Watertown Library Talks Mental Health With Community

WATERTOWN, MA — The Watertown Free Public Library is hosting a virtual series to fuel conversations about mental health in the community.

The WFPL is collaborating with Wayside Youth and Family Services and the Watertown Police Department to offer the free, virtual series.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has ratcheted up all the normal stressors in our lives, and together we are learning how to cope with trauma and build resilience moving forward with a new normal” says WFPL Reference Librarian Emily Levine. “We just want people to know that they are not alone, and that free mental health support is available in our community.”

The workshops cover topics ranging from suicide to mental health first aid training and grief support. WFPL, Wayside, and the Police Department will co-host five workshops this spring. Details about each workshop is listed below:

Coping with Grief

Thursday, 3/25 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom

Join local therapist Liz Brenner for an hour long session to discuss grief. She will talk about what grief is, how it manifests, and coping strategies.

Question, Persuade, Refer Training: A Suicide Awareness and Prevention Workshop

Wednesday, 4/7 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom

The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. Space is limited, please sign up early.

Family Strategies: Stress, Isolation, Coping, and More

Thursday, 4/22 | 6:30 PM | via Zoom

Join local therapist Liz Brenner for an hour-long session to help parents discuss what is challenging in the current parenting environment, and provide resources for current family stressors.

Mental Health First Aid Training: for adults interfacing with adults

Saturday, 5/8 | 9 AM – 5 PM with break | via Zoom

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training will give you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Mental Health First Aid Training: for adults interfacing with youth

Saturday, 5/22 | 9 AM – 3 PM with break | via Zoom

Register for workshops on the Library’s website: watertownlib.org/mentalhealth