In the wake of COVID-19, millions of people have uncovered new mental health conditions and millions more have had their existing challenges exacerbated. We must take action now to meet the needs of our communities and identify opportunities to build long-term resilience.

From Awareness to Action
While more people than ever before are comfortable discussing mental health, many fall through the cracks in the space between awareness and action – particularly those who have been marginalized or underserved by existing institutions.

That is why a coalition of nonprofits, brands and influential leaders are coming together to launch the first-ever Mental Health Action Day that will drive our culture from awareness to action. This moment will provide the tangible tools that will help us all take an action for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community.

Take the First Action
Action looks different for everyone, and Mental Health Action Day will encourage people to do what feels right for them.

Learn more:
Mental Health Action Day
www.mentalhealthactionday.org

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. And this year, more people than ever before are dealing with emotional challenges associated with the pandemic and the social upheaval experienced across our country. These stressors have amplified the need for public awareness and discussion of mental health as a key component of overall health. So, in conjunction with the national “May is Mental Health Awareness Month”, Ventura County Behavioral Health has launched a new countywide campaign, “I’m Talking About My Mental Health.”

This campaign was developed with de-stigmatization as a critical goal. By showing relatable people facing relatable challenges, reaching out for help and making positive changes in their lifestyles, we make the goal of improved mental health feel approachable and achievable. By personalizing the message – talking about “my” mental health – the campaign allows viewers to see others talking about, thinking about, and working on their mental health and fitness, and demonstrates this as normal and life-affirming behavior.

There are now billboards and posters in the community, public service announcements on the radio, and colleagues inviting discussion by wearing buttons or even using the themed Zoom background.

Please take a minute to get familiar with the campaign, and join us in promoting the discussion of mental health in the weeks ahead. 

Learn more:

I’m Talking About My Mental Health

www.talkingaboutmymentalhealth.org

Join us for a United Day of Hope

Our 2021 NAMIWalks event will be a little different than what you might expect from a walk event— while making a lot of difference. It’s going to be “your way,” meaning you choose what you want to do on event day. Our collective mental health needs are at their greatest now. One in three U.S. adults reported experiencing depression or anxiety since the pandemic began. NAMI’s programs and advocacy are needed more than ever, and with your help, we are pleased to present NAMIWalks Your Way on Saturday, May 22, 2021.

What is NAMIWalks Your Way?
On May 22, 2021, NAMIWalks will be a virtually virtual experience, united with NAMIWalks across the country. NAMIWalks Your Way means instead of putting one foot in front of the other, you get to put one feat in front of the other: participants get to use their creativity, with the main rule that we continue to advance towards our goal by leaps and bounds. The choice is yours on how you want to make this spring’s event fit into this spring’s reality.

We will have two team captains from VCBH, Esperanza Mata and Vince Franco.

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