Take Action for Your Mental Health This May
Author: Behavioral Health
Date:
4/18/2024 10:37:18 PM
The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is encouraging community members to open up about their mental health during May Mental Health Awareness and to take action with several events during the month of May.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.—The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is encouraging community members to open up about their mental health during May Mental Health Awareness Month.
Forty six percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition some time in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14 (Mental Health America). One of the best ways to make sure people receive the help they need, and early on, is through conversation. To encourage these conversations, the department is hosting a number of supportive community events and providing resources to the community to make conversations about mental health easier.
“Just because you don’t have a diagnosable mental illness doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be taking care of your mental health,” said Dr. Star Graber, Behavioral Health Director. “Mental health should be treated just like physical health. That means having conversations with family and friends when you are not feeling mentally well. Many of us will cancel plans with friends or call out of work if we have the flu, but many are not comfortable saying, ’I need a break to take care of my mental health today.’”
In addition to a series of events in May, the department is kicking off the month with Growing Grounds celebrating their 40th Anniversary! The event will take place on Saturday, April 20, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. featuring local bands, free ice cream, food trucks, and family-friendly art projects. Behavioral Health will provide a succulent potting activity in the Growing Grounds Healing Garden. Please Park at SLO Naz Church, 3396 Johnson Ave., and ride the shuttle to the event around the corner.
Behavioral Health is also partnering with Animal Services for Mental Health Month! If you adopt an animal during the month of May, you will receive a cute "Snuggles Soothe Struggles" bandana. Pets have been shown to support improvements in mental health by providing companionship, reducing stress/anxiety, boosting self-confidence, and adding structure to your day. Looking for a furry friend? Come by the Animal Shelter at 885 Oklahoma Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 and visit their website for adoptable animals.
In addition to these events, the department will be hosting its annual Bike Breakfast on May 16, 2024, in San Luis Obispo from 7 a.m.-9 a.m. The free event, which promotes both Bike Month and Mental Health Awareness month, is an excellent way to show community support and recognize the benefits of physical exercise for one’s mental health.
More details for Mental Health Awareness month can be found online by visiting The website May Mental Health Awareness Month, which includes downloadable resources and activities to inspire the community to take care of their mental health. Community members may also show their support for mental health awareness by following Behavioral Health on Facebook and Instagram. Residents may access mental health services and treatment by calling the SLO Behavioral Health’s access line at 1-800-838-1381.