Q.I heard that the library has programs to promote mental health. What are they and what other resources does the library have to help improve my mental health?
A. The San Marcos Public Library received a grant from the St. David’s Foundation to bring mental health support to public library patrons. The grant program is called Libraries For Health (L4H). The San Marcos Public Library and Buda Public Library are the two libraries in Hays County that have been selected to participate in this pilot program.
The need for access to mental health services is a growing concern in the United States. Mental Health America is a nonprofit group with a “commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness.” According to their website, mhanational. org, 2023 key findings regarding mental health in America are:
• 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life.
• In 2019-2020, 20.78% of adults were experiencing a mental illness. That is equivalent to over 50 million Americans.
• Over half (54.7%) of adults with a mental illness do not receive treatment, totaling over 28 million individuals.
• Almost a third (28.2%) of all adults with a mental illness reported that they were not able to receive the treatment they needed.
In response to these startling statistics, St. David’s Foundation is reimagining the delivery of mental health by building upon trusted community organizations like your library. It is an initiative that enables non-clinical mental health support and practices to be brought directly to people in need.
The programs the library will be offering this summer (and beyond) are:
• Caregiving Connections.
This drop-in program is offered on Mondays at 10 a.m. or Thursdays at 6 p.m. in person at the library or on Zoom.
Caring Connections is a support group for caregivers or aging people who need encouragement, education, and support. Times are offered twice weekly to offer flexibility for caregiver schedules. Facilitator: Kathy Palmer
• Demystifying the Mythos of Dementia.
What is Dementia? Is it a disease? If so, how can you keep from getting it? What if your loved one has dementia? Join Aging and Care Consultant Kathy Palmer as she discusses the following topics: June 6, 6 p.m. — What are Advanced Directives? Make your will known!
July 11, 6 p.m. — Active Aging and Independence.
Aug. 15, 6 p.m. — Aging: Home Safety and Fall Prevention Sept. 19, 6 p.m. — Aging: Grief, Loss and Depression.
• Mental Health Series: Self-care, Coping and Relaxing. Presenter Jani Clark Practice coping skills to relax. Enjoy group discussions, and time to practice self-care techniques. Come fill up your selfcare toolbox.
• Your Inner World: Expressing Through Images.
This drop-in program meets on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; no registration is required. Presenter: Jessamyn Plotts.
Participants will be introduced to skills, materials, and ways of thinking to aid in self-exploration and expression through art.
• Deep Dive Your Inner World: Expressing Through Images. This program will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is a six-week series. (This is a repeat of the series offered May 2 - June 8, but with varying topics) During this series of programs, participants develop a body of work that explores their life story and all manner of personal experiences that make them who they are. Enjoy learning new art techniques, engaging in discussions, connect with the community, as well as acquire an artistic practice of self-reflection.
• Adult Time Out. Enjoy serenity away from your day and practice mindfulness with us as we color and relax. All materials are provided.
June 9, 4 – 5 p.m. June 16, 4 – 5 p.m. June 23, 4 – 5 p.m. June 30, 4 – 5 p.m.
• Mental Health First Aid – Learn how to support your family, friends, and neighbors.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. They will build skills and confidence they need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. Check the Library Calendar for upcoming times.
• Discover Music Therapy — offered the third Wednesday of each month. Join board-certified music therapist, Dawn Ratzlaff, as she conducts experiential therapeutic music sessions on: June 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. July 19, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Taking Charge of Your Retirement — a four-week course. Topics discussed will include: the importance of selfcare, the pitfalls of time and money (mis)management, and realistic answers to the question, “Now what?” The workshop will be facilitated by Glynis Christine, who has over 20 years of experience teaching sociology and psychology to lifetime learners of all ages.
June 9, 1 – 3 p.m. June 16, 1 – 3 p.m. June 23, 1 – 3 p.m. June 30, 1 – 3 p.m. Peer Counselor Victoria is finishing training in May. Check with the library in the future for more information on this service.
The L4H grant also provides funds to purchase materials for the library. Check out these recently published books:
• “Creative Care: a Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care” by Anne Davis Basting
• “Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health” by Thomas R. Insel.
• “Own Your Awkward: How to Have Better and Braver Conversations About Your Mental Health” by Michelle Morgan.
• “The Age-proof Brain: New Strategies to Improve Memory, Protect Immunity, and Fight Off Dementia” by Mark J Milstein.
• “Wonder Drug: 7 Scientifically Proven Ways that Serving Others is the Best Medicine For Yourself ” by Stephen Trzeciak.
• “Work it Out: A Mood-boosting Exercise Guide for People Who Just Want to Lie Down” by Sarah Kurchak Suzanne Sanders is the columnist for the library. She is the Community Services Manager for the San Marcos Public Library and came from the Austin Public Library in 2015 after having served there as a librarian for over 20 years. She gratefully accepts your questions for this column.
