MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: OVERCOMING

Mental Health Barriers In Our Community

The month of May offers a moment to reflect and celebrate the strength, hope and resilience that is alive and well in our Sacramento community. Whether you are undergoing major changes in your personal life or experiencing the lasting impact of mass tragedies in our world, we are all constantly facing different stressors on our mental wellbeing. It’s critical that we continue to prioritize mental and physical wellbeing for ourselves, as well as our families, friends and neighbors, not just in May but all year long.

In Sacramento County, it’s estimated that over 300,000 residents are living with mental illness. Nationally, approximately one in five adults will experience a diagnosable mental illness during their lifetime. While education, support and treatment are available, stigma prevents many within the Black and African American community from seeking treatment or support for mental health concerns. Moreover, a lack of adequate healthcare and healthcare costs can further deter people from addressing their mental health.

Research shows that members of the Black and African American community are more likely to experience mental health issues due to cultural, racial and historical trauma. At the same time, many believe mild depression or anxiety would be considered “crazy” in their social circles and that discussions about mental illness would not be acceptable, even among family.

“A lot of individuals in our community are hesitant to ask questions about their mental health – how do I share this with my friend, will they think I’m ‘crazy’ – but this is exactly the type of stigma that prevents many from seeking support when they have a mental health condition,” said La Viola Ward, a member of the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau who lives with depression. “Sharing fears can sometimes be our greatest strength.”

Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to reach out to loved ones and provide support to colleagues, friends and family who may be struggling in silence – but it’s also a reminder to care for ourselves. By simply starting a conversation and providing words of encouragement, kindness and help, you can make a difference for someone at work, home or in your community – or even for yourself. Here are some ways to support mental health for yourself, family, friends and the community:

• Visit StopStigmaSacramento.org to view a compiled a list of resources, help lines, online communities and tips to support mental health and build understanding.

• Start meaningful conversations with family, friends or neighbors about how they’re feeling and remind them they’re not alone using the conversation starters available on StopStigmaSacramento.org.

• Join the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speaker’s Bureau or request a Speaker’s Bureau member for a virtual speaking event! Our Speaker’s Bureau is holding virtual events for Sacramento County organizations, businesses, churches and schools. If you’re interested, please complete a speaker request form. n

For more information on Sacramento County’s “Mental Illness: it’s not always what you think” project or mental health resources. visit StopStigmaSacramento.org or search “Stop Stigma Sacramento” on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

To find other ways to improve mental health and increase resiliency, check out online resources from Take Action for Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America.

The “Mental Illness: it’s not always what you think” project is funded by the Sacramento County, Division of Behavioral Health Services, through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

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