May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Tri-County Health Network

Mental Health Awareness Month is a time dedicated to promoting open conversations about mental health and prioritizing wellness. Join us this May in Shining a Light on Mental Health and reminding everyone that they are not alone. Check out all the below ways you can get involved!

Mental Health Awareness Month holds significant importance, as it serves as a beacon of awareness and advocacy for the millions affected by mental health conditions each year. Established in 1949 by Mental Health America, this annual observance has grown to engage millions through various initiatives, including media campaigns, events, resources, and screenings.

One of the primary objectives of Mental Health Awareness Month is to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. Despite significant progress in recent years, misconceptions and prejudices persist, often preventing individuals from seeking help or speaking openly about their struggles. This stigma can have devastating consequences, contributing to feelings of shame, isolation, and reluctance to pursue treatment.

Join Us in Shining a Light on Mental Health

With a vibrant display of solidarity, Tri-County Health Network encourages local businesses, organizations and governments to illuminate their buildings with green lights throughout the month of May. By lighting up buildings with green, businesses become visible allies in the fight to destigmatize mental health and promote understanding.

We have green light bulbs and window decals available for businesses and organizations across Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, Ouray, and San Miguel counties. These will be available for pick-up at our offices in Telluride, Montrose, and Delta.

Why green? Green, the official color for mental health awareness, symbolizes renewal, hope, and vitality. This symbolic gesture not only visually demonstrates support for mental health awareness but also serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for individuals and communities affected by mental health conditions. This initiative not only fosters a sense of unity within the community but also sparks important conversations about mental health and the importance of support and advocacy.

Participate in the Workplace Mental Health Challenge!

Join us in spreading the word and reducing stigma around Mental Health by participating in the Workplace Mental Health Challenge. Complete all three items on this checklist, submit the form below, and be entered into a drawing!

Download the Checklist

Resources to share with your workplace:

After completing the challenge:

SUBMIT YOUR COMPLETED CHECKLIST HERE

Be Seen in Green

Show your support for Mental Health Awareness Month by ‘Being Seen in Green’ throughout the month of May. By wearing green you are helping raise awareness and support for mental health. Let’s all shine a light on the importance of Mental Health in our communities!

Tri-County Health Network is supporting ‘Be Seen in Green’ on May 7th.

How can you prioritize mental health?

One key aspect of Mental Health Awareness Month is the promotion of self-care and wellness strategies. Mental health is not solely about managing illness; it also encompasses practices that promote resilience, well-being, and fulfillment. During Mental Health Awareness Month, Tri-County Health Network encourages individuals to prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, creative expression, and connection with supportive relationships.

Below is a calendar of steps you can take each day to prioritize your own mental health:

Events during Mental Health Awareness Month:

Shine a Light on Mental Health:
Entire Month of May, everywhere!

Tri-County Health Network is shining a light on Mental Health Awareness in our communities during the month of May. As the official color for mental health awareness, green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. We are asking businesses, organizations and governments to light up their building with green lights! Contact us for more information.

San Miguel, Montrose, Ouray, Delta, Gunnison & Hinsdale Counties

Be Seen In Green!:
Wednesday, May 7, All Day, everywhere!

Wear Green! This May, you’re not just wearing a color, you’re shining a light of hope and support on mental health for millions.

Breaking Bread and Boundaries – Education: Thursday, May 8, 5:30-7:00 pm, in Delta

Join us at the Delta County Library on May 8th at 5:30pm for shared meals and discussion focused on transforming outdated systems and envisioning better alternatives regarding education.

Delta Public Library Conference Room, 124 E 6th Street in Delta.

Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Recovery Coalition Meeting:
Tuesday, May 13, 2:30 pm, on Zoom

Join our behavioral health roundtables to learn more about ways to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month!

Suicide Prevention, Awareness, and Recovery Coalition (SPARC) Meeting May 13th, 2:30pm on Zoom. For more information, email j.hurst@tchnetwork.org.

San Miguel Behavioral Health Collaborative: Thursday, May 15, 3:30 pm, in Telluride

Agenda: San Miguel Behavioral Health Panel Share Out, Grant Schaefer from Soulful Recovery Presenting on Programs, Roundtable Discussion

Miramonte Room @ 333 West Colorado Ave Second Floor Telluride, CO 81435

Community Conversations – Know Your Rights: Tuesday, May 27, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, in Telluride

Join us at Ah Haa School for The Arts on Tuesday, May 27th from 11:30am – 1pm for a Community Conversations Events on Know Your Rights training. Lunch and interpretation services are provided.

Ah Haa School for The Arts is located at 155 W. Pacific Avenue in Telluride.

Be Seen in Green:
May 16

In addition to participating in our “Light Up for May” challenge, Tri-County Health Network encourages individuals and our communities to join us in showing support for mental health by participating in our “Be Seen in Green” challenge. It’s more than just a fashion statement; it’s a call to action, a symbol of solidarity, and a testament to the collective power of communities coming together in support of mental health.

May as You Can:
Entire Month of May, in Telluride

This May, make some time for art at Ah Haa School for The Arts! With their May as You Can, you are able to pay what is affordable and still participate in one of their awesome classes.

Located at 155 W. Pacific Avenue in Telluride. For more information call 970.728.3886.