The Council on Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health (CCJBH) strives to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining one’s mental health, the need to reduce stigma for those who seek care, the value in promoting emotional well-being, and the importance of encouraging people to seek help when needed. In observance of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, CCJBH seeks to emphasize the importance of self-care for justice-involved individuals with behavioral health needs and those who work with and support this population (e.g., clinical staff, peers and caregivers).
Observing May is Mental Health Awareness month is particularly important to CCJBH given that some individuals living with un- or undertreated mental health conditions become involved with the justice system if they lack access to necessary supports and services, as evidenced by the significant overrepresentation of individuals with behavioral health needs in jails and prisons. By raising awareness about mental health and reducing stigma associated with it, the Council aims to encourage individuals to seek help if they need it.
When: May 31, 2023, from 12:00-1:00 PM
Description: The Happier Life Project will present on mental health resources for the justice-involved population. The Happier Life Project is an official Cal Hope counselor for formerly incarcerated individuals who connects with other community-based organizations to support those on a road to a happier life by seeking long-term recovery.
Self-Care Resources
Self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining mental well-being. During Mental Health Awareness Month, CCJBH is promoting the importance of self-care all individuals. As such, CCJBH offers the below resources for promoting mental health by identifying potential areas in your life where self-care may be beneficial:
- IsraAID: Reducing Anxiety and Stress
- Mental Health America Mental Health Screening Assessment
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention How Right Now
Additional Resources
- CalHOPE
- Youth mental health first aid for tribal communities and Indigenous peoples
- SAMHSA Find Help and Treatment
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services FindSupport.gov
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services FindTreatment.gov
- National Institute of Mental Health Help for Mental Illnesses
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline