County Celebrates Mental Health Month With Events, Resources

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — County public health officials Tuesday encouraged San Diegans to assess their mental health in honor of "May is Mental Health Month," particularly due to the considerable stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Over the course of the pandemic, many of us have faced challenges and situations that have brought on strong emotions and impacted our mental health and well-being," said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of the county's Behavioral Health Services department.

"This includes feelings of isolation, disconnection, anxiety and depression," Bergmann continued. "The availability of vaccines gives us hope for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the work of addressing the long-term impact on behavioral health requires sustained attention, resources and prioritization for our community to fully recover."

Since 1949, people in the United States have observed May is Mental Health Month, intended to provide an opportunity to promote community awareness of mental health through conversations that reduce the stigma around seeking help.

With COVID-19 prevention measures still in place, events will continue to be virtual, displays will be personalized, and activities will meet people where they are. View a list of what is planned by the county and its partners.

— City News Service