May is Mental Health Matters Month
Our mental health has a powerful influence on our quality of life. It affects how we feel, how we see ourselves, how we handle stress, how we make choices, and how we relate to others. Our mental health deserves the same attention as our physical health, but is far too often overlooked or ignored.
The month of May is Mental Health Matters Month. Now is the time to check in on our own mental health and the mental health of the people we care about. Please support and encourage those you are connected with to take action to attend to mental health needs.
Behavioral Health Services staff invite you, particularly, to “Take Action 4 Mental Health” on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Library Park in Lakeport. The event will have a booth and information. Also, check out Lake County Prevention on Facebook for more events and information.
“Taking Action 4 Mental Health” starts with you! Check in on your own mental health and the mental health of someone you care about. You may find self-care activities or other support give your mind and body an opportunity to recharge.
When you check in with others, let them know you're there for them if they want to talk. Help them get support from other sources, if they are in need. To get started, visit the “Take Action 4 Mental Health” website's check-in page at https://takeaction4mh.com/.
Most people have times when we feel sad, stressed out, anxious or just weighed down. If “a few bad days” occur often, and/or last more than two weeks, this can be a sign of something more serious.
If you recognize signs additional support may be needed, for yourself or someone else, take time to learn more about self-care, services, and supports available. Find a positive path forward.
If you feel overwhelmed, or mental health challenges interfere with your life, it's time to seek help. Reach out and connect with family, friends, peer support groups, or other resources available in your community.
Lake County Behavioral Health Services also offers many community trainings for suicide prevention. The trainings provide tools to start challenging, but important, conversations about mental health and suicide.
These trainings are available for the entire community, as well as schools and agencies. For more information, please contact Kendra Boyce, Prevention Specialist at Kendra.Boyce@lakecountyca.gov or 707-533-7358, or Michael Mos, Prevention Specialist, at Michael.Mos@lakecountyca.gov