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May is Mental Health Matters Month

May is designated as Mental Health Matters Month. Mental health is an issue that concerns all of us. The goal of Mental Health Matters Month is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to build a community of hope for all those who are in need of support. Mental Health Matters Month also aims to draw attention to suicide prevention, while also reducing the stigma and discrimination against those affected by and getting help for mental health problems.

UC San Diego, in collaboration with Each Mind Matters, California’s Mental Health Movement, is sponsoring a series of workshops, events and awareness fairs. A special week is devoted to those in recovery from mental health concerns and substance abuse. Wear a green ribbon this week to show your support for mental health.

Events at UC San Diego include:

May 12: Mental Health Trivia Night and Directing Change Film Screening; 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm; The Loft

May 19-21: Recovery Week and Mental Health Fair; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm each day; Library Walk

May 19: What is Mental Health? Professions in Mental Health

May 20: Recovery from Substance Abuse, PTSD and Depression

May 21: Stories of Recovery, Coping Skills and Finding Solutions

May 20: How to Help a Friend; 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm; The Zone

May 21: Mental Health Awareness Q&A; 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm; PC Warren Room

“The Principles of Clarity” Psychology Professor Karen Dobkins, PhD; 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm; PC Warren Room

May 27: Queer and Trans Self Care Workshop; 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm; LGBTQRC Conference Room

Weekly Events:

Tuesdays: Peace of Mind Workshop; 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm; Galbraith Hall 190

Thursdays: Mindfulness for Daily Living; 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm; Student Health Conference Room

In recognition of Mental Health Matters Month, one hour of administrative leave with pay has been approved so that employees may participate in a Mental Health Awareness Month event. Supervisors are asked to allow employees to attend, as long as the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.

Mental Health Matters Month events are supported and organized by a number of student organizations and departments at UC San Diego including: Counseling and Psychological Services, Active Minds@UC San Diego, Triton Recovery Group, CAPS Wellness Peer Educators, Psi Chi UC San Diego/Psychology Club, The Zone, Health Promotion and Education, The LGBT Resource Center, The Loft, Graduate Student Association, the Department of Psychology, the Cross Cultural Center and The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA).

For more information about UC San Diego events, please visit http://caps.ucsd.edu/may. For information about Each Mind Matters, California’s Mental Health Movement, visit http://www.eachmindmatters.org/.

Juan C. González Vice Chancellor-Student Affairs Karen Calfas Executive Director, Student Health and Well-Being