Category Archives: Children/Youth & Family

Messaging Matters: Safe and Effective Messaging for Suicide Prevention

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 

Hello, everyone! 

The way we talk about suicide can contribute to suicide prevention. Next time you bring up the topic of suicide, remember these helpful tips:  

  • Provide a suicide prevention resource
  • Educate the audience about warning signs and risk factors 
  • Avoid discussing details about the method of suicide 
  • Explain complexity of suicide. Avoid oversimplifying 
  • Focus on prevention. Avoid sensational language and images 

More suicide prevention events and resources at SMCHealth.org/SPM.  

Events happening this week:  

💜 Mon, 9/25 – Be Sensitive Be Brave at Belmont Library 

💜 Wed, 9/27 – Be Sensitive Be Brave at Atherton Library 

💜 Thurs, 9/28 – Be Sensitive Be Brave at Half Moon Bay Library 

💜  Thurs, 9/28 – Crafternoon hosted at SMC Pride Center, San Mateo 

💜 Fri, 9/29 – Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud via Zoom 

💜 Sat, 9/30 – Recovery Dance at P90 Friendship Hall, San Mateo 

Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:                
Call 650-579-0350 or 988                
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988                
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org  

In community,  

Sylvia Tang & Kristie Lui 

SP-Messaging-Matters-Tip_-Social-Media_EngDownload

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Take a Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training this Suicide Prevention Month #ShareHopeTogether

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 

Hello, everyone!

Have you heard of the Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training?  

“Be Sensitive, Be Brave ” is a 2-hour foundational workshop that infuses culture and diversity throughout the mental health or suicide prevention trainings.. This workshop teaches community members to identify warning signs and  and to connect individuals to help. 

We are partnering with the San Mateo County Libraries to offer free trainings throughout this month. Visit SMCHealth.org/BSBB-Schedule to find out when is the next one! 

Events happening this week:  

💜 Sun, 9/10 – Compassion & Honesty: Working With Depressed/Suicidal Older Adults While Managing Your Own Feelings – Virtual 

💜 Mon, 9/11 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in Woodside 

💜 Tues, 9/12 – Walk of Hope Recovery Breakfast at County Center, Redwood City 

💜 Wed, 9/13 – Be Sensitive, Be Brave Training in East Palo Alto 

💜 Fri, 9/15 – Let’s Share Hope Together: Screening “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” at San Mateo Main Library, San Mateo 

Attend events, get involved and find support at SMCHealth.org/SPM. 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:                
Call 650-579-0350 or 988                
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988                
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org  

In community,  

Sylvia Tang & Kristie Lui

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First-Ever Youth Mental Wellness Pathways Workshop Piloted by San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Committee

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Just in time for Teen Mental Health Month, on August 1st, the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Youth Committee piloted its first-ever Youth Mental Wellness Pathways Workshop guided by the vision of creating clear, culturally sensitive and empathy-based access – “pathways” – to mental and behavioral health care for youth and their families no matter the point-of-entry.  With the ultimate goal of creating a simple yet effective navigational tool with heart, the pilot was designed for participants to:

  • Share their lived experiences (both positive and negative — i.e. barriers encountered) in navigating the system;
  • Exchange insight on how to effectively navigate the process;
  • Gather early data for an MVP pathways map that: (1) defines what questions to ask; (2) empowers with rights and sets expectations; (3) directs where to go; and (4) connects with supportive tips and networks.

 In small groups, parents, caregivers, educators, youth and mental health and behavioral health practitioners shared a unique mental wellness experience; identifying the feelings, thoughts, and actions that occurred before, during, and after attempting to access care. They mapped their pathway, then as a group, participants discussed their responses and then assessed the trends on their pathway. This was followed by a gallery tour, where each participant looked at each group’s pathway to better understand the thoughts, feelings, and obstacles that arise when attempting to access behavioral health care, as well as to define needs at each stage.

Through this event, participants were able to share their lived experiences to understand the realities associated with seeking behavioral health care. Whether that be fear, linguistic barriers, or the difference between therapy and youth therapy, this event created a space for identifying these real-life experiences from San Mateo County staff and families – and, importantly, co-created practical steps to support youth and families in moments of greatest need.

For future sessions, the Youth Committee plans to meet different communities within San Mateo County to host similar sessions among more youth, parent and caregivers, and educators of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. BHRS Office of Diversity would like to thank BHC Commissioner and Youth Committee Chair Frieda Edgette, BHC Commissioner, Commission on Disabilities Commissioner and County of Education Board Trustee Chelsea Bonini, BHRS Deputy Director of Youth and Family Services Ziomara Ochoa, Commission on Disabilities Commissioner and San Mateo Union School District Board Trustee Ligia Andrade Zuniga, volunteer William Elting, Consumer & Family Affairs TITLE Yolanda Ramirez and Parent Project Program Coordinator II Nicoletta Kelleher for their outstanding efforts in piloting this event. In addition, the Office of Diversity and Equity expresses deep gratitude to all the attendants that shared their lived experience and made this event possible.

If you are interested in learning more, getting involved or bringing the pathways workshop to your organization, please contact Nicoletta Kelleher at nkelleher@smcgov.org

8/20- 2023 Heart & Soul Annual Picnic

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You are invited to join Heart & Soul at our 2023 ANNUAL PICNIC on Sunday, August 20th11:00 am – 3:00 pm, San Mateo Central Park

Celebrating Our Mental Wellness Community…A day of great food, fun, games, and good friends!

Heart&Soul Annual PicnicDownload

The Latino Collaborative Honors Diverse Community with New Name

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Hola Communidad, we have big news! As one of the Health Equity Initiatives (HEI) within San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services (BHRS) Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE), the Latino Collaborative is now the Latino/a/x Collaborative.

Names are more than just names. Names reflect what we stand for and who we are. Therefore, it is with great orgullo (pride) that our members and leadership share this announcement. This re-brand acknowledges and embraces the diverse gender identities within our Latinx community, promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Significantly, this shift reflects a commitment to recognizing and valuing the multifaced experience and expression of gender among and within Latinx identified individuals Latin American and Hispanic people.

Our Latino/a/x Collaborative strives to incorporate inclusive language into our communications to create an environment where everyone feels recognized, respected, and valued. We invite you to share your voice and support our efforts to uplift the voices of the Latino/a/ax community at our HEI monthly meetings. Meetings are currently the 4th Tuesday of the month from 3:30 pm to 5 pm via zoom. Additionally, BHRS clients, family members, and community members who attend an HEI meeting can receive a stipend for their time and expertise. For more information visit us at smchealth.org/latinoax Gracias!

Written by Gloria Cahuich Gonzalez, Co-Chair of Latino/a/x Collaborative

August is Teen Mental Health Month + Transgender History Month!

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Did you know that August is both Teen Mental Health Month and Transgender History Month?

Teen Mental Health Month occurs every August and is dedicated to promoting and prioritizing the mental well-being of teenagers. It aims to educate, support, and empower teens by providing resources, events, and initiatives focused on mental health and wellness.  Here are some important facts highlighting the importance of teen mental health: 

Show your support for Teen Mental Health Month at your next virtual meeting. Use our virtual background and spark conversation about how together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in our communities, as well as the broader teenage population.

On August 24th, 2021, Mayor London Breed signed and declared by proclamation, the month of August in the City and County of San Francisco as “Transgender History Month.”  It is a month in which we can all honor the rich history and contributions of transgender history makers, pioneers, trailblazers and affirm the ongoing presence of transgender people around the world.  Why do we celebrate Transgender History Month in August? on August of 1966, Black and brown trans women and drag queens led a riot at Compton’s Cafeteria in the Tenderloin district in San Francisco. Now known as the Compton’s Cafeteria Riots of 1966, it is regarded as the first large-scale act of resistance of transgender and queer individuals against police harassment in the United States–predating the Stonewall Inn Riots by 3 years.  
The riot attracted hundreds of Tenderloin residents in the middle of the night and changed the way transgender individuals were treated in San Francisco. Although smaller than New York’s Stonewall Inn Riots, this was a moment that led to strengthening the transgender community and allies coming together and mobilizing together. Over time this led to changes in “medical practices, urban politics,  neighborhood geography, and public consciousness” (Screaming Queens. (n.d.). KQED
Here are some important facts highlighting the importance of recognizing Transgender History Month and continuing to support our communities:

  • Transgender adults report struggling with mental health challenges at least one day in the past month (60%), compared with 37%  of cisgender adults.*
  • Transgender adults report struggling with physical health challenges at least one day in the past month (54%), compared with 36% of cisgender adults.*
  • While 30% of cisgender heterosexual adults reported contemplating suicide in their lifetime, this number jumps to 81% for transgender adult respondents.*
  • Almost half (48%) of Transgender respondents reported that since the age of 18 they have been physically attacked or sexually assaulted at least once (36% percent for cisgender heterosexual adults).*
  • Discrimination or mistreatment by health care providers was experienced by 68 % of transgender respondents of color and nearly 1 in 2 transgender respondents.*

*Protecting and Advancing Health Care for Transgender Adult Communities. (n.d.). Center for American Progress

Learn more at transgenderhistorymonth.com.  Show your support for Transgender History Month at your next virtual meeting. Use our virtual background and spark conversation about the month’s history and ways to support trans communities year round.  

2023 Suicide Prevention Month #ShareHopeTogether

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Version en Español abajo | 以下為中文版本 | 以下为中文版本

 Hello, everyone!  We are one month away from September Suicide Prevention Month (in addition to Recovery Happens Month)! 

San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the following Suicide Prevention Month (SPM) observances. SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.  

  • Suicide Prevention Month (September) 
  • National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16)  
  • World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) 

The 2023 SPM statewide theme is “Share Hope Together”. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources, or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. 

This year, San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services’ Office of Diversity & Equity and San Mateo County Suicide Prevention Committee lead a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and communication campaign. For the latest updates on free events and resources, you can visit smchealth.org/SPM.  To help spread this message of hope, you can share this flyer and email to your clients/consumers, colleagues, friends, family and community!

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, contact our 24/7 CRISIS hotlines:              
Call 650-579-0350 or 988              
Text “Bay” to 741-741 or 988              
Visit SanMateoCrisis.org 

 ¡Saludos a todos!  

¡Estamos a un mes de Septiembre, Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (además del Mes de la Recuperación Sucede)!  El Condado de San Mateo se unirá a los esfuerzos estatales y nacionales para los siguientes días de concientización del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (MPS). El MPS es uno de los mejores momentos del año en el que podemos honrar a los afectados por el suicidio e inspirar la prevención del suicidio. 

  • Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio (septiembre) 
  • Semana Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio (10 al 16 de septiembre) 
  • Día Mundial para la Prevención del Suicidio (10 de septiembre) 

El lema estatal del Mes de la Prevención del Suicidio de 2023 es “Compartir Esperanza Juntos”. El acto de compartir, ya sea compartiendo esperanza, historias, tiempo, recursos o experiencias, puede servir como una herramienta poderosa en la prevención del suicidio.  Este año, la Oficina de Diversidad y Equidad de los Servicios de la Salud del Comportamiento y Recuperación (BHRS) del Condado de San Mateo, y el Comité de Prevención del Suicidio del Condado de San Mateo organizarán una variedad de eventos virtuales y en persona, días de abogacía, y campañas de comunicación. Para obtener las últimas noticias y detalles sobre eventos y recursos gratuitos, puede visitar el sitio web, smchealth.org/SPM.   

¡Para ayudar a difundirestemensaje de esperanza, puede compartir este volante y correoelectrónico con sus clientes/consumidores, colegas, amigos, familiares y comunidad!

Si usted o alguien que conoce enfrenta retos emocionales o esta atravezando una crisis, contacte nuestras líneas de CRISIS de 24/7:              
Llame al 650-579-0350 o 988              
Envie Texto “Bay” al 741-741 o 988              
Visite SanMateoCrisis.org

 大家好！  
  
距離九月自殺預防月（以及恢復月）還有一個月！  
  
聖馬特奧聖馬刁縣將在接下來的自殺預防月 (SPM) 紀念活動中加入全州和全國的活動。 SPM 是一年中最好的時刻之一，我們可以向那些受自殺影響的人致敬，並激發人們採取行動來預防自殺。   

  • 預防自殺月（九月）  
  • 全國預防自殺週（9 月 10 日至 16 日）  
  • 世界預防自殺日（9 月 10 日）  
      

2023年SPM全州的主題是“一起分享希望”。分享的方式，無論是分享希望、故事、時間、資源還是經驗，都可以成為預防自殺的有力工具。     今年，聖馬刁縣行為健康與康復服務多元化與公平辦公室和聖馬刁縣自殺預防委員會領導了各種 虛擬和現場活動、宣傳日和溝通活動。有關免費活動和資源的最新更新，您可以訪問 smchealth.org/SPM。
  為了幫助傳播這一希望的信息，您可以將此傳單和電子郵件分享給您的客戶/消費者、同事、朋友、家人和社區！  

 如果您或您認識的⼈正在掙扎 或遇到危機，請聯繫我們的 24/7 危機熱線:
電話 650-579-0350 或者 988 (提供中⽂翻譯)
短訊 “Bay” 到 741-741 或者 988 (僅英語和西班⽛語)
查詢網址 SanMateoCrisis.org (僅限英語) 

 大家好！  

距离九月自杀预防月（以及恢复月）还有一个月！  圣马特奥圣马刁县将在接下来的自杀预防月 (SPM) 纪念活动中加入全州和全国的活动。 SPM 是一年中最好的时刻之一，我们可以向那些受自杀影响的人致敬，并激发人们采取行动来预防自杀。  
•              预防自杀月（九月） 
•              全国预防自杀周（9 月 10 日至 16 日） 
•              世界预防自杀日（9 月 10 日）

2023年SPM全州的主题是“一起分享希望”。分享的方式，无论是分享希望、故事、时间、资源还是经验，都可以成为预防自杀的有力工具。   今年，圣马刁县行为健康与康复服务多元化与公平办公室和圣马刁县自杀预防委员会领导了各种 虚拟和现场活动、宣传日和沟通活动。有关免费活动和资源的最新更新，您可以访问 smchealth.org/SPM。 

为了帮助传播这一希望的信息，您可以将此传单和电子邮件分享给您的客户/消费者、同事、朋友、家人和社区！ 

如果您或您认识的⼈正在挣扎 或遇到危机，请联系我们的 24/7 危机热线:
电话 650-579-0350 或者 988 (提供中⽂翻译)
短讯 “Bay” 到 741-741 或者 988 (仅英语和西班⽛语)
查询网址 SanMateoCrisis.org (仅限英语) 

Application Now Open for 2023 September Suicide Prevention Month – Deadline 8/16

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Hello,

In addition to honoring Recovery Happens Month, San Mateo County will be joining statewide and nationwide efforts for the follow Suicide Prevention (SPM) observances.

Suicide Prevention Month (September)
National Suicide Prevention Week (September 10-16)
World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10)

SPM is one of the best times of the year where we can honor those affected by suicide and inspire action to prevent suicide.

The 2023 SPM theme is #ShareHopeTogether. The act of sharing, whether that be sharing hope, stories, time, resources or experiences, can serve as a powerful tool in suicide prevention. San Mateo County’s SPM will feature a variety of virtual and in-person events, advocacy days and a communication campaign. For the latest updates on SPM, visit SMCHealth.org/SPM.

There will be six $200-300 mini-grants to help fund six events or projects that support the previously mentioned theme and are under one of the below four areas to advance community resilience (more details in the application).

Celebrating and Grieving (1 mini-grantee) – September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
Community Engagement (at least 1 mini-grantee)
Personal Identity (at least 1 mini-grantee)
Learning (at least 1 mini-grantee)

If you would like to apply for above mini-grants, please complete this online form by Wednesday, August 16. If you would like to propose multiple events, please submit a separate application for each mini-grant you are applying for since they would be separate events.

Thank you for all you do to prevent suicide in our community.

Sylvia Tang (she/her)
Co-chair, Suicide Prevention Committee
Office of Diversity and Equity
San Mateo County Behavioral Health & Recovery Services
650-208-5799
STang@smcgov.org

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