mental health awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

One in five adolescents has had a serious mental health disorder, most commonly depression, anxiety disorders, and/or a substance use disorder. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has only worsened symptoms of emotional distress.

Participants in El Dorado County Wellness Center programs will have a chance to show off their artistic skills in the “Each Mind Matters” art exhibit hosted by the Tahoe Art League. The exhibit is at Lake Tahoe Community College April 29 – May 3, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The art that will be on display has been created through Art Angels, a program of the Tahoe Art League.

Participants in El Dorado County Wellness Center programs will have a chance to show off their artistic skills in the “Each Mind Matters” art exhibit hosted by the Tahoe Art League. The exhibit will take place at Lake Tahoe Community College April 30 – May 4, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The art that will be on display has been created through Art Angels, a program of the Tahoe Art League.

Life isn't always easy and sometimes people just need someone to talk to. Everyone can benefit from some sort of support and it can be as simple as a cup of tea with a friend, a walk around the block or a conversation.

The "You Matter, I Sill Listen" campaign was started last year by Sabrina Owen, manager of El Dorado County Mental Health programs in South Lake Tahoe, to help people be that needed a little support.

The community is invited to join the South Lake Tahoe Community Mental & Behavioral Health Cooperative for the 4th annual forum at South Tahoe High on Tuesday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This is a free event and parents, caregivers, educators, coaches, therapists, clinicians, and volunteers are encouraged to attend.

The morning event will be facilitated by Michard Ward and is hosted by the Barton Health Foundation.

• Uncover common stressors that are impacting our school/work
and personal life
• Address resiliency in our community

Participants in El Dorado County Wellness Center programs will have a chance to show off their artistic skills in the “Each Mind Matters” art exhibit hosted by the Tahoe Art League from May 1 to May 5. The exhibit is in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and will be kicked off with with an artist's reception and awards ceremony in the school's Commons on May 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

The common stressors of everyday life can result in feelings of sadness. But if a person feels sad more days than not and it causes a difference in social, academic, and occupational functioning, it may be signs of a depressive disorder. The day may feel heavy or overwhelming, a person may lose track of time or forget what is important, and things that used to cause joy and pleasure no longer bring happiness. The steps to feel better may seem impossible, but it’s never too late to get support.

Commonly reported signs and symptoms of depressive disorders include:

Learn more about mental illness, the signs, the symptoms and what you can do to help reduce the stigma that three out of four people with a mental illness have experienced during an upcoming presentation.

On Wednesday, April 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Temple Bat yam in South Lake Tahoe, Jeanne and Alan Nelson of the El Dorado County NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will lead the presentation. It is free and open to everyone. Dessert and coffee will be served.

In a community with many needs, the Barton Foundation today donated $35,500 to ten different agencies that provide services to the residents of South Lake Tahoe during their annual Philanthropy Day. For the seventh year, the Barton Foundation gave away money raised through their annual fundraising efforts which include the annual Festival of Lights.

Suicide does not discriminate. Suicide does not know income levels, race or neighborhoods. Suicide can happen next door.

Every day in California, Nevada, and every other state, there are friends, family and co-workers who struggle with emotional pain. And, for some, it's too difficult to talk about the pain, thoughts of suicide, and the need for help.

- Nearly 40,000 Americans commit suicide every year.
- In the U.S., suicide rates are highest during the spring.
- Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24-year-olds and 2nd for 24 to 35-year-olds.

Many times law enforcement officers are the first people a mentally ill person comes in contact with. In South Lake Tahoe, police officers and sheriff's deputies are forced to become front line mental health workers, and since they are on the front lines, Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is an important part of their job.

El Dorado County received a grant for the Sheriff's Department to receive the training, and, to date, four sergeants and 18 deputies have been trained. While most patrol the west slope, South Lake Tahoe has three CIT officers (two sergeants and one deputy).

Mental illness affects 1 in 5 children and 1 in 8 adults.

50% of us will experience a mental health challenge in our lifetime.

These are significant numbers, and because of them, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in South Lake Tahoe, May 10-16 is Mental Health Awareness Week. During a recent City Council meeting, the Mayor signed a proclamation to show the City's support of this significant week.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Treatment Not Jails

Across the nation, many counties are investing huge sums of money to house people with mental illness in jails, with little return for the community in terms of public safety or treatment for people who need it most. A new national initiative, Stepping Up, provides an opportunity for counties to get support in addressing this problem.

Let’s transform South Lake Tahoe into one of the healthiest places for our children…a place where mental health issues are quickly identified and treated…a place where parents and caregivers are well-educated in recognizing the early warning signs. Let’s give the next generation the best chance possible at thriving.

In March we participated in the Mental Health Forum sponsored by Barton and the South Tahoe Unified School District. We were impressed by the passion presented by the many school-teachers, Barton ER doctors, and others that care deeply about Mental Wellness.

The facts are startling. El Dorado County has twice the number of suicides than the state average. El Dorado County has 2.5 times the state average of maternity mental issues. The domestic violence rate in El Dorado County is 1.5 times higher than the state average. More people are living in the county with mental issues than ever before.

A day long forum of mental health care providers, agencies, medical professionals and other community members was held in South Lake Tahoe on Thursday in order to find what needs are being met, and unmet, in the area.