HDAAC Website: HDAAC.org
HYFS Instagram: @hollistonyouthandfamily
HYFS Facebook: Holliston Youth and Family Services
HYFS Website: townofholliston.us/youth-and-family-services
