Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of race, class, gender, religion, or age. And many people unfortunately go without the treatment or support they require due to the stigma, shame, and discrimination that still surround it.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it serves as a reminder to support loved ones, colleagues, friends, and neighbors who may be silently battling their own struggles. By initiating conversations and offering words of encouragement, kindness, and assistance, each of us possesses the power to profoundly impact the lives of those around us at work, at home, or within our broader community.
As we all navigate through times of uncertainty, it’s important to help reduce the stigma and discrimination around mental illness so that people who are living with mental illness can pursue treatment, foster recovery and live a more fulfilling life. By educating the community on the facts about mental illness, we can eliminate the barriers people living with mental illness experience and provide a deeper understanding about mental health issues in general.
For over a decade, Stop Stigma Sacramento as part of the “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project has championed reducing stigma, raising mental health awareness and inspiring hope within our community. Each year, during Mental Health Awareness Month, the project invites community members throughout Sacramento County to participate in a variety of in-person and virtual events, share personal stories and stand with those facing mental health challenges. These gatherings encourage open dialogues and collectively advocate for mental well-being.
Here are some ways to instill hope and resilience around mental health for yourself, family, friends and the community:
- Try these conversation starters – available in seven additional languages – and lead meaningful discussions with family, friends or neighbors.
- Attend an upcoming event:
- Stop Stigma Sacramento will host four interactive mental health pop-ups throughout May foster open dialogue, inspire hope, work to stop stigma, and connect our community members to vital mental health resources. Stay tuned to social channels to see if there is a pop up coming to your neighborhood!
- Mental Health of America California is hosting an event on May 14 in honor of Mental Health Matters Day. They aim to continue to strengthen the movement towards ending stigma and welcome any and all members of the community to join them.
- Check out the other stories on the Stop Stigma blog to read more about how local community members take care of themselves, opportunities through our Speakers Bureau and tips & tricks for mental wellness.
- Request a Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau member to speak at your organization’s next meeting or event. Complete this request form and submit it to: info@stopstigmasacramento.org.
- Follow “Stop Stigma Sacramento” on Facebook and StopStigmaSac on Instagram.
- Join the mailing list via the project website to stay updated.
Together, we can significantly reduce the impacts of stigma surrounding mental illness within our community. For more information, visit the project website or contact info@stopstigmasacramento.org.