San Luis Obispo, Calif. – The County of San Luis Obispo Behavioral Health Department is urging community members to prioritize conversations about mental health during May, recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, and to engage in various initiatives throughout the month.
According to Mental Health America, forty-six percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some point in their lives, with half of those individuals developing conditions by the age of 14. Recognizing the importance of early intervention and support, the department is emphasizing the significance of dialogue surrounding mental health.
Dr. Star Graber, Behavioral Health Director, emphasized, “Just because you don’t have a diagnosable mental illness doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be taking care of your mental health. Mental health should be treated just like physical health. That means having conversations with family and friends when you are not feeling mentally well.”
To facilitate these conversations, the department is hosting a series of supportive community events throughout May and providing resources to ease discussions about mental health.
Kicking off the month’s activities, the department is collaborating with Growing Grounds to celebrate its 40th Anniversary on Saturday, April 20, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature local bands, free ice cream, food trucks, and family-friendly art projects, with Behavioral Health offering a succulent potting activity in the Growing Grounds Healing Garden.
Additionally, Behavioral Health is partnering with Animal Services for Mental Health Month. Those who adopt an animal during May will receive a “Snuggles Soothe Struggles” bandana, recognizing the positive impact pets have on mental health by providing companionship, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting self-confidence, and adding structure to daily routines. Those interested can visit the Animal Shelter at 885 Oklahoma Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 or check their website for adoptable animals.
Furthering their commitment to community engagement, the department will host its annual Bike Breakfast on May 16, 2024, in San Luis Obispo from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. This free event, aimed at promoting both Bike Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, serves as an opportunity for community members to show support and recognize the mental health benefits of physical exercise.
