Mental Health Month

 
Mental Health Matters!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
 

Throughout the month of May, people from Riverside and across California will come together to spread awareness about the importance of mental health. Every year millions of Americans face living with a mental illness. In fact, half of us will experience a mental health challenge over the course of our lives. But with treatment and support, a full and satisfying life in recovery is possible. Join us in expressing your support this May, and all year long, by bringing awareness to the importance of mental health.

 

Lime green has emerged as California’s color for mental health awareness. Wearing the lime green ribbon is a great way to start the conversation with friends, family classmates, and coworkers about mental health. Wear lime green to show your support.

 

Link Up and find support here, or call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP to be connected to mental health services.

 

Watch this video to find answers to mental health questions.

Read Up:

What is mental health?
A variety of factors contribute to our feelings of wellness, including our physical, mental, and emotional health. When we are in a good state of mental health, we are productive and adapt well to change and adversity. We might not feel blissfully happy, but we are able to handle life’s ups and downs with reasonable ease. When we lose the ability to handle life’s challenges effectively and with good perspective, a mental health disorder might be the root of the problem and needs attention. There are many kinds of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar, and others. While we don’t know all the causes, we do know that they are real and treatable medical conditions, equally as important to address as physical ailments.

Open Up:

It’s time we open up and change our perceptions of mental illness.

Mental health challenges are very common and can impact people just like you. In fact, 50% of us will experience a mental health challenge in our lifetime. Unfortunately, there are many misperceptions about mental illness and the people experiencing them. Research shows that many people do not reach out for support for reasons such as shame or fear of being treated differently and unfairly.

The truth is, people recover from mental illness all the time. With support and treatment, between 70% and 90% of individuals report reduced symptoms and improved quality of life. But they can’t do it without support from family, friends, and their communities. Open up and talk openly about mental illness.

Speak Up:

You can make a difference.
There are many ways to help a friend or family member who is experiencing mental health challenges. Don’t be afraid to Speak Up and start the conversation. Community members who reach out for support and treatment, can recover from a mental health challenge and get better, but the unfortunate truth is that stigma and discrimination often times get in the way of people reaching out for support. One in five adults experiences a mental illness in any given year. However, it takes an average of 6 to 8 years from onset of symptoms of a mental health challenge before people reach out for help. You can do your part to reduce stigma about mental illness by speaking up, talking openly, and showing compassion for those experiencing mental illness.

If you suspect that a friend or family member is struggling with depression, anxiety or another mental health challenge, the best thing you can do is Speak Up.  Recovery is common, and there are a number of treatments that are effective and readily available. Just one person reaching out can make a difference.

Get Up and Participate:

Show your support for Mental Health Month.
People from Riverside County and across California are finding ways to continue to remain connected with one another and spread awareness of mental health. Show your support and learn how you can get involved!

 

Join us for free, family-friendly events filled with local mental health and wellness organizations and advocates. Learn more about local resources and services for mental and behavioral health, substance use, and overall wellness!


Upcoming Events
           

    May 3 – Palm Desert:                                 May 11 – Menifee:                             May 18 – Riverside:

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The It’s Up to Us campaign developed a downloadable mental wellness kit to help give your mind the break it deserves. Learn more and download the kit here.

 

Mental Wellness Kit:

 
Link Up:

Help is available.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing an emotional crisis or needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. You can also call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP if you are concerned about someone, just need to talk, have questions about how to offer support, or if you are looking for information about community resources, mental health referrals, and alcohol and drug support services.

 

It’s Up to Us to make a difference. No matter how you contribute to Mental Health Awareness Month, you can make a difference by knowing that Each Mind Matters.

Connect with It’s Up to Us Riverside online throughout the month of May!