Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

Happy May Mental Health Awareness Month! This week, you can Express Your Support and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE and virtual May Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!).

While half of us will experience a mental health challenge over the course of our lives, the very real prospect of facing stigma and discrimination prevents many from reaching out for support. In fact, before people reach our for help it takes an average of 11 years from the onset of symptoms of a mental health challenge. MHAM is one of the best times of the year where we can reduce this stigma and promote wellness.

This week, you can tap your creativity to express your support for mental health awareness by

• printing out and coloring in one of the Each Mind Matters Coloring Pages as a way to relax and involve kids in the movement. (Available in English and Spanish)
• Set up the lime green ribbon Sticky Note Wall at home, in your window, or on the sidewalk as a fun and meaningful way to create awareness and share messages of support with your family or neighbors. (Instruction poster available in English and Spanish, and ribbon templates.)

Here’s a bonus: expressing care and support towards others increases production of the hormone oxytocin (which is associated with feelings of attachment and love) and the neurotransmitter serotonin (which is involved in good sleep and feelings of happiness) and can even give some people more energy and feelings of happiness!

As mentioned above, you can Express Your Support and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE and virtual MHAM events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!). Flyer and social media message templates attached.

We appreciate any level of support you can give to help us promote MHAM!

BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and 2020 MHAM Planning Committee