May is Mental Health Month, and myths about mental illness frequently spread fear and inaccurate perceptions of people living with mental health problems. This stigma can lead to discrimination and discourage people from seeking the help they need, a significant problem when one in five people struggle with mental illness.
To fight against the stigma of mental illness, Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency and its partners will celebrate Mental Health Month with several local events designed to educate, raise awareness and bring the community together.
Events include:
The Literary Minds Online Book Club hosted by Doni Greenberg of aNewsCafe throughout the month of May.
A bipolar homeless man tries to solve a murder. A true story of twin sisters: one schizophrenic, the other a psychiatrist. A crack addict finds a pencil in a dumpster and discovers a new addiction: writing. A former actress finds hope in her struggle with alcoholism and abuse. Local journalist Doni Greenberg will lead an online discussion about these books that focus on mental health. Copies of the books will be available to borrow from the Redding Library and for purchase at Barnes and Noble.
The books will be read in the following order: Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and Their Journey through Schizophrenia by Pamela Spiro Wagner and Carolyn Spiro; Breaking the Silence by Mariette Hartley; Grand Central Winter: Stories from the Street by Lee Stringer and The Caveman’s Valentine by George Dawes Green.
True Colors Art Gallery at Saturday ArtHop
6-9 p.m. May 14 at Leatherby’s, 1670 Market Street, in Redding
From colored pencil still-lifes to surrealistic pastels, this gallery will feature the works of artists who have displayed incredible creativity while working through their mental health challenges.
The Walk for Wellness in Downtown Burney.
4-7 p.m., May 18, at 37095 Main Street, Suite C
Get some exercise and support local food banks. Circle of Friends will host this walkathon, and walkers, bicyclists, runners and people in wheelchairs are welcome. Cash, checks and canned food donations will be accepted.
Minds Matter Mental Health Resource Fair
11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday May 23, at the Redding Library
Learn about healthy living or find help by connecting here with numerous community resources that can provide support. Admission is free.
For more information, visit the Mental Health Month page at www.shastahhsa.net or contact Marc Dadigan at 225-5970 or at mdadigan@co.shasta.ca.us.
-from press release
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment. Views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of anewscafe.com.
