NSYMCA Partners with Josselyn for Mental Health Awareness Month

Northbrook, IL; May 2023: The North Suburban YMCA’s Educational Series (Y.E.S.), a monthly series of free live and virtual presentations, has partnered with Josselyn (formerly the Josselyn Center) in May to host a virtual discussion about mental health to help bring awareness since May is Mental Health Awareness month.

On Tuesday, May 16th at 11 am Maggie Nash of Josselyn Youth Programs and Director of Mental Health Education will talk about how to approach uncomfortable conversations about mental health in our community.

According to Nash, it can be incredibly intimidating to talk about mental health and states that having an initial conversation with loved ones and friends can save lives. This discussion will teach concrete strategies on how to start and continue conversations about mental health.

“Josselyn’s vision of mental health for all, propels us to continue to raise awareness and reduce stigma,” said Nash. “We hope this workshop equips people to be an important part of that vision and also helps to address the mental health crisis in our community.”

Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. The month is dedicated to fighting stigma, providing support, educating the public and advocating for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.

“May is mental health awareness month and it is very important to our Y that we support these types of important topics,” states Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment. “Over the last several years, our Y has worked closely with Josselyn including requiring all Y staff and personnel to take their mental health training classes. Mental health is an important initiative for our community, and we support many organizations that continue to fight for awareness.”

Since 1951, Josselyn has been providing community-based mental health care, in addition to awareness, outreach and community programming. Josselyn is a nonprofit mental health provider ensuring that everyone has equitable access to the highest quality mental health care.

The YMCA Education Series (Y.E.S.) is a series of free live presentations by local professionals covering topics related to physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing. The presentations are also recorded as podcasts and made available on the NSYMCA YouTube Platform. For more information contact Kim Nyren at knyren@nsymca.org or visit www.nsymca.org.

To sign up for the free Y.E.S. talk: “Let’s talk about it: Approaching uncomfortable conversations about mental health” click here LET'S TALK ABOUT IT: APPROACHING UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH | North Suburban YMCA

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.