May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is “Back to Basics.” After the last two years of pandemic living, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being. In Huntington Beach, we strive to provide foundational knowledge about mental health and provide information on what people can do if their mental health is a cause for concern. Taking time out for yourself, or incorporating wellness activities into your routine are great ways to take care of yourself.
One in five adults experiences a mental health crisis, and nearly 60 percent of them do not receive the proper assistance that is needed to heal and thrive. When living with a mental health condition or facing a mental health concern, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. Fortunately many people overcome the mental health challenges they face. You aren’t alone – help is out there, and recovery is possible.
Huntington Beach is at the forefront of addressing mental health issues. The City of Huntington Beach was the first to roll out the BeWell Mobile Crisis Response Team. The BeWell Program is composed of two Crisis Counselors who drive to your location and provide free in-community assessment and stabilization services. Since it launched in August 2021, BeWell has helped approximately 1,500 people with a variety of non-emergency and non-medical issues, with the majority of calls coming from private residences.
If you or someone you know needs help, or if you wish to learn more, please visit the following reources:
