It has been an amazing 31 Days of Wellness for Mental Health Connecticut as we culminate the end of Mental Health Awareness Month. We jam-packed May with an assortment of fun events and activities, as well as educational social media posts focused on mental health awareness.

We kicked off the month with the “Color A Max” coloring activity. Several members from our Development Committee showcased their designs in a clever video, which prompted Photoshop students at Tunxis Community College to participate in the wellness activity by sharing their creative designs with us on our Facebook page.

Two of Connecticut’s popular sports organizations — Hartford Yard Goats Baseball and Connecticut Sun Women’s Basketball — welcomed our guests into their venues, helping us to raise money to support our wellness programs. Thank you to Aetna, who provided refreshments, yoga, and giveaways before the Yard Goats game as well as providing exclusive MAX baseball caps to all of our ticket holders.

Young adults who have participated in our most recent Write On! program shared their personal and authentic stories during “Telling Tales” at the Sea Tea Comedy Theater in Hartford on May 9. It was a tremendously moving and healing evening that triggered many tears, lots of laughter, and an amazing sense of pride.

Panera locations across CT and Margaritas in East Hartford hosted give back days during the month of May to benefit MHC.

This week, we hosted our final event of the month with author and trauma survivor Colleen Kelly Alexander, who shared her story of resiliency and courage, at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford. She reminded each of us that we are part of something bigger in this universe. “Every person you meet is a new friend,” she said.

We are so grateful for each one of you who took the time out of your busy schedules to attend our events, like and share our social media postings, set up birthday fundraisers on Facebook, and encourage wellness for yourself and those around you.

Our mental health is as important as physical health. We all need to take time to pay attention to it, not only during the month of May but everyday! At MHC, we pledge to continue to inspire you to listen to your mind, body, and spirit.

Bring on the summer months.

– Kim Sirois Pita, MHC Board Chair

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Special thanks to our sponsors, presenters, community partners, and supporters who made #31DaysofWellness a success!