Transitions

Did you know that we have a host of agencies across the County ready to respond to your concerns? Whether you're worried about a neighbor who's experiencing homelessness, you're seeking a mental health check, or you're hoping to find a listening ear, there's a number you can call instead of 9-1-1. Save and share this graphic, and spread the word about these life-saving resources. Let's take care of each other, together.

It's not just Naomi Osaka who's looking to take a mental health break: Olympic athletes across the world are asking to have their wellness prioritized. What was once solely seen as a testament to someone's physical fitness is now evolving into a more well-rounded celebration of health. Perhaps this is the year for mental health to be uplifted at long last, just as today's top athletes are asking for. Take a deeper look into why our physical agility depends on our mental practices: https://www.washingtonpost.com//olympics-mental-health-si/

The world of mental health has a deeply white foundation - so it's critical that non-white communities can be uplifted by diverse mental health care. One way to de-center whiteness from wellness is by listening to and promoting resources that cater to diverse populations - and this podcast is a great place to start. The Latinx Therapy podcast aims to destigmatize mental health for all Latinx folks by encouraging candid discussions and spreading the word about wellness. Listen in here: https://latinxtherapy.com/podcast/

What's contributing to your wellness lately? If you're getting bogged down by Zoom fatigue, feeling yourself getting re-attached to your desk at work, or are just sick of being glued to your phone, then it might be time to take a break and try out a quick mental tune-up. The guests on this episode of The Power of Dance podcast advocate for taking movement breaks - for getting up, getting moving, and shaking off the day. Listen in as they discuss how dancing has transformed their mental health, and see what small practice you might take away for your own weekly routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gicg1AdM5I

What if there were urgent cares just for mental health emergencies? Imagine having no doubt about who to turn to the next time you were in need, without worrying about the cost - and could even access quality mental health care that seamlessly integrated with your primary health care. Some districts across the nation are already working to make this dream a reality; now our eyes are set on Congress to fully sustain this mission by passing the Excellence Act to expand services for mental health and substance abuse. Read more about how we can make mental health a core community value: https://thehill.com//559274-excellence-act-will-expand-men

Sometimes the only way to get past the pain is to go through it - and what better way to do that than by singing the blues? This week's mental health song features the fabulous Elton John, an openly gay and famous singer-songwriter who sure knows the way to our hearts. Let it all out with one of his hit songs, "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues," and head into your weekend with a big exhale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6KYAVn8ons

Tomorrow is June 19th, also known as Juneteenth. It's considered to be the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States - and, after a long journey toward declaring it a national holiday, President Biden officially signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act just yesterday morning. If you're looking to learn more about the history of Juneteenth, we can think of no better resource to point you to than our very own NAACP SLO County. Take a look at this great event they're hosting to celebrate Juneteenth, along with our friends at SLO County Behavioral Health, and see how you can join in: https://www.facebook.com//a.110148824348370/195963952433523