Book Lovers Club learns about mental health
She Says
Ashley Kimbrough, owner and therapist of The Mental Bistro, presented a program to the Book Lovers Club. Kimbrough worked for the Department of Human Resources and as a therapist director of Health Connect America for more than seven years before opening her private practice.
Kimbrough discussed two mental health illnesses that women are diagnosed with more often —anxiety and depression.
Some symptoms of anxiety include persistent and excessive worry; restlessness or feeling tense or on edge; difficulty relaxing or resting; low self-esteem; irritability; difficulty concentrating and people pleasing tendencies; or being afraid to hurt feelings.
Depression symptoms include loss of interest in hobbies or things that use to bring joy or happiness in life; overall feeling of sadness or low mood; lack of motivation/low energy levels; change in appetite; degrading self-talk/ feeling of worthlessness; sleep issues; negative or pessimistic outlook; difficulty making decisions; slow cognitive function; and slowed speech.
Research estimates 46.4% of Americans will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Various forms of depression are estimated to cost more than $85 billion a year. Anxiety disorders, which affect roughly 40 million American adults, cost more than $63 billion a year.
Hillary Hall presented information regarding the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council and Franklin County Department of Human Resources partnership with the production of “Annie the Musical” at the Roxy on June 6-8.
Sponsorship is a $100 donation that will be divided between the DHR and the arts council. DHR will receive $20 of the sponsorship donation plus 10% of all ticket sales to the play, which will go to DHR foster children in Franklin County. Book Lovers members approved a $100 sponsorship donation.
Debbie Beason presented the Institute on Andrea’s Arbor — Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County.
The Book Lovers Art Crawl was a success. Lela Ray, chairman, thanked all club members for their assistance.
The April meeting was held at the First Methodist Church Ministry Center. Stephanie Mayfield and Jennifer Warhurst were the hostesses.
