SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County residents, like so many others, are experiencing increased levels of anxiety and worry. In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4-10, 2020), a national observance sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Sacramento County’s “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project is encouraging our community to stay connected with loved ones and be an ally to colleagues, friends and family members that live with mental illness as we continue to navigate through the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and a long-overdue social justice movement.

Mental illness can happen to anyone, no matter your age, ethnicity or gender. During these times of uncertainty, individuals already living with a mental health condition may be facing heightened symptoms as a result of the emotionally-charged environment we are living in.  

It is just as important as ever to support the mental health and well-being of others by reaching out and maintaining a connection with individuals who may be struggling – not only to support them but also for your own mental health. Sending a thoughtful text, making a phone call, or setting up a video chat could make all the difference.

Here are a few ways you can get involved in this important health observance:

Mark your calendars! The “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project will co-host a Twitter chat with This is My Brave on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 11 a.m. PT to help dispel myths and assumptions about mental illness, change attitudes and inspire hope. We would love to see you participate using the hashtag #BraveChat;

Check out our new Instagram account, as well as our new website, designed to support our community members in need of mental illness support and guidance. Informed by extensive community research and collaboration, our new messaging and materials have been individually tailored for each of our community audiences. And, the new website includes a list of resources, helplines, online communities and tips to help us get through this together;

Try some of our conversation starters! Find ways to have a meaningful discussion with family, friends or neighbors about how their feeling – remind them they’re not alone;

Invite the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau to speak at an upcoming virtual meeting or virtual event;

Check out online resources from our friends at National Alliance on Mental Illness, Each Mind Matters and Mental Health America for ways to improve mental health and increase resiliency. 

If you are feeling stressed, anxious, worried, or overwhelmed seek live support by texting or calling 916-SUPPORT (787-7678). For more information, visit the Source website.

For more information about Mental Illness Awareness Week or the Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think project, please contact: [email protected].

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