May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Published on May 17, 2023
Health and Social Services

This May offers a moment to reflect and celebrate the strength, hope and resilience that is alive and well in our Sacramento community. Whether you are undergoing major changes in your personal life or experiencing the lasting impact of mass tragedies in our world, we are all constantly facing different stressors on our mental wellbeing. It’s critical that we continue to prioritize mental and physical wellbeing for ourselves, as well as our families, friends and neighbors, not just in May but all year long. 

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to reach out to loved ones and provide support to colleagues, friends and family who may be struggling in silence – but also a reminder to care for ourselves. By simply starting a conversation and providing words of encouragement, kindness and help, you can make the difference for someone at work, at home, in your community – or even for yourself. 

For over a decade, Sacramento County’s Division of Behavioral Health’s MHSA-funded “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project has been focused on reducing stigma, raising mental health awareness and inspiring hope within our community through the Stop Stigma Sacramento campaign. Each year, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the project invites community members throughout Sacramento County to participate in a variety of in-person and virtual events, share personal stories and support those living with mental health conditions. While it is wonderful to see mental health being acknowledged and discussed more throughout our community, we know there is still work to be done. 

Here are a few ways to support people living with mental illness during Mental Health Awareness Month, and always: 

Together, we can significantly reduce the impacts of stigma surrounding mental illness within our community. For more information, visit the project website or contact info@stopstigmasacramento.org.

This program is funded by the Division of Behavioral Health Services through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

Contact Information

Samantha Mott

Sacramento County Public Information Office​