31-Day challenge returns to address mental health awareness

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. – Mental Health Awareness Month kicks into gear on May 1. Community members and visitors are encouraged to participate in 31 days of challenges, activities, and events to honor their own mental well-being and reduce the misconceptions about mental health.

Local events include:

4th Annual Mental Health Forum

Tuesday, May 9 - 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Student Union at South Tahoe High School
Join the South Lake Tahoe Community Mental & Behavioral Health Cooperative for updates and conversations about the state of mental health in South Lake Tahoe. Parents, caretakers, educators, coaches, therapists, clinicians, and volunteers are encouraged to attend.

"What is Mental Illness" Presentation by Dr. Saul Zelan (Barton Psychiatry)
Wednesday, May 10 - 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Board Room at Lake Tahoe Community College
Learn more about the historical and current understandings of mental health along with how developing coping skills are critical in maintaining a healthy mental state.

Suicide Support Group (hosted by the Suicide Prevention Network)
Thursday, May 25 – 6:00 p.m.
Barton Public Relations Office, 2092 Lake Tahoe Blvd, Suite 400
Find a safe space and healing support for coping with the shock and grief that accompany the loss of a loved one to suicide. This group meets monthly. New participants are welcome.

“The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health” Town Hall (hosted by Tahoe Regional Young Professionals)
Wednesday, May 31 - 5:30 PM
Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd
Learn how stress affects the body and find out non-pharmacological ways to improve mood and decrease stress. Panel includes Dr. Sonia Rupp from Barton Psychiatry.

Parent Leadership Program Series
May 6, 13, 20, and 27 (every Saturday in May) – 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
A Balanced Life, 2100 Eloise Ave.
A workshop designed to help parents build protective factors for their families using the evidence-informed Strengthening Families approach.

All events are free and open to the public. The 31-day challenge also features individual goals and activities. They range from leaving the cell phone at home on May 21 to practicing forgiveness on May 26.

The challenge’s full schedule can be found at bartonhealth.org/mentalhealthmonth. Participants are encouraged to share their challenge activities on social media with #EachMindMatters.

The 31-day challenge is sponsored by Barton Health and Each Mind Matters, and is made possible by the community’s dedication to reducing the stigma around mental health.