KEEPING THE NEWS LOCAL & THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED.
VOLUME 3 EDITION 5
MAY 2022
LIVE
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LEARN
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WORK
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PLAY
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COMMUNITY UPDATES
Together for Mental Health: You Belong in Avalon Park
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, recognizes the month of May as a time for bringing awareness to mental health. The focus of the 2022 national movement is on the message of “Together for Mental Health.” By coming together, the Avalon Park community can help all of its members feel a sense of place and belonging and support a culture of strong mental health through the resources available.
logical well-being.
A strong social network is one of those things that may not seem important but can make a big difference when life gets hectic. Having friends and family nearby who can provide emotional support can be a huge boon to your mental health. Furthermore, keeping up with your favorite people face-to-face instead of online keeps you present and connected to your community. It’s Abel Genoa, founder of Ava- also good for them—keeping lon Park based non-profit Pro- in touch with friends and famijecthinkforward, says, “In our ly helps prevent depression. everyday lives, we assume that good mental health only has to Groups like the Rotary Club of do with internal feelings, but Avalon Park, the Avalon Park that is only the beginning. Our Kiwanis and Post 409 Amerimental health is a mixture of can Legion, are a great way to multiple things, with living in start building the strong social a positive community being a network. For a full listing of main factor. Living in a place the clubs and organizations in such as Avalon Park where you Avalon Park visit the online dihave the tools & outlets to ex- rectory here and select the orpress yourself in a positive way ganizations category. through many outlets. Making friends with likeminded inter- Additionally, spending time ests, as well as exercising and with friends, family and neighusing the many running paths bors is a great way to stay poswe have all attribute to a posi- itive and healthy. Avalon Park tive lifestyle and mental health offers many opportunities to stability.” do just that, from meeting up at a favorite local restaurant to Feeling accepted and welcomed getting together at one of the by being a part of a community many community events, there is where a sense of belonging are multiple ways to have begins. Whether through civic healthy social interactions in groups, church groups, volun- the community. teering with a local organization, or just neighbors who say Access to mental health rehi when they see you, having sources is also key. Propeople around you who make jecthinkforward is a non-profit you feel safe and comfortable organization based in Avalon is essential for optimal psycho- Park, offering sponsored ther-
apy to those that cannot afford it. They also curate a regular podcast where different mental health specialists discuss various mental health conditions. As well as other forward thinkers in our community to discuss life skills, growth, and much more. Access the latest episodes online. Another key resource is the accessibility to mental health counselors and therapists in Downtown Avalon Park. For contact information and listing of the providers, visit the directory here and select the medical category. The benefits of physical exercise far exceed just the physical benefits. According to TheHelpGuide.org it can also boost your mood, improve your sleep, and help you deal with depression, anxiety, stress and more. From joining the local YMCA, to shooting hoops at the amenity center or talking a swim in the pool, there is a wide range of ways to get physically active in Avalon Park. With such a variety of organizations and opportunities, Avalon Park is a community where all can feel like they belong. Whether you are living, learning, working or playing, or maybe even all four, in Avalon Park, you belong here! So, Avalon Park, let’s come “Together for Mental Health” this month and every month to ensure everyone feels like they belong!
