While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health, especially as in uncertain times as these. The good news is that there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and increase resiliency; we can also be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life’s challenges or their mental health.
This May, as we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, we are focusing on how expressing ourselves in different ways can raise awareness of mental health, break down barriers between people, build our own wellness, and strengthen our communities. The Mental Health Awareness theme this year is Express Yourself, so over the next four weeks, the Department of Behavioral Health will share how to:
- Express your support
- Express your well-being
- Express your encouragement
- Express unity.
We also want to highlight the importance of checking in – checking in with our mind, our body, and our friends and family. During this time of COVID-19, we need these check-ins and connections more than ever. While you see the term “social distancing” in many news outlets, please remember that this phrase means physical distancing and that social connectedness is extremely important in our mental health and well-being. Something as simple as calling/texting a friend or family member to check in on them makes a world of difference.
As we go through Mental Health Awareness Month, find new ways to express yourself and share with us on Facebook @FresnoCountyBehavioralHealth or Instagram @fresnocountydbh. Also, check-in with us on our social media platforms above for resources, services, and upcoming events.
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