May 4, 2023
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s Wellness Committee will recognize Mental Health Awareness Month throughout May by hosting several activities for staff to participate in. Mental health is essential to our overall well-being, and raising awareness and promoting positive mental health practices is crucial. These activities promote positive mental health practices and raise awareness of mental health’s importance. Each activity has been carefully chosen to offer something unique and inspiring.
One of the most exciting activities planned by the committee is Pet Therapy with Frankie. Pet therapy reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, can lower blood pressure, and increase happiness and well-being. Frankie, a friendly and trained therapy dog, will visit St. Mary’s Hospital for Children to bring joy and comfort to our patients, staff, and families.
Another activity the committee has organized is the Guardian EAP Information Table. Guardian EAP is a confidential and free counseling service available to all employees and their family members. This information table will allow staff members to learn more about the services Guardian EAP offers and how to access them.
As part of the month’s activities, Kathleen Booker will also lead a breathwork session for participants. Breathwork is a simple yet powerful tool that can reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and increase focus and clarity. A certified breathwork teacher, Kathleen Booker, will lead this session and guide participants through simple breathing exercises.
Marianne Muzic will present an aromatherapy session with essential oils. Aromatherapy uses essential oils to promote physical and emotional well-being. Marianne Muzic will introduce different essential oils and their benefits.
Finally, the committee organized a poster coloring activity in the lobby. Art therapy helps reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-awareness and self-esteem.
All of these activities remind us that taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health and that we can support ourselves and each other in many ways. The St. Mary’s Wellness Committee has outdone themselves, and their dedication to promoting mental health awareness is genuinely inspiring.
