Category Archives: Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

2024 MHM Heal Through Connection: Virtual Backgrounds

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We are two days away from 2024 May Mental Health Month!

What’s an easy way to let your team and others know that May is Mental Health Month? Promote it with your virtual background! See attached to download yours today.  

Events happening this week:  

💚5/1: Be Sensitive Be Brave Mental Health 101 in Tagalog via Zoom 
💚5/1: Hawaiian Music w/ Faith Ako, Menlo Park Library 
💚5/3: Lift Your Voices Open Mic, San Mateo Library 
💚5/4: Hearts Minds Hands, San Bruno  
 
For more event details and our full list of free and public events and mental health resources, visit SMCHealth.org/MHM. 

Self-Care Everyday Series: Psychological Self-Care

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After delving into emotional self-care, our next focus is psychological self-care, a related yet distinct aspect of self-care. While emotional self-care strengthens our emotional resilience, psychological self-care aids in learning to ease our “fight or flight” responses, thus soothing our nervous systems and creating room for deeper self-awareness.  

Psychological self-care involves nurturing growth, whether personal or professional, and direction attention to elements within our control. Dedicating moments to notice our inner thoughts, feelings and experiences builds awareness and encourages growth in areas where improvement is possible.  

Psychological self-care encompasses a variety of activities, including, but not limited to: 

  • Make time away from phones, work and the internet  
  • Make time for self-reflection  
  • Notice your inner experience – listen to your thoughts, beliefs, attitudes, feelings 
  • Have your own personal therapist/counselor        
  • Write in a journal  
  • Read literature that is unrelated to work  
  • Do something at which you are an expert or in charge  
  • Attend to minimizing stress in your life 
  • Engage your intelligence in a new area (e.g., go to an art show, sports event, theatre) 
  • Be curious 
  • Say no to extra responsibilities sometimes 

The possibilities for psychological self-care are diverse and adaptable to individual preferences and needs. By prioritizing psychological self-care through these practices, we learn to ease our “flight or fight” responses which alleviates our nervous systems, thus creating room for us to become one with true our inner selves. 

Exploring my psychological self-care now involves delving into photography, a passion I’ve cherished for years. Integrating photography into my well-being routine is a mindful practice, achieved by strolling through my neighborhood and capturing the beauty of nature. These walks serve as a digital detox forcing me to disconnect from technology, while photography serves to ease for my mind, unleashing my inner creative child to run wild. Each image I capture reflects my unique perspective on the world, reminding me of the importance of carving out daily moments for myself and my self-care. See below for some photos I’ve taken for my psychological self-care.

Sources:  
Iowa’s Area Education Agencies: Mental Health and Wellbeing 
Mental Health Guide: Psychological Self-Care 

5/2 – MHSA Steering Committee: Prop 1 Next Steps

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We look forward to connecting with you at our next MHSA Steering Committee meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd.  Once again, we will have a NEW physical location for those that want to join us in-person.  The goal is to find a meeting location that allows for hybrid meetings, is accessible to public transportation and can remain consistent for us.  We will try the San Mateo Library next and new technology to help us host a hybrid meeting.  The Zoom link is also included below if you prefer to join virtually and the phone line for conferencing in.  The latest information for MHSA can always be found on the MHSA website, www.smchealth.org/MHSA, under the “Announcements” tab.

Next MHSA Steering Committee – May 2, 2024, from 3-4:30pm (hybrid meeting)

Now that we have the vote results for Proposition 1, we will be focusing the meeting on next steps, timeline for implementation and an opportunity for participants to provide input on the community planning process that will support implementation.

Thank you!

Commissioner Jean Perry, MHSA Steering Committee Co-chairperson
Commissioner Leti Bido, MHSA Steering Committee Co-chairperson
Doris Estremera, MHSA Manager

2024 May Mental Health Month | Heal Through Connection #SMCAgainstLoneliness

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Hello,

We are excited to share with our partners and communities that the theme for 2024 May Mental Health Month is Heal Through Connection #SMCAgainstLoneliness.

Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Month (MHM) in May. MHM is one of the best times of the year to increase awareness and inspire action to reduce stigma against those with mental health and substance use conditions.

Our Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in January declaring loneliness a public health crisis and pledging to promote social connection in our communities. According to the 2023 San Mateo County Health and Quality of Life Survey, 45% of residents in San Mateo County residents were experiencing difficulty with loneliness and isolation.

Now more than ever it is vital that we find ways to connect with one another. This May, we encourage folks to connect with others at one of our free public events, connect to resources, and connect with your community by getting involved.

More information at SMCHealth.org/MHM.

Self-Care Everyday Series: Emotional Self-Care

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Another facet of self-care is emotional self-care. To simplify, think of emotional self-care as effectively managing emotional distress. Stress manifests in various forms, thus it is crucial to equip ourselves to combat distress when it arises. An effective strategy to combat distress is leveraging our personal strengths. This can be achieved through daily positive affirmations and exploring new avenues of embracing self-love. Often, we are too caught up in the whirlwinds of life to pause in the present moment and acknowledge the small victories we make each and every day. 

By actively engaging in emotional self-care and fostering mindfulness, we become cognizant of detrimental habits disadvantageous to our overall emotional well-being. Through this newfound awareness, we strengthen our emotional resilience while simultaneously prioritizing our health and wellness.  

Emotional self-care encompasses a variety of activities, including, but not limited to: 

  • Spending time with others whose company we enjoy 
  • Giving affirmations that promote self-love 
  • Buying ourselves a present 
  • Practicing forgiveness, not only among others, but with ourselves as well 
  • Re-reading favorite books, re-viewing favorite movies and tv shows 
  • Identifying comforting activities, objects, people, places and seeking them out 
  • Allowing ourselves to cry 
  • Finding things that make us laugh 
  • Social justice engagement 

The possibilities for emotional self-care are diverse and adaptable to individual preferences and needs. By prioritizing emotional self-care through these practices, we lay the foundation for effectively managing stress, nurturing personal relationships, and embracing life’s experiences more fully. 

An essential part of my emotional self-care routine revolves around incorporating positive and loving affirmations to enhance my emotional well-being. I create what I refer to as “self-love notes” using sticky notes, strategically placing them where I’ll appreciate them as soon as I wake up and before I go to bed. This practice ensures I begin and end my days with a sense of gratitude. Moreover, these notes serve as a gentle reminder to give myself grace, particularly during challenging days that take a toll on my physical and mental emotional well-being. 

Written by Ayanna Wade (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Intern

Congratulations to Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti for Induction to the San Mateo County Women Hall of Fame!

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On Friday, 3/8/24, at Skyline College, Director of Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity (ODE), Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti was inducted into the San Mateo County Women Hall of Fame. The ceremony landed on International Women’s Day and was a celebration of incredible women throughout San Mateo County.  

Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti has excelled in many different roles within San Mateo County including a psychologist, behavioral health clinic Unit Supervisor, Parent Project Program Coordinator and Director of ODE. With these different roles, Dr. Lorente-Foresti has made many impactful contributions in advancing the behavioral health & well-being of our San Mateo County community, especially for marginalized and underserved populations. For County community, she has supported the San Mateo County Pride Celebration and Sana Sana Events since inception and developed and implemented policy allowing behavioral health providers and clients to openly talk about how spirituality shapes a participant’s mental health and well-being.  

Dr. Lorente-Foresti’s leadership style is a unique combination of compassion, collaboration and perseverance. She brings these qualities into her work, community and family. In her family she is a single working caregiver supporting her elder parents and her son. In her community, she participates and supports community organizing for racial equity. And in her work, she leads with love and compassion despite forces of fear, hate and racism persisting in many parts of our society. Overall, she has an energy and brightness that shows she never loses sight of humanity and a larger vision where each one of us in San Mateo County may realize a healthy and meaningful life.  

Dr. Lorente-Foresti states in her acceptance speech, “I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina… during this journey my parents and my brother showed me resiliency, how to navigate challenges and the importance of community.” 

As Maria describes impactful moments in her life that shape her work she states, “these experiences are intertwined with my parents instilling in me the values of compassion sacrifice hard work in addition to a deep understanding that to create change you need many hearts and many hands.”  

Additionally, Dr. Lorente-Foresti has empowered staff and local community members to support and advocate for behavioral health equity and social justice for the San Mateo County community. While she advanced the wellness of employees, she also empowers employees to share their voice and shape the behavioral health system they work in and larger communities they are part of. For example, she engages her staff to engage in the unit decision making process as much as possible. She wants her staff to be empowered to shape the work of the team including strategy implementation, operations and employee engagement.  

The Women Hall of Fame recipient also plays a pivotal role in advancing multi-cultural organizational development for San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services, supporting Government Alliance for Racial Equity (GARE) cohort and staff training for San Mateo County Health (now expanded Countywide), serving on the County Equal Employment Opportunity Committee and leading BHRS Health Equity Initiatives for the larger community.  

Once more, congratulations to Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti for the honor she brings to Behavioral Health & Recovery Services!  

Recording of the event will be shared on San Mateo County Youtube.  

Watch CBS’ Coverage of the event here.  

Learn more about the San Mateo County Women Hall of Fame here.  

Congratulations to 13 New Health Ambassador Graduates!

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On February 7th, 2024, Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity‘s Health Ambassadors welcomed 13 new graduates of the Health Ambassador Program. This is the first in-person graduation since 2019, and it was a spectacular evening filled with joy, community, and connection. The evening consisted of the awards ceremony, a slideshow highlighting the successes of the program over the past few years, and guest speakers/ presenters including Dr. Maria Lorente Foresti, Scott Gruendl, Clara Boyden and more.

Some of the successes highlighted from Fiscal Year 21-22 and Fiscal Year 22-23 include:
– 119 unduplicated clients served
– 21,000 individuals served
– 45 resource tables
– 10 trainings to support/advocate for behavioral health wellness
– 4 Focus groups: retired Congresswoman foundation, MHSA 3-Year plan, Youth Commission Roadmap, State Suicide Prevention campaign.

The Health Ambassadors also played a key role in COVID-19 support and outreach including:

  • Production of 4 Facebook Live community events to support San Mateo County COVID Response
  • Creation of PSAs -in English, Zapotec, Tongan, Tagalog, and Spanish to promote vaccination.
  • Distribution of mental health support and masks in laundromats, grocery stores, and food bank sites.

About the Health Ambassador Program:
Health Ambassadors are individuals who are committed to helping to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals in their community and complete the Health Ambassador Program. San Mateo County’s Behavioral Health and
Recovery Services (BHRS) Health Ambassador Program was created in recognition of the important role that community members serve in effectively reaching out to others.

As a community member with knowledge and experience, you can make a difference in the lives of families, friends, neighbors, and other members in your community who may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness and/or a substance use problem.

Learn more at SMCHealth.org/HAP.

3/29 – 2024 Cesar Chavez Celebration

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Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity & Equity‘s Latino/a/x Collaborative is partnering once again with Voices of Recovery for the 3rd Annual Cesar Chavez Celebration.  This year the event will take place on Friday, March 29, 4:30-8 pm, at the East Palo Alto Academy!

Our San Mateo County community members and families will get to enjoy free food, entertainment, arts and crafts activities, resources, raffles, and speakers, including our very own Amazing Director and San Mateo County’s Women Hall of Famer, Dr. Maria Lorente-Foresti. 😊

See flyer for more information.

240227-Cesar-Chavez-Event-FINALDownload

Save the Date: 2024 Pride Parade & Celebration

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You’re invited to join the celebration at our epic 12th Annual San Mateo County Pride Celebration! Kick off the celebration with us at our 2nd Annual Pride Parade beginning at 2nd Street & B Street in San Mateo at 10am. The parade will make its way to the Pride Celebration at San Mateo Central Park from 11am to 5pm.

This event is free and sober. Come enjoy resource and vendor booths, entertainment, food trucks, live DJ, and more!

More info at https://www.smcpridecelebration.com

Self-Care Everyday Series: Physical Self-Care

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One important aspect of self-care involves caring for our physical well-being, extending beyond solely exercising. Physical self-care is crucial for maintaining overall health and enhancing our quality of life. Our daily habits significantly influence our well-being, whether we realize it or not. Engaging in intentional physical self-care practices such as prioritizing physical fitness, adopting healthy eating habits, staying informed about medical issues, preventing diseases, avoiding injuries, and maintaining healthy sleep patterns can greatly contribute to our overall well-being. 

By consciously practicing physical self-care and cultivating awareness, we can become attuned to bodily sensations that we may have previously overlooked. This heightened awareness enables us to make informed choices that promote our health and wellness. 

Physical self-care encompasses a variety of activities, including, but not limited to: 

  • Consistently eating nutritious meals 
  • Regular exercise routines 
  • Seeking regular preventive medical care and timely treatment when necessary 
  • Allowing ourselves adequate rest when ill 
  • Incorporating massages into our routine for relaxation and muscle health 
  • Spending quality time with a partner or loved ones 
  • Ensuring sufficient sleep 
  • Wearing clothing that makes us feel comfortable and confident 
  • Taking breaks and vacations to recharge and rejuvenate 

The possibilities for physical self-care are diverse and adaptable to individual preferences and needs. By prioritizing our physical well-being through these practices, we can nurture a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

A key aspect of my physical self-care routine involves engaging in strength training and running. Engaging in strength training and running offers me a precious chance to immerse myself in the present moment, away from the pressures of daily life. During these activities, I find peace in focusing solely on the task at hand. By the end of my workouts, I often discover that either my previous worries have faded away, or I’ve unconsciously discovered solutions to my concerns simply by allowing myself to pause and be fully present in the moment. 

Written by Ayanna Wade (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Intern

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