During May, Mental Health Month, the Sacramento County Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) is hosting several exciting opportunities for residents throughout the county to help stop stigma and discrimination against those living with mental illness as part of its “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project.
In Sacramento County, an estimated 355,000 residents live with mental illness, but research shows that only one-third of those individuals will seek help primarily due to the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. The “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project aims to stop stigma and discrimination, promote mental health and wellness, and inspire hope for people and families living with mental illness every day.
Stop stigma and get involved during Mental Health Month:
- May 1 – 31: Stop by Chicory Coffee & Tea (1131 11th St.) during business hours to view expressive artwork from Sacramento County residents who have been impacted by a mental illness, including those living with a mental illness or working with individuals who live with a mental illness.
- May 14: Attend and encourage your friends and family to join the Stigma Free 2016 celebration at Clunie Community Center at McKinley Park from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Hosted by the project, the all ages event will feature a resource fair, health screenings, live art demonstration, themed food truck, spoken word performances, prize drawings and more - in recognition of Mental Health Month.
- May 16 – 20: Visit the art display along the wall outside of the Governor’s office at the State Capitol which features art pieces from local Sacramento County residents. The artwork was created by people of all ages and cultures who are supporters of increasing awareness about mental health issues and decreasing stigma and stereotypes in Sacramento County and in California.
Anytime in May:
- Show your support for those living with mental illness and pledge to reduce stigma by signing the digital Wall of Hope on the project website.
- Share your personal story of hope and recovery to help stop stigma and discrimination toward people and families living with mental illness. Telling your story may encourage others to share their experiences and may end the silence that contributes to isolation and shame.
- Join the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau or invite one of the compelling speakers to share their personal stories of hope and inspiration at an upcoming event.
- Learn more about reducing stigma and discrimination at StopStimaSacramento.org and show your support on social media by following the project on Twitter @StopStigmaSac and ‘like’ the project on Facebook and engage in positive mental health messages using the hashtag #StopStigma.
This program is funded by the Division of Behavioral Health Services through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).
For more information on Sacramento County’s “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project, please visit
www.stopstigmasacramento.org.
