Monthly Archives: September 2020

Suicide Prevention Month 2020: Know the Signs

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Feelings of uncertainty and instability due to the unknown can take a huge toll on ourselves and everyone around us. According to the CDC, U.S. adults reported elevated of adverse mental health conditions recently. The increase was more significant among young adults, essential workers and minorities. Some people may be  fighting personal battles  –  questioning whether to continue to live through the emotional pain they are experiencing.  

We can all take simple actions to safeguard our mental health and save lives. Learn the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling.

How can I tell if someone is having thoughts of suicide? 

Although in-person interactions may be limited it is more important than ever to be vigilant for those around us to know the signs. Staying connected with regular check-ins is essential so you can recognize the warning signs. If you are worried that someone is having thoughts of suicide, the next step is to find the words and reach out. It’s important to talk openly about suicide, and to ask directly: “Are you having thoughts of suicide?” or “Are you having thoughts of ending your life?” Learn about the warning signs and risk factors for suicide at www.suicideispreventable.org. 

You can also attend one of the Suicide Prevention Month events happening this month: 

  • Sunday, September 20 | 6:00-8:30pm 
    Virtual Screening of the film “S-Word” 
  • Monday, September 21 | 6:00-8:00pm 
    Know the Signs of Suicide Among African American and Other Communities  
  • Monday, September 28 | 6:00-8:00pm  
    Reconozca las Señales de Suicidio en la Comunidad Latinx 

For details and a full list of events throughout September,  visit smchealth.org/suicide-prevention-month. 

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to these 24/7 crisis hotlines: StarVista Crisis Hotline (San Mateo County): 650-579-0350, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Crisis Text Line – Text “Home” to 741741 or find additional crisis resources here.  

 #BeTheOneSMC to reach out and check-in with someone you know. 

9/18 | Resiliency and Connection During COVID-19 Livestream

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Please join us this Friday, 9/18 for Diversity and Equity Council‘s(DEC) Live Stream on Resiliency and Connection During COVID-19. The Live Stream will be hosted through San Mateo County Health’s Facebook and will be discussing how to stay connected safely, strategies to keep community traditions alive and coping tips for older adults and youth.

The event will be hosted from 2:00-3:00pm in English and then again from 3:30pm-4:30pm in Spanish. Here are the links for both events: 

We look forward to hearing from you then! Please share our flyer with your networks.

The Impact of Criminal Justice on Personal Recovery

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People in Recovery come from all walks of life. This year San Mateo County’s Recovery Month will spotlight those in recovery who have come into contact with or run afoul of the criminal justice system. To highlight this topic a special panel of guest speakers and moderators have been assembled for this discussion. All are welcome.

Thursday, September 24, 2020 | 6:00 PM
Moderator: Lee Harris
REGISTER HERE

See the full list of Recovery Month events and and details at vorsmc.org/recovery-happens. All events are virtual. Please register in advance.

If you or some you know is in need of mental health and/or substance use treatment or support, call Behavioral Health & Recovery Services at 1-(800) 686-0101 or visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices

Voices of Recovery Screening: “The S word”

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September is both Recovery month and Suicide Prevention Month. Join Voices of Recovery for a free screening of “The S Word” which will address this important issue and give hope to survivors as well as those impacted by suicide. There will be time for questions and answers at the screening.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | 6–8 PM
Please register here.

See the full list of Recovery Month events at vorsmc.org/recovery-happens. All events are virtual. Please register in advance.

If you or some you know is in need of mental health or substance use support or treatment, call Behavioral Health & Recovery Services at 1-(800) 686 0101 or visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices

Black Lives Matter and Black Recovery Matters

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In the fight for equality and end to racism, we must listen to those who have lived experience. In recovery we rely on the support of our peers, and this means that their struggles are our struggles. With this in mind we host this event with special speakers to share on the topic of black recovery. 

Telling our stories of anti-black racism and recovery is an important means of educating the community. We welcome everyone to join us for this significant discussion.

Thursday, September 17, 2020 | 6–8 PM
Moderator: Pam Ward
REGISTER HERE

See the full list of Recovery Month events and and details at vorsmc.org/recovery-happens. All events are virtual. Please register in advance.

If you or some you may need mental health or substance use care or support, call Behavioral Health & Recovery Services at 1-(800) 686-0101 or visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices

Parent Project Fall 2020 All Class FLyer | Eng & Sp

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Parent-Project-All-class-flyer-SpaDownload

The Parent Project® is a free, 14-week course that is offered in English and Spanish to anyone who cares for a child or adolescent. The classes meet for three hours each week. Parents learn parenting skills and get information about resources and other support available in their communities. While we are still currently confirming our All-Class flyer, we wanted to share our first two confirmed classes starting in September. All classes are virtual and will take place via Zoom.

For more information about the Parent Project, please contact Kristie Lui at kflui@smcgov.org or visit SMChealth.org/ParentProject.

Suicide Prevention Month 2020 calendar of Events

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During September, San Mateo County recognizes both Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month where individuals, organizations and communities join their voices together to raise awareness that suicide can be prevented and recovery is possible.  As part of the many activities taking place this month, we are encouraging everyone to show their support by sharing their own stories and resources, or participate in the various Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month activities happening throughout the entire month. Together we can find hope, resilience and recovery. 

This year’s theme is  “Stronger Together.” Studies confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that connectedness is an important protective factor overall for suicide and that connectedness between individuals can lead to increased frequency of social contact, lowered levels of social isolation or loneliness, and an increased number of positive relationships. 2020 has been a year of unprecedented challenge, and yet we have seen how communities can come together in innovative and supportive ways.

To show your support for these observances:

  1. Attend any of the free events happening throughout the month in honor of:
    1. Suicide Prevention Month: Calendar of Events Flyer | Most current event updates here
    2. Recovery Month: www.vorsmc.org/recovery-happens   
  2. Know the Signs for Suicide.  Learn how to recognize suicide warning signs, find the words and reach out for help at www.suicideispreventable.org. 

#BeTheOneSMC to reach out and connect with someone you know.

Participating in the census is part of the process of dismantling a system that has often been rigged against communities of color.

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Community Stigma Baseline Survey: Mental Health & Substance Misuse Knowledge, Beliefs & Behavior

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Many (if not all of us) know someone facing a mental health or substance misuse issue. However, many people do not get the help and treatment they need because of the stigma around these issues and fear others will judge them. San Mateo County is dedicated to reducing this stigma so that everyone gets the help they need and, ultimately, are able to live longer and better lives.

While we know stigma is a major barrier, how pervasive is such stigma in our San Mateo County community? Are our current stigma reduction programs reducing this stigma overtime?

To answer these questions, San Mateo County launched and completed a Community Stigma Baseline Survey around mental health and substance misuse knowledge, beliefs and behavior. The San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity commissioned an independent research firm, Strata Research Inc., to implement a baseline survey among San Mateo County residents who were at least 18 years of age. This 15-minute survey was completed by 450 residents in San Mateo County during March 2020. This survey built off of the statewide mental health stigma survey conducted by RAND Corporation.

Key findings from the Community Stigma Baseline Survey are listed below. The Executive Summary  and Full Report have more information on each domain, differences by demographics (e.g. age, gender, race/ethnicity) and general information about the survey.

Mental Health

  • One-third of San Mateo County adults (36%) have had a mental health issue.
  • Among those who have had a mental health issue, almost two-thirds (72%) sought treatment.
  • San Mateo County adults scored highest on Mental Health Inclusive Behavior across the three domains used to assess overall knowledge, beliefs and behavior, followed closely by Mental Health Knowledge.

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Substance Misuse

  • One in ten San Mateo County adults (13%) have had a substance misuse issue.
  • Among those who have had a substance misuse issue, one-half (55%) sought treatment.
  • San Mateo County adults scored highest on the Substance Misuse Knowledge domain.

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To learn more about current stigma reduction programs, please visit www.smchealth.org/endstigma.

To learn more about mental health and substance misuse treatment and services, please visit www.smchealth.org/bhrs.

County Seeks covid-19 Community outreach partners

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