May Is Mental Health Awareness Month #Together for Mental Health
Join DRC to Break the Stigma

Mental Health Awareness Month was first celebrated in 1949. Since 1949, every year, a theme has been selected to highlight and celebrate throughout May. Using the month to help us continue conversations about mental health, how to tackle stigma, and how to create a society where all disabled people have power and are treated with dignity and respect. In this world, people with disabilities are supported, valued, included in their communities, afforded the same opportunities as people without disabilities, and make their own decisions. This year’s theme is Together for Mental Health, and during this month, we encourage you to join us in sharing stories to help break the stigma and inspire others.

Mental Health Stigmas Explained

You might also like these other stories and videos aimed at eliminating mental health’s stigma.

• It Gets Better – The It Gets Better Project exists to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe
• Mad In America (Blogs Archives)
• Sins Invalid (Blog)
• It Gets Better (Videos)

How to Join us & Get Involved on Social Media.

For Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to help us #BreakTheStigma associated with mental health, share your story, and inspire others for #MHAM throughout the month of May.

Tag us in a social media post and use the hashtag #DRCMental Health2023 #MHAM #BreakTheStigma

• Facebook: @DisabilityRightsCalifornia
• Instagram: @disabilityrightsca
• Twitter: @DisabilityCA
• LinkedIn: disability-rights-california

Remember, you are NOT alone. There are many resources to help you feel connected

Find the little things that help you feel better. This could be nature, whether it’s a park, your backyard, or breathing in fresh air, it’s a way to #BeKindToYourMind.  Just make time for yourself!

Mental Health Resources

• Safe Black Space - Services are offered to address people of African ancestry’s individual and community reactions to cultural and racial trauma.
• Asian American / Pacific Islander Communities and Mental Health
• Peer-Run Warm Line: 1-855-845-7415. This is a non-emergency resource for anyone in California seeking emotional support.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
• Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty    
• Mental Health America- Mental Health And COVID-19 - Information And Resources
• MH First Oakland - Native American Health Center 
• Mobile Crisis Treatment Team Supportive Services
• Central Valley Suicide Prevention Hotline
  Offers 24/7 free and confidential support for those in crisis or experiencing a suicidal crisis. The hotline is located in Fresno and serves the following counties: Fresno, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Merced, Mariposa and Stanislaus.
  1-800 273-8255
• Hope Line – 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) (All people)

FIRST RESPONDERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

• Fire/EMS helpline: Call 1-888-731-FIRE to get 24/7 help for a variety of behavioral health issues.
• COPLINE: Call 1-800-267-5463 to find support 24/7 for law enforcement officers.

LGBTQ INDIVIDUALS

• Trevor Project: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678678 for 24/7 information and suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ youth. http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: Call 1-800-273-8255 from 1pm – 9pm for support, information or help finding resources.
• Los Angeles LGBT Center (lalgbtcenter.org) (this page has a lot of resources for LA area)
• Trans Lifeline – Peer support services, hotline, and resources for transgender people. Trans Lifeline – 1-877-565-8860 (Trans* People)
• Fresno EOC Sanctuary LGBTQ Resource Center
• 3127 N. Millbrook The Sanctuary LGBTQ+ Program provides support services to those of all ages in the LGBTQ+ community, including access to the safe and inclusive Q-CARE (Community, Advocacy, Resources & Equity) Center.
• Call or text 559-325-4527
• 1250 Fulton Street
  Fresno, CA 93721
  https://www.facebook.com/FresnoEOC.LGBTQ

SENIORS

• Friendship Line: Call 1-800-971-0016 for 24/7 support if you are 60 years or older, or an adult living with disabilities. 
• Senior Information Line: Call 1-800-510-2020 for help finding local assistance.
• Senior & Disability Action

SERVICES FOR SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP for 24/7 information and referrals in English and Spanish.

VETERANS

• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255 for 24/7 support.

YOUTH AND TEENS

• California Youth Crisis Line: Youth ages 12-24 can call or text 1-800-843-5200 for 24/7 crisis support.

TEEN LINE: Teens can talk to another teen by texting “TEEN” to 839863 from 6pm – 9pm, or call 1-800-852-8336 from 6pm – 10pm.

Who to Call if You Have Questions

If you have a question about your legal rights, call DRC’s intake line at (800) 776-5746.

If you are a resident at a state psychiatric hospital, you can call the California Office of Patients’ Rights (COPR) at 1-916-504-5810.

For more information, view our Resources and Webinars.