“Threads of Hope” has been the Board of Health’s mental health awareness theme this year.

It is important to understand that depression can lead to feeling hopeless, but loss of hope can also lead to depression and thoughts of suicide or of harming others. People who have lost hope are in a painful state of mind and need help. Preventing harm of any kind requires understanding that the message of help is the source of hope. In Westport and in surrounding communities, there are threads of hope offered in various support groups such as NA, AA, Al-Anon, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Child and Family Services, to name a few. And, if there is a mental health crisis any time day or night, call 988. Someone there will listen and provide support. They will also connect you with available services and resources. There is also the Massachusetts Behavioral Help Line open 24/7 for those seeking mental health and substance use support. Call or text 833- 733-2445 or go to MassHelpLine.com for more information.

And as one way to help students, the Westport Middle High School initiated a new support team of peers called “The Hope Squad.” They recently began “Fist Bump Friday.” This was created to help spread positivity and foster an environment of kindness, encouragement and support. They are working on building a community in school ‘where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.’ They are demonstrating a great example of how to help. Creating that kind of environment in Westport beyond our schools would benefit the mental health and well-being of our entire community.

The community art installation occurring at the library called “The Hope Project” will be concluded at the end of May. There will be a reception and discussion about the impact of the finished art piece on June 1 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the library. Light refreshments will be served.

Feel Good Fair

To cap off Mental Health Awareness Month, all residents are welcome to attend The Feel Good Fair on Saturday June 6 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. in the main entrance courtyard at UMass Dartmouth. This event is co-sponsored by the Towns of Westport and Dartmouth, and the Southcoast Public Health Collaborative. The purpose of this event is to promote wellness, prevention, and recovery for a healthier community. When you arrive, there will be signs directing you to the event. The schedule includes chair yoga, a petting zoo, games, and speakers from Sunflowers for Sallie and High Point Treatment Center. There will be a variety of organizations sharing information about their programs and services during the event. It is all free, including food and refreshments. Arrive early. Food will be on a first come first serve basis.

Even though Mental Health Awareness month is concluding, we should continue to be aware of taking care of our own emotional well-being, as well as looking out for those in our community who may be struggling. Deconstructing stigma means recognizing that any of us, including members of our own family, could be challenged by substance use or a mental illness. In the coming weeks you may see displays about Deconstructing Stigma around town showing people who have overcome their challenges. The messages are hopeful and encouraging. Those threads of hope connect us, like fist bumps, for a stronger, healthier and more supportive community.