As the vibrant hues of autumn begin to color our surroundings, it's important to turn our attention to an issue that touches countless lives: mental health. This fall, various events are taking place dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and offering resources for mental well-being. Join us as we explore the upcoming discussions, talks, and local resources that help inspire, educate, and empower us all on our mental health journeys.
Author Event and Mental Health Fair
A Conversation with Meg Kissinger
Saturday, November 16, 1-2 PM • Glenview Park Center, Lakeview Room
Join us for a discussion between Author Meg Kissinger and Renee Dominguez, Co-Executive Director of the Family Service Center, about Kissinger’s book, While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era or Silence. A book signing will follow this conversation. Kissinger’s book will be for sale, courtesy of The Book Stall, Winnetka.
Thrive Together: Community Mental Health Fair
Saturday, November 16, 2-4 PM • Glenview Park Center, Lakeview Room
Following A conversation with Author Meg Kissinger, please stick around to connect with local organizations and advocates for local mental health services. Don’t miss the chance to learn about, engage with, and support mental health in our community. Drop in.
For Adults
Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Identify and Cope with SAD
Wednesday, Sept 11, 2-3 PM • Community Room East
Learn to recognize symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder and discover common treatment plans and resources for support.
Qigong and Meditation
Wednesday, Oct 30, 2-3 PM • Community Room East
This beginner friendly workshop is a combination of qigong and sound meditation. Qigong involves a series of slow flowing movements and deep measured breathing, followed by meditation accompanied by soothing sounds from various instruments.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What You Need to Know
Wednesday, Nov 13, 7-8:30 PM • Zoom
Explore the fundamentals of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including its symptoms, prevalence, and identifying obsessions and compulsions. Learn about the scope of OCD, current assessment techniques, and effective treatment options. Presented in collaboration with NAMI Cook County North Suburban.
For Parents
Navigating School Services and Advocating for Your Child
Tuesday, Nov 12, 7-8 PM • Community Room West
Our children spend 13 (or more!) years in school. While we often delight in watching or children’s learning unfold, there also might be times of uncertainty about their progress or need for support. Learn how parents can partner with schools to identify concerns and work together toward a solution with Joanna Nummy, a certified learning behavior specialist and the founder of Illuminate Learning Partners, LLC. Registration for this event opens on Tuesday, Oct 29 at 9 AM.
For Youth
Make Your Own Fidgets (grades 4-8)
Thursday, Sep 26, 4:30-5:30 PM • Youth Program Room
Create your own fidget using everyday materials. Registration opens Thursday, Sep 12 at 9 AM.
Mindful Monday (grades K-3 w/adult)
Monday, Nov 4, 4:30-5:15 PM • Youth Program Room
Explore mindfulness techniques together through hands-on activities. Registration opens Monday, Oct 21 at 9 AM.
Booklists
In this section, we've compiled a selection of insightful booklists that explore various aspects of mental health, offering valuable perspectives and practical advice for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge or find support during these times.
Supporting children who struggle with anxiety can be challenging, but the right resources can make a big difference. This carefully curated booklist offers advice, activities, and support for caregivers to help children navigate their feelings and develop resilience in the face of anxiety.
Talking to Children About Depression
When talking to young children about depression, it's important to reassure them that it's okay to feel sad sometimes. You can explain that depression is a condition that makes people feel very sad for a long time, but with support and care, they can feel better. These picture books offer a gentle way to help young children understand depression or sadness in their lives.
These nonfiction young adult books will help teens cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Topics include managing emotions, dealing with stress, a teen’s guide to managing anger, and how teens can engage in self-care. Additional titles such as (Don’t) Call Me Crazy and Where to Start serve as building blocks for teens to develop a vocabulary around mental health topics.
This list consists of young adult fiction books addressing teen mental health. Find old favorites like John Green’s Turtles All the Way Down, graphic novels such as Turtle Bread by Kim-Joy, and newer titles such as Forever is Now by Mariama Lockington. In each of these books, teenaged characters must grapple with external factors to find a place for themselves in the world.
Boost Your Awareness of Mental Health Topics (For Adults)
Everyone deserves the right to mental health. The list below gives a sampling of a wide range of books that inform, explain, support, and inspire the hope for a more fulfilling life. In this list you will find books that revisit the concept of “normal”, analyze why our body feels bad feelings, and illuminate wellness strategies for college students to use while away from home for the first time.
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