Sacramento County, CA

10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/10/2024 03:37

Mental Illness Awareness Week: Stop Stigma

​​Sacramento County recognizes Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 6-12) as an opportunity to further break down the stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health that often hinder individuals from seeking services.

Stop Stigma Sacramento
, funded by Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services, plays a crucial role in the effort to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness in the County. As part of Stop Stigma Sacramento's "Mental Illness: It's not always what you think" project, residents are encouraged to engage in meaningful conversations and prioritize mental health.
"It's about opening the conversation and allowing people to connect with each other, realizing they're not alone in the struggles that life brings," said Laura Bemis, a member of the Sacramento County Stop Stigma Speakers Bureau.

Mental illness is treatable, and recovery is possible when individuals have access to education, peer support and community services.

Stop Stigma Sacramento Mental Illness Awareness Tips:

  • Initiate meaningful discussions with family, friends or neighbors using conversation starters available in five different languages.
  • Gain insight into lived experiences with mental illness by reading our blog.
  • Consider inviting a member of the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau to participate in an upcoming event or meeting. Their firsthand experiences can shed light on the challenges of living with a mental illness.
  • Educate yourself on the signs of emotional distress through the Know the Signs campaign, which equips you with tools to potentially save lives and prevent suicide. Share this valuable information with your friends and family.
  • Access online resources from fellow mental health organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America​.

Join Us:

This program is funded by Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services through the voter approved Proposition 63, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).