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:
- Try these conversation starters – available in 5 additional languages – and lead meaningful discussions with family, friends or neighbors.
- Attend an upcoming project event:
- Join the project on May 24 for Mental Health Matters Day on the Capitol Lawn! Learn more about the project, hear from Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau members, write on the Walls of Hope and more!
- Visit the project’s mental health art exhibits around Sacramento County or check out our website to view all art virtually. The art has all been created by Sacramento County residents in an effort to help dispel myths and stereotypes and promote messages of wellness, hope and recovery.
- Check out the Stop Stigma blog to read more community perspectives from throughout Sacramento County, including prominent faith leaders, health professionals and community leaders.
- Request a Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau member to speak at your next meeting or event! Complete this request form and submit it to: info@stopstigmasacramento.org.
- Follow “Stop Stigma Sacramento” on Facebook and @StopStigmaSac on Twitter and StopStigmaSac on Instagram.
- Join the mailing list via the project website to stay updated!
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).