Santa Barbara County invites the community to join the nation in lighting up buildings with the color lime green during May in recognition of Mental Health Month.
Light up Green is designed to show community members that nobody is alone facing mental health challenges.
Anyone who is joining in lighting up green in May, and would like lawn signs (while supplies last) should email Suzanne Grimmesey at suzkirk@sbcbwell.org.
In addition, those who would like their building placed on the state list of those participating, and recognized by the national Mental Health America office, may also email the above address no later than April 15.
The 2024 Mental Health America theme is Where to Start: Mental Health in a Changing World.
In a world that is constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various challenges and changes happening around us, according to the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness.
“The pressures of work, relationships, and societal factors, like politics, climate change, and the economy, can significantly impact our mental well-being, sometimes even more than we realize,” the department said.
A variety of local events will be taking place in May, starting with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors proclaiming May as Mental Health Month at its May 7 hearing.
“While our devices make us more connected than ever, loneliness is an increasingly serious public health concern,” the Department of Behavioral Wellness notes. “We are now able to have conversations with friends and family on the other side of the world in real time. However, constant connection also means that we will know if we weren’t invited to a friend’s party down the street.
Recent survey data show that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely, the department reports.
Behavioral Wellness encourages community members to:
• Learn how modern life affects mental health and learn resources to navigate our changing world
• Act by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations
• Advocate to improve mental health oneself, those we love, and our community.
Mental Health America has created a free toolkit for individuals and businesses to know where to start. Click here.
The Behavioral Wellness toll free Crisis Response and Services Access Line can be reached 24/7 hours a day, 7 days a week at 888-868-1649 for assistance in receiving services.
Learn more about the Department of Behavioral Wellness at http://countyofsb.org/behavioral-wellness.