May is Mental Health Awareness Month
We have joined other cities in San Mateo County to light up city buildings with lime green to show residents that they are not alone in facing mental health and substance use challenges. City Hall's lights will be lime green between May 1st - May 31st in recognition of Mental Health Month. The County is also making available a lime green 3' x 5' flag which we'll fly at City Hall.
This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is “Heal Through Connection.” To promote engagement across audiences in California, the County is asking Californians to:
- LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
- ACT by building your coping toolbox so you can manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
- ADVOCATE to improve mental health for yourself, your friends and family, and your community.
Follow SMC Health on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter, and be sure to tag them when you SHARE! What’s an easy way to let people know that May is Mental Health Month? Promote it with your virtual background (download it below under Supporting Documents).
The County's Mental Health Substance Abuse Recovery Commission and Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Office of Diversity and Equity have a variety of free events taking place over the course of the month (virtual and in-person events), which span all age groups. Join them in raising awareness and talking openly in order to reduce the stigma around mental health issues. Visit smchealth.org/attend-events to learn more about attending events, getting involved, and finding support all around San Mateo County.
The City of Brisbane's Parks & Rec Dept. is hosting numerous events throughout May for Mental Health Month, with some events in collaboration with the Brisbane Library. Click here or below to see the full list of events, including a Walk for Awareness at Crocker Trail on Saturday, May 11 at 10 AM.
The Brisbane Library is hosting 2 events for Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Thursday, May 23 at 11:30 AM - Soul Soup with Amber Hines
- Soul Soup combines interactive performance and relational education through music. Traditional and contemporary music are blended with voice and live drum accompaniment that uplifts, builds social-emotional literacy, and creates community for all ages.
- Friday, May 15 at 3:30 PM - Make Your Own Wellness Kit
- Students can personalize their own wellness kit by decorating a pencil pouch and choosing items to help them find ease throughout the day.
And remember, you're not alone. Help is always available; speak with someone today. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is 988 and StarVista's Crisis Hotline is 650-579-0350.
For additional resources, please visit these websites:
Supporting Documents
Heal through Connection (136 KB) Heal through Connection (Spanish) (143 KB) 
