December 2023 | Issue 25



The Anne Arundel County Local Behavioral Health Authority or LBHA is a

partnership between the Anne Arundel County Department of Health

and the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Agency, Inc.

Winter has arrived, and with it comes shorter days and longer nights. Many of us experience the "Winter Blues" and feel tired or down. For some of us, this becomes more severe, leading to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with symptoms including social withdrawal and significant depression. Recognizing the difference between the Winter Blues and SAD can determine what we can do to ease our symptoms or understand if professional help may be needed.

Besides all the fun and hustle and bustle, the winter holidays can also affect our wellbeing in negative ways. Many of us feel the pressure to spend money on the perfect gifts, host elaborate gatherings for friends and family, and set major resolutions for the new year. Johns Hopkins Hospital has mindfulness tips that can help bring perspective to the holidays, and allow us to remember what is important and meaningful this holiday season.

We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Whether or not you celebrate, during this hectic season, remember to take care of yourself, connect with friends and family, and spend time on the things that matter most to you and your loved ones.

If you are in crisis and need help, our Warmline is open 24/7 at 410-768-5522.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health’s Health Equity and Racial Justice Office invites you to attend their Health Equity Forum and Holiday Reception from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Monday, December 11th at the Odenton Public Library. Join this event to engage in meaningful conversation around health equity planning efforts. Community members will have the opportunity to raise their voices in shaping future priorities and health equity initiatives. 

Naptown Anti-Dope MoveMeant New Year's Eve Health & Wellness Resource Fair

On Saturday, December 30th, everyone is invited to attend the Naptown Anti-Dope MoveMeant's free New Year's Eve Health and Wellness Resource Fair at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center on Hilltop Lane in Annapolis from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM. Participants will have access to community health resources, a chance to meet service providers, free refreshments and food, merchandise and giveaways, along with fun games and activities associated with wellness. 

Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting youth as they navigate social media. It can be hard to know where to start. How can we engage young people in meaningful conversations? What are the roadblocks to avoid? What will motivate them to make healthy decisions?

Parents and caregivers are invited to join the National Council for Mental Wellbeing on Wednesday, December 6th from 4:00 PM-5:00 PM for a free webinar: New Year, New Start: Talking with Teens about Social Media and Mental Health. This webinar will explore keys to open, productive conversations with youth, including partnership and acceptance.

12/6 Webinar: Understanding Different Types of Dementia, Types, Causes, and Treatments

12/6 Webinar: Ethics Shift into Overdrive: Coaching Skills and Ethics for Client Outcomes

12/6 Webinar: Mental Health Treatment and Climate Change: Beyond the Overview

12/8 Webinar: Borderline Personality Disorder: Understanding the Gray Spectrum

12/8 Webinar: Subpoenas- How to Know What to Do & What Not to Do

12/14 Webinar: Spirituality, Religion and Faith and the Delivery of Social Work Practice

12/15 Webinar: Cultural Competency- Awareness, Skills, and Knowledge for Effective Behavioral Health Intervention with Older Adult Headed Families

12/2 Campfire Social with S’mores and Hot Cocoa (Downs Park, Pasadena)

12/2 Nutcracker Storytime and Chesapeake Ballet Preview (Discoveries, the Library at Annapolis Mall)

12/5 Tree Lighting and Homemade Holiday Card Craft Lessons (Pasadena)

12/7 Chesapeake Life Center Workshop: Living with Grief through the Holidays (Pasadena)

12/9 Craft Lesson: Origami Holiday Trees (Eastport-Annapolis Neck Library)

12/11 Craft for a Cause: Cards for the Homebound (Odenton Library)

12/12 Annapolis Blend Chorus Holiday Concert (Busch Annapolis Library)



12/14 Black and Suicidal Virtual Peer Support Group

12/18 Family Movie Night: The Nightmare Before Christmas (Severna park Library)

12/21 Twilight Winter Solstice Walk & Coffee or Cocoa with a Ranger (Fort Smallwood Park, Pasadena)