Don’t miss our Instagram Live event happening May 18th at 12 PST hosted by Amber Dee
Every year in May, we celebrate Mental Health Matters month. This year our theme is “Share” or #Share4MH. Why?
Because sharing about our own mental health journey – and how we get support – has a ripple effect. It inspires others
to get the help they need. It’s also how we overcome stigma. So this month, we invite you to:
Congratulations to the 24 WHA students who competed in the statewide Directing Change competition! directingchange is a filmmaking and art competition promoting suicide prevention and mental health awareness #Share4MH
Out of over a thousand entries, 4 of our teams earned Honorable Mentions in their respective categories. Here are some pictures from Tuesday’s Directing Change Screening & Award Ceremony.
Our student films are listed & linked here: https://directingchangeca.org/films/
We are so proud of our filmmakers!
Last Saturday we partnered with Redwood City Public Library and San Mateo County BHRS ODE to host a Paint & Snack Mental Wellness Activity as part as Mental Health Awareness Month.
Participants were led through a fun painting tutorial by Lesly Vazquez while enjoying snacks and drinks.
Community wellness organizations such as StarVista Crisis Center, NAMI San Mateo, Adolescent Counseling Services: Outlet, and One Life Counseling Center were also in attendance, sharing information and resources to participants.
We had such a fun time and enjoyed looking at everyone`s finished pieces! Thanks to our event partners and community resources for being a part of this great event!
starvistasmc namisanmateo acs_outlet onelifecounselingcenter redwoodcitylibrary
#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #starvista #starvistacrisiscenter #share4mh #bethe1to #redwoodcitylibrary #sanmateocounty
At tomorrow`s Board of Supervisors meeting, I am proud to be sponsoring a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month. This year`s theme is #Share4MH to encourage mutual support, destigmatize talking about mental health, and promote resources.
Sharing for mental health can look like:
- Sharing how you practice self-care.
- Sharing how you practice mental wellness.
- Sharing how you get support for your mental health.
- Sharing how you overcame stigma.
- Sharing your journey towards wellness
- Sharing mental health resources
Thanks to the Behavioral Health & Recovery Services for all the work all year long and especially in May. Check out all the free events and find support at SMCHealth.org/MHM
Amber Dee is a Licensed Professor Counselor, Speaker, and the Founder of Black Female and Male Therapists. She prides herself on improving mental health and wellness in the community by meeting those in need “where they are” through cultural and relatable content and services. For over a decade, she has exemplified a true passion for changing the narrative around mental health, personal growth, wellness, and healing
Juan Acosta is a first-generation Mexican immigrant who began his advocacy work locally at age 13. At 21, Juan drafted a historic LGBTQ+ proclamation for his hometown of Woodland, CA. His work is focused on underserved communities, specifically on the LGBTQ+, Immigrant, and Latinx communities. Juan participated in the first-ever Youth Mental Health Action Forum White House Event and co-authored the New York Times Bestselling “Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community” with musical artist and actress Lady Gaga + other Born This Way Foundation Reporters.
Anysa and Amaya Gray AKA The Gray Twins are resilient, ambitious, and charismatic student-athletes from East Palo Alto, California. Growing up in a low-income community in a single-parent household had its challenges. Yet, the Gray Twins persisted and made history, becoming the first twins to play on the women’s soccer team at the University of California, Berkeley. Anysa is intended to major in Legal Studies with a minor in African American studies, while Amaya is majoring in Social Welfare with a minor in Spanish.
Owin (he/him) is a Queer Asian-American Content Creator. Receiving his BA in Psychology from George Mason University, Owin focuses his work on mental health, LGBTQIA+ and AAPI advocacy. He is a full time lifestyle and travel influencer who currently is nomadic but usually can be found in LA or NYC.