“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” ― S. Kelley Harrell
Express Unity and #ExpressYourself by attending/sharing one of San Mateo County’s FREE virtual May Mental Health Awareness Month events listed at bit.ly/2020mham (please note space is limited!).
This week, help put an end to stigma and promote community wellness by expressing unity as part of the mental health movement:
● Create messages of encouragement and hope on your windows with sticky notes to show your support. Leave positive messages and doodles for your family members, your roommates or yourself! Click here to get started. Then snap a photo and share it on social media.
● Take an active role in suicide prevention. Know the signs, find the words and learn how to reach out at www.suicideispreventable.org.
The Pride Center is hosting a virtual open mic night to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Share a story, your poetry, spoken word and/or your musical talents.
How do people and communities deal with difficult events and challenges like a serious illness, the death of a loved one, relationship problems, the loss of a job, and other traumatic events? How can we provide support to our loved ones when they are struggling?
Research shows that resiliency —or the ability to “bounce back” after difficult experiences—is not an innate trait, but rather a complex set of behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and strengthened. And one of the best ways to build resiliency is by fostering connections with the people around you, whether that’s people in your community or your friends and family. Strong, supportive relationships with close family, friends, and loved ones are a key element for a happier and healthier life.
This week, strengthen your community by expressing encouragement to those around you:
Share one of the Each Mind Matters Affirmation Cards with a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger. You can download a printable version or share these via social media.
We all need some extra encouragement from time to time. Print and hang this poster to brighten someone’s day.
View and share messages of hope and recovery from the #BeTheOneSMC photo gallery.
The impacts of COVID-19 have touched us all. However, it has been particularly concerning for our marginalized communities. The pandemic has highlighted how individuals with lack of adequate health insurance coverage, employment instability, economic uncertainty and limited ability to physically distance due to their work or housing situations are at greater risk of the physical and mental health impacts of COVID-19.
Each year, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services partners up with local agencies, consumers, and community members to coordinate Mental Health Awareness Month. This year posed a special challenge for the committee when meetings were transitioned to virtual and several of our planned in-person events had to be postponed.
A huge thank you to our 2020 MHAM Planning Committee for all your hard work, passion, and resilience!
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Month and a full list of events visit bit.ly/2020mham
For any questions please contact Kristie Lui at kflui@smcgov.org.
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
Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) in May. MHAM is one of the best times of the year where we can promote wellness and reduce stigma against those facing mental health and substance use issues.
Starting today, San Mateo County is joining Each Mind Matters, California’s Statewide Mental Health Movement, in promoting the theme #ExpressYourself. As we celebrate 2020 MHAM, we are focusing on how expressing ourselves in different ways can raise awareness about mental health, break down barriers between people, build our own wellness and strengthen our communities. Due to COVID-19, all of our events will be taking place virtually this year. Look forward to virtual open mics, paint and dance classes, mental health panels, and more! All events will be FREE and available to the public.
Stay tuned every week in May for weekly emails:
● Week 1: Express Your Support
● Week 2: Express Your Well-being
● Week 3: Express Encouragement
● Week 4: Express Unity
Please share with your clients, friends, family and community the attached flyer or this website bit.ly/2020mham where you can get more updates and details.
We appreciate any level of support you can give to promote MHAM!
In community,
BHRS Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) and 2020 MHAM Planning Committee
Looking to get some movement going at home? Take a free all levels Hip Hop dance class with JC Caoile(Str8jacket Dance Company Founder, America’s Got Talent Season 12, NBC World of Dance Season 3). Practice Social DisDancing with him from the comfort of your home!
Each year, San Mateo County joins our state and country in celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) in May. MHAM is one of the best times of the year where we can promote wellness and reduce stigma against those facing mental health and substance use issues.
This year, San Mateo County is joining Each Mind Matters, California’s Statewide Mental Health Movement, in promoting the theme Express Yourself. As we celebrate 2020 MHAM, we are focusing on how expressing ourselves in different ways can raise awareness about mental health, break down barriers between people, build our own wellness and strengthen our communities.
Due to COVID-19, all of our events will be taking placevirtuallythisyear. Look forward to virtual open mics, paint and dance classes, mental health panels, and more! All events will be FREEand available to the public. Share this post or this flyer with your family, friends and community!
Fri, 5/1 11am-1pm | Race & Coronavirus Town Hall Virtual Virtual Location: Zoom – Register Here Details: On behalf of the Diversity and Equity Council (DEC), please join community partners in a discussion on COVID-19 related impacts o people of color, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities. We will discuss priorities and strategies to support or communities. You can download event flyer here (PDF | PNG). Language: English, Spanish, Cantonese Contact: Diversity Equity Council (DEC) Co-Chairs Brenda Nunez (brenda.nunez@star-vista.org | (650-477-4295) and Frances Lobos (flobos@smcgov.org | 650-372-3272)
Fri, 5/1 7:15-8:30 pm | Mental Health Open Mic Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, San Mateo County Poet Laureate Aileen Cassinetto joins us to help break the silence surrounding suicide and mental illness. We’ll also be joined by trauma specialists from StarVista. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Sun, 5/3 3:00pm – 4:30pm| The Let’s Talk Mental Health Group of Peninsula Temple Sholom (PTS) presents Stories of Hope, Stories of Wisdom Virtual Location: https://zoom.us/j/455465262 OR One tap mobile +16699006833,,455465262# Details: Ian Adamson, founder and executive director of Mateo Lodge, a facility with residential and community support services for persons with mental illness, will share his lifetime of experience working with young adults 18 – 59 who are living with mental health concerns that affect their ability to find a meaningful path in life. All will be inspired and informed by Ian’s passion. This presentation, guided by moderator and PTS member, David Korth, will be particularly relevant at this time when young adults, and also the rest of us, face more challenges, stress and uncertainty than before. Language: English Contact: LETSTALKMH@sholom.org
Mon, 5/4 4:00-5:30pm | Make Your Own Mask Workshop Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: There’s always a need for more protective masks. Fiber artist and fabric fix-it coach Lanajean Vecchione will show you a few simple ways to use what you already have at home. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Tue, 5/5 – Thu, 6/4 Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm | Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Around Trauma Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: If you feel you have lost your power, come and join us as we focus on Wellness Tools and Action Plans that will support you in the process of taking back your own power, taking some safe risks and seeking out people who validate you and your experiences. You can download event flyer here Language: English Contact: info@vorsmc.org
Thu, 5/7 1pm & Fri, 5/8 7pm | Our Lives, Our Voices: Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Health Issues, with local organization Heart and Soul, Inc. Virtual Location: https://zoom.us/j/4782785269 OR 669-900-6833 (Meeting ID: 4782785269) (Same login for both sessions). Details: Join Bevin Love, Program Director of Heart & Soul, Inc and three community members for a discussion on their lived experience with mental health challenges and recovery. We are changing the dialogue from diagnosis to dialogue, from mental illness to mental resilience. Please note there are two sessions of similar panels. This event is part of a series called, “Burlingame Reads 2020 Featuring The Collected Schizophrenia by Esmé Weijun Wang. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Fri, 5/8 4:00-5:00pm | Social DisDancing Virtual Location: Zoom | https://zoom.us/j/97589017661 Details: Looking to get some movement going at home? Take a free all levels Hip Hop dance class with JC Caoile, Director of Str8jacket Dance Company! Practice Social DisDancing with him from the comfort of your home! Language: English Contact: JC Caoile (jcaoile4@gmail.com)
Mon, 5/11 6:00-7:00pm | Self-Care: Who’s Got Time for That? Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: What if you are under stressful conditions, and find traditional discussions of self-care to be inauthentic and inaccessible? Our presenters, Dr. Julie Nicholson and Julie Kurtz, are researchers, educators, and authors with helpful strategies that can be implemented immediately. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Mon, 5/11 7:00pm | Ask a Doctor: Mental Health During COVID-19 Virtual Location: Zoom |Call 669-900-6833 OROpen this Link (Meeting ID: 899 2779 5010; Password: 934658) Details: This panel includes the following speakers: Kristoffer Strauss, MD, San Mateo County Psychiatry Resident Juan Lopez, MD, San Mateo County Psychiatry Resident, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Stanford University Tram Nguyen, MD, San Mateo County Psychiatry Resident, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Stanford University Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Tue, 5/12 1pm & 7pm | Book Discussion on Chapter 1-6 of The Collected Schizophrenia Virtual Location: 1pm: (669) 900-6833 OR https://zoom.us/j/92166088394?pwd=R2FOVFYrbElIRGp5NDB2K3V3NGk3UT09(Meeting ID: 921 6608 8394; Password: 674911) 7pm: https://zoom.us/j/96525585539?pwd=cklUVkxMS2lFNFB5RzYxc2VQS1pvZz09 OR (669) 900-6833 (Meeting ID: 965 2558 5539; Password: 164028) Details: Please note there are two sessions of this book discussion. This event is part of a series called, “Burlingame Reads 2020 Featuring The Collected Schizophrenia by Esmé Weijun Wang. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Wed, 5/13 7:00pm | South San Francisco City Council Proclamation of 2020 May Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Location: Live stream at bit.ly/ssf_video_streaming. Details: South San Francisco City Council will join the county, state and country in proclaiming May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Language: English Contact: Sheri Boles (Sheri.Boles@ssf.net)
Thu, 5/14 7:00-8:30pm | Live & Aloud Online – Gaby Castro – Singer / Songwriter – Mental Health Advocate Virtual Location: Zoom | RSVP Required to rkutler@redwoodcity.org for Zoom Link Details: An advocate for mental health, many of Gaby’s songs touch on her personal struggles and the trials of those around her. Let her music tell the stories. Public Program – All Are Welcome. Recommended Age: 13+ (Please be aware that this program will include topics including depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide, and death.) Language: English Contact: Roz Kutler | rkutler@redwoodcity.org
Tue, 5/14 7:00-8:30pm | Every Body Is A Good Body: Disability Justice, Fat Activism, & Mental Health, a Conversation w/ Virgie Tovar and Alex Locust Virtual Location: Zoom | Call 669-900-6833 or Open this Link (Meeting ID: 890 5273 6506; Password: 892947) Details: More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Sat, 5/16 3:00-5:00pm | Painting Class with Dina Virtual Location: Zoom | https://zoom.us/j/91399955481 OR+16699006833,,91399955481# Details: A virtual painting class promoting stress relief and creative growth. This class is for everyone, I will teach you how to paint an easy, fun and exciting piece that you can show to all your friends and family. This class is for children and adults. Language: English Contact: Dina Figureroa (Figueroadina@hotmail.com)
Tue, 5/19 9:00-11:00am | Board of Supervisors Proclamation of 2020 May Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Location: Live Stream at https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx | Participate with public comment by visiting https://smcgov.zoom.us/j/97269422877 or dialing +1-669-900-6833 (meeting ID: 972 6942 2877) Details: Every year, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors proclaims May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Please join in solidarity with our Board of Supervisors and greater San Mateo County community. You are also welcome to provide public comment on this agenda item as well. You can find meeting agenda and live stream link at https://sanmateocounty.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Language: English Contact: Sylvia Tang (stang@smcgov.org | 650-578-7165)
Tue, 5/19 1pm & 7pm | Book Discussion on Chapter 7-13 of The Collected Schizophrenia Virtual Location: 1pm: (669) 900-6833 OR https://zoom.us/j/92166088394?pwd=R2FOVFYrbElIRGp5NDB2K3V3NGk3UT09(Meeting ID: 921 6608 8394; Password: 674911) 7pm: https://zoom.us/j/96525585539?pwd=cklUVkxMS2lFNFB5RzYxc2VQS1pvZz09 OR (669) 900-6833 (Meeting ID: 965 2558 5539; Password: 164028) Details: Please note there are two sessions of this book discussion. This event is part of a series called, “Burlingame Reads 2020 Featuring The Collected Schizophrenia by Esmé Weijun Wang. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
Tue, 5/19 3:30-5:00pm | Gaby Castro Performance (Teens Only – Grades 6-12 Welcome) Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: Join us as Gaby Castro discusses her struggles with mental illness and how music and songwriting have helped. More information at this website. Language: English Contact: Gina Feil (gifeil@menlopark.org)
Wed, 5/20 6:00-8:00pm | May Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual Open Mic at the Pride Center Virtual Location: Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81631636272 Details: The Pride Center is hosting a virtual open mic night to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month. Share a story, your poetry, spoken word and/or your musical talents. You can download event flyer here. Language: English Contact: Lowellyn Sunga (lowellyn.sunga@sanmateopride.org | 650-695-0006)
Tue, 5/26 6:30-8:00pm | Trauma to Triumph: Women Share Their Stories of Healing and Hope Virtual Location: Zoom | Register Here Details: In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we present a live panel discussion. Women working in the fields of recovery, mental health, and advocacy will share how they’ve overcome personal challenges, and pass along their suggestions for achieving resilience and hope. Details and updates at this web page. Language: English Contact: John Weaver (jnweaver@menlopark.org)
Wed, 5/27 7:00pm-8:30pm | A Path Forward Virtual Location: Zoom Web Browser: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88437080506?pwd=bThnL3M2MmNJbmpKRmFZUUpTNXJOQT09 | Meeting ID: 884 3708 0506 | Password: 083151 One tap mobile: +16699006833,,88437080506#,,#,083151# Dial-in: +1 669 900 6833 US | Meeting ID: 884 3708 0506 | Password: 083151 Details: The impact of COVID-19, how we understand our new feelings and behaviors and what we can do for self-help and for helping our loved ones to get through this period. This presentation will provide an opportunity to talk about the many new developments we are experiencing and what options we have to feel empowered and supported when it comes to our mental health and that of our loved ones. You will get tips and advice that you can use right away. Our speaker and guide will be Dr. Jennifer Myers Harrison, a Board Certified Licensed Psychologist. You can download event flyer here (PDF | JPG). Language: English Contact: Jan Cohen (650-638-0800)
Thu, 5/28 4:00-5:30pm | Weaving Connections: Sharing Stories for Mental Health Awareness Virtual Location: Zoom | Please RSVP for a required Zoom login by emailing fpotter@redwoodcity.org. RSVP by May 22 in order to receive a free friendship bracelet kit via USPS mail. Details: In this time of social distancing, emotional connections to friends and family members are more important than ever. Honor special friends in your life by learning to make simple friendship bracelets! During the event we’ll hear three Lived Experience Academy graduates share stories of their experiences confronting mental health and/or substance abuse challenges. Recommended for ages 16+ .More information at this web page. Language: English Contact: Fiona Potter (fpotter@redwoodcity.org | 650-780-7056)
Jueves/Thu, 5/28 6:00-8:00pm | “Familia y Bienestar durante COVID-19″, una conversación con Embajadores de Salud y Profesionales | Health Ambassadors Dialogue: “Family & Wellness during COVID-19” Locación Virtual | Virtual Location: Zoom | Registrarse Aquí | Register Here Detalles | Details: Acompañenos a aprender y compartir experiencias sobre el tema de salud mental en tiempos de crisis. Descargue el volante aquí.| Join us to learn and share experiences about mental health in a time of crisis. Download flyer here. idioma| Language: Español con interpretación disponible en Inglés | Spanish with English Interpretation Contacto | Contact: Charo Martinez | mmartinezresendiz@smcgov.org
Thu, 5/28 7:00pm | Virtual Author Event w/ Esmé Weijun Wang Virtual Location: Zoom | Call 669-900-6833 or Open this Link (Meeting ID: 899 2779 5010; Password: 934658 Details: More information at this website. Language: English Contact: bplref@plsinfo.org
In honor of our theme “Words of Wellness”, this year we’ve partnered with San Mateo County Library and Peninsula Library System to create a Mental Health Awareness Month bookmark to be shared at your local libraries! On the bookmark we have included library recommendations of books related to mental health as well as the link to our full mental health book list. We’ve also included mental health resources for people to have easy access to at all times.
Go to your local library today to get a book mark! Or print one out for yourself here.
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