Santa Barbara County will be joining other counties, and our nation, in lighting up buildings in lime green as one of many events occurring throughout the month of May in honor of May is Mental Health Month. Be sure to get out after dark and see the buildings lit up around town! Light Up Green aims to show community members that nobody is alone facing mental health challenges.
For Mental Health Month this year, Mental Health America is encouraging individuals to look around and look within. From your neighborhood to genetics, many factors come into play when it comes to mental health. We encourage everyone to consider how the world around them affects their mental health. Fact sheets which can be downloaded, that support this year’s theme and further explore the environment impact on our mental health, include: Healthy Home Environments, Safe and Stable Housing and The Outdoors and Nature.
A variety of events will be taking place throughout the community over the course of the month, beginning with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaiming May as Mental Health Month at its May 2 meeting. View more events here: https://tinyurl.com/yvpjuwxa.
What can you do to recognize May as Mental Health Month?
- Download the following poster which encourages people to take a quick mental health screening.
- Wear lime green, the official color for mental health, throughout the month.
- Share personal stories of wellness or self-care tips with others.
If you are suffering from mental health issues, you are not alone. Help is always available; speak with someone today. 988 is a national crisis line which can be reached by phone or text. The Behavioral Wellness toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (888) 868-1649 for assistance in receiving services. To learn more about County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, please visit http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.