MERRILL, Wis. (WJFW) — May is Mental Health Awareness Month and one local health department is hoping to help residents improve their minds.
The Lincoln County Health Department is encouraging residents to remember the importance of social connection through a unique challenge. The challenge is simple, Kristin Bath with the health department says, it’s about encouraging people to do activities with others.
“We have a list of 50 activities with a choice to add your own because it’s not one size fits all,” Bath said.
Activities such as, going on a bike ride with a friend, hosting a cookout for friends or even attending a community event. Bath says the initiative started when the department had talks about the relationship between social connection and mental health.
“We are seeing more people sharing that they are feeling lonely, lacking belonging, so we wanted to start an initiative that encouraged people to connect with others,” Bath said.
The social connection challenge started May 1 and will go until June 5. People can find an activity sheet at the Lincoln County Health Department. Fill out 15 activities and return it for a chance to win a $50 Merrill or Tomahawk chamber gift certificate.
Bath says people may already participate in the activities, but a reminder can go a long way.
“Some people do need an extra nudge so we are just trying to reinforce little things we can all do to help our mental health,” Bath said.
The challenge can be a useful tool, but Bath says her favorite part is seeing the personal impacts.
“Some people shared their favorites were calling a friend they haven’t in years, helping distribute free lunches, random acts of kindness,” Bath said. “So that really shows the personal impacts it had on people and I think that’s the most important part.”
All social connection activity forms are due by June 5 and winners will be announced June 15.