May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force invites residents to learn what they can do to prioritize mental health, build resiliency and support those who are struggling, especially during this challenging time.

The national theme from Mental Health America is “Tools2Thrive," with a focus on practical tools anyone can use to improve their mental health.

One of the easiest tools is taking an online mental health screen at www.mhascreening.org. It’s a quick, free and private way for people to assess their mental health and recognize signs of potential problems. You are then encouraged to follow up with a doctor or therapist, if results point in that direction.

Another opportunity to get information is joining a special Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m., featuring Bob Davison, the CEO of the Mental Health Association of Morris & Essex counties. The interactive Webinar will focus on “Maintaining Positive Mental Health during COVID-19.” To participate, please RSVP to mendhamstigmafree@gmail.com. After registering, residents will receive a Zoom link for the event.

All month, residents can follow and interact with the Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force through their Facebook page @mendhamstigmafree. Look for daily updates, including videos, resources, family activities and more based on a theme that repeats each week, from Saturday Stories to Mindful Mondays and Fun Fridays.

In addition to social media, the Task Force has placed lawn signs around the community with hopeful messages, including "We Are All in This Together," "Don't Give Up” and "You Matter.”

The Task Force will continue to provide support and information to residents throughout the year, as part of the ongoing mission to end the stigma around mental health, substance use and other challenges faced by individuals and families in the Mendhams.

Committeewoman Amalia Duarte, Mendhams Stigma-Free Task Force Chair

Mary Kornick, Mendham Borough Stigma-Free Task Force Liaison