Category Archives: Recovery Month

Releasing Judgement: Join the Voices of Recovery

There continues to be a great deal of stigma in American society associated with mental health illness, substance use and addiction.

However, with the number of opioid overdoses quadrupling nationwide since 1999 and drug-related deaths accounting for 2% of all deaths in San Mateo County in 2017, no one can afford to turn a blind eye.

As difficult as it may be to understand, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction is not a social ill but actually a complex disease that can be treated. In coming together during this annual Recovery Month of September to support individuals with substance use issues, we must acknowledge that these individuals benefit from receiving medical help and community support.

Stigma can prevent those who can help from wanting to help and those who need help from having the courage to seek it.

Learning about mental health and sharing personal stories are great ways to overcome stigma and so is supporting loved ones and friends on their journey of recovery.

You can also attend a Recovery month event.  Find a complete list of events happening throughout the month in San Mateo here. Learn more about Recovery Month.

Recovery Month Art Show Opens

Art from previous Recovery Month shows.

Be sure to stop by and enjoy some of the art on display in this month’s Recovery Month Art Show.

The beautiful art pieces are available for viewing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day until September 30th.

Art Show
400 County Center, Caldwell Gallery
Redwood City, CA 

You can find a full list of the month’s events on our Recovery Month webpage.

September is Recovery Month: Let’s Celebrate!

Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger

As Recovery Month celebrates its 30th anniversary, this year’s national theme highlights the need to share resources and build stronger networks across the country to support the many paths to recovery. Mental and substance use disorders affect all of us, and we are all part of the solution.

San Mateo County is celebrating Recovery Month by holding a variety of  events to honor individuals and families who are in long-term recovery. We all play an important role in helping people with mental health and/or substance use conditions live healthy and rewarding lives. Your attendance will demonstrate support of the recovery community, including those who provide prevention, treatment and recovery support services.

Click here for more information and to find a list of upcoming Recovery Month events!

Share Your Story during Recovery Month

Across the country, people in recovery are celebrating their successes and sharing them with others in an effort to educate the public about treatment, reduce stigma and inspire others that recovery is possible.

Every September, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) recognizes Recovery Month by sharing personal stories of hope, resilience and recovery from individuals in San Mateo County who are living with and/or recovering from a substance use and/or mental health condition.  We seek brief narratives from individuals reflecting diverse perspectives who are interested in sharing their story publicly.  Stories from family members’ perspectives are also welcome. 

Narratives may be shared in Wellness Matters (BHRS’ online newsletter), on the BHRS blog, or other San Mateo County Health communications and social media channels, such as facebook.  See an example of past stories published.

Stories are due August 2, 2019. Please refer to the guidelines to learn more about submitting your story.

Amplifying Consumer Voices

In raising awareness around suicide prevention and celebrating recovery, our community sent a strong message this September: suicide is preventable and recovery is possible.

One of the most important things we did this September – and will continue to do all year long – is amplify the voices of those who have worked hard to overcome their behavioral health challenges. In sharing these stories, we embolden others to seek recovery as well. Read more

Recovery is a Community Effort

Recovery Month is every September, but here in San Mateo County, we celebrate recovery all year round. Learn more about how you can support recovery in our community every day.

Meet Christopher

In honor of Recovery and Suicide Prevention Month, we’ve been interviewing clients and staff about their experiences with recovery and suicide prevention. Take a look at this story shared by Christopher Herrera, a client living in recovery and giving back to the community. Be sure to check our Facebook page for more inspiring, true stories this month.

Posted by San Mateo County Health System on Monday, September 25, 2017

The Recovery Community Pays it Forward

The idea of giving back is huge in the recovery community. Check out this Wellness Matters article about how many people in recovery, including two of our own from right here in the county, are finding ways to pay it forward every day. Head to our Recovery Month page for information on how you can join the voices for recovery in our community.

Recovery Month Movie Night and Dance – Don’t Miss It!

Generation FoundHelp us close out Recovery Month with a bang next Saturday, September 30. Stop by Friendship Hall in San Mateo for a special screening of the documentary, Generation Foundfollowed by a night of dancing.

Where: Friendship Hall, 416 S. Claremont St, San Mateo
When: September 30, 5 – 11 p.m.

Check out our Recovery Month page for more information on recovery.

 

 

Adults in U.S. Receiving Mental Health Services

1 in 4 people have a mental health condition. Share this information with your friends and family and help us spread the word that through treatment, recovery is possible.

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