MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS MONTH 2022

May is recognized as Mental Health Matters Month to enhance public awareness of mental health and dispel the stigma surrounding it. This year’s theme, Take Action for Mental Health, is part of California’s ongoing mental health movement to help you check-in, learn more, and get support for your own mental health or the mental health of someone you care about.

The County of San Diego, along with the larger community who support loved ones with mental health conditions, will focus on raising awareness, offering support, and sharing local resources. As communities will be able to gather this year, both in-person and virtual activities are available to meaningfully connect with others.

Please use the resources on this page to discover new ways to share and participate in Take Action for Mental Health. Support mental health awareness using this custom hashtag: #TakeAction4MHSD on social media and be sure to check out some of the fun activities found on the calendar below.

CALENDAR

The County of San Diego and its partners have planned in-person and virtual events throughout the month. Click here to access the May is Mental Health Matters Month Calendar.

To submit activities in celebration of Mental Health Matters Month, please send event information to Romalyn Watson (romalyn.watson@sdcounty.ca.gov).

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Exercise is proven to alleviate elevated levels of stress and anxiety in many ways. Explore the County's Parks and Recreation webpage (sdparks.org) for opportunities to engage in physical activity.

DIRECTING CHANGE FILM AND ART CONTEST

Directing Change is a film and art contest for youth (ages 12-25) that provides the opportunity to learn about and have a voice in mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and other important topics. San Diego County youth can win up to $300 dollars in prizes! Create a film, narrative, or art piece around the topic: Take Action for Mental Health and the prompt “Dear Me.” Entries are due at the end of the month! Learn more about monthly submission opportunities.

TAKE ACTION ACTIVITIES

Visit Take Action Activities for interactive activities and to learn more ways to show your support for mental health awareness.

HELPFUL LINKS

Access and Crisis Line
If you or someone you care about is in crisis or would like behavioral health resources or support, including accessing Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT), please call the Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Calls are answered by experienced counselors, with assistance available in over 150 languages.

It's Up to Us
The It’s Up to Us campaign empowers San Diegans to talk about mental health, recognize warning signs of suicide, access resources, and seek help.

Live Well San Diego
A vision for a region that is Building Better Health, Living Safely, and Thriving.

Mental Health Resources During COVID-19
The Behavioral Health Services department within the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services Agency, offers a COVID-19 website which includes a compilation of resources for mental health and ways to cope during COVID-19.

211 San Diego
211 San Diego is a free service that helps people get referrals to local County resources like housing, utilities, food, and employment assistance.

County of San Diego COVID-19 Resources
Provides daily information on COVID-19, updates on case numbers, safe reopening practices, and local testing sites.