May is Mental Health Awareness month, an important time to learn more about mental health, change the conversation and understand the resources available whether you’re looking to support yourself, colleagues or loved ones.
What is Mental health?
Mental health is an important part of overall health well-being – it can affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood or ability to relate to others and function each day. It can be affected by many factors including:
- Biology (genes or brain chemistry)
- Life experiences (exposure to trauma or loss)
- Family history
- Ongoing health conditions or stress
- And much more…
Mental health can also be influenced by conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder (amongst many others). These conditions are very common and often times misunderstood. Learning the facts about mental health and understanding what resources are available are important steps in helping others feel safe, understood and welcome.
Let’s work together to open up the conversation around mental health here in King County. Throughout the year, Balanced You will partner with several groups to organize, promote or support discussions around the County. Below are a few partner events taking place later this month. Please note: additional opportunities are in the works. Look for more information soon or contact us with your ideas.
What: Mental Health 101
Where: Administration Building, 5th Floor Training Room
When: Monday, May 20 – 11:30am – 1pm
Come join a conversation about mental health, what it is, and why it matters. Maria Yang, MD, a psychiatrist who works in the Department of Community and Human Services, will provide education and guide a discussion about this topic that affects us all. You’re welcome to stop by for some or all of this conversation. Contact Maria Yang or Balanced You for more information.
What: Mental Health Accommodations
Where: Administration Building, 5th Floor Training Room
When: Wednesday, May 29 – 10 – 11:30am
The Disability Services Section within the Department of Human Resources is hosting an interactive training on mental health accommodations. This 1.5 hour training is designed for HR professionals and will cover: recognizing signs of mental illness, interacting with employees who may have mental health concerns, roles and responsibilities during the Interactive Process and more. Contact Jeff Casem for more information.
What: Mental Health Awareness Lunch & Learn
Where: King Street Center, 4th Floor General Manager’s Room
When: Wednesday, May 29 – 12 – 1pm
Stop by to learn about mental health and explore how to reduce stigma, have more supportive conversations and provide more support to others, at work or in the community. This event is hosted by Metro Transit’s EEO, Equity, and Inclusion Office. Contact Joy Bryngelson for more information.