Let’s “Go Green!”
NAMI Austin is joining affiliates across the United States in shining the light on mental health with an array of activities and events. Mark your calendars for these events, and keep an eye Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates. To download and print a flyer of these events, click here.
Friday, May 13
More than Baby Blues: Unmasking Postpartum Depression
In collaboration with the YWCA of Austin
9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon FREE (CEUs available for $30 through YWCA)
Austin Travis County Integral Care 5015 IH-35, Ste. 200
Registration through YWCA required at ywcaaustin.org
Having a baby is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. But what if it’s not? Each year 1.3 million women in the U.S. struggle to find support and treatment for postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders. Join us as we partner with the YWCA of Austin and the Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance of Texas for a special screening of Dark Side of the Full Moon, a documentary on maternal mental health, followed by a panel discussion featuring mental health and medical experts as well as a mother with lived experience. Free and open to the public but registration is required. CEUs available through YWCA.
Saturday, May 14
Depressed Cake Shop
“Keep Austin Well” City-Wide Health Fair
11:00-3:00 p.m. FREE
The Domain , 11410 Century Oaks Terrace
“Where there is cake, there is hope…and there is always cake!” Join us as we host Austin’s first one-day pop-up bakery to encourage conversation about mental health issues. The concept is deliciously simple! We’ll sell gray-colored cakes, cookies, and other treats to raise awareness of and fight the stigmas that often keep people from talking about mental health challenges and getting the help they need. While the baked goods look sad on the outside, all are colored on the inside to symbolize hope. Don’t miss this fun and joyful event celebrating wellness!
Wednesday, May 18
Mental Health Matters: How Innovative Programs & Policies Make a Difference
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. FREE
State of Texas Capitol Auditorium, 1100 Congress Ave.
Parking available in Visitor’s Parking Garage (click here for map)
Get a first-hand look at a series of Mental Health Channel short documentaries made in partnership with KLRU and the Texas Tribune and scheduled for broadcast on KLRU in July. Mental Health Matters highlights innovative programs that are making a difference in addressing the mental health concerns of children, veterans and the justice system. Screening includes a panel of experts who will discuss the challenges of improving mental health outcomes in Texas.
Monday, May 23
“Breakdown to Brilliance” featuring Ryan Sheehy, 2016 SXSW Interactive Presenter
7:00-9:00 p.m. FREE
George Carver Museum’s Boyd Vance Theatre, 1165 Angelina St.
We’re taking our monthly Community Meeting on the road in May to celebrate our annual community award recipients and to feature Ryan Sheehy, a recent South by Southwest Interactive presenter. As founder of the Austin-based PR firm, SHEEHY creative, Ryan recently made it her mission to change the narrative surrounding mental illness with “Breakdown to Brilliance.” Fresh out of SXSW Interactive, Ryan used the SXSW stage as an opportunity to publicly reveal her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder. During her presentation, she’ll debunk myths, offer ideas for achieving wellness and inspire a cultural shift. Her goal is to break the silence that perpetuates stigma, normalize mental health discussions among professionals and rally support from business leaders. Learn more at BreakdowntoBrilliance.com.
Thursday, May 26
All in Your Head: True Tales of Struggles with Mental Health
7:00-9:00 p.m. $5
Testify Austin at the Spider House Ballroom, 2908 Fruth St.
Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to change minds and hearts. Testify Austin is a live monthly storytelling show, and in May they’re “Going Green” for Mental Health Month. All in Your Head: True Tales of Struggles with Mental Health will feature people’s heartfelt journeys with mental illness. You won’t want to miss this event!
Saturday, May 21
Go Green Picnic
Click here to dowload and print a flyer to share!
Hosted by NAMI Austin and Co-Sponsored by Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC)
With special guests: Communities for Recovery, PLAN of Central Texas, Austin Clubhouse, Austin State Hospital Volunteer Services Council & New Milestones Foundation
Featuring a Mental Health “Wishing Trees”
Live Music featuring Rob and the Nasty Beat and Arielle Nicole
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Austin State Hospital 4110 Guadalupe St.
We’re celebrating the importance of mental health with music, food and friends. Join us for a mid-day picnic with the staff, volunteers and supporters of some of Austin’s best mental health organizations. It will be a great day of celebrating and sharing our dreams and wishes for better mental health in Austin!
- Wear something green.
- Pack your own picnic lunch and drinks. We’ll provide water and desserts.
- Bring your own lawn chairs (or blankets) and sunblock.
For more information about NAMI Austin Mental Health Month Events
512.420.9810 [email protected]