mentalhealthawareness | Beach Cities Health District

Mental Health is Health

Join Beach Cities Health District to raise awareness about mental health!

Mental health is an important part of overall health and well-being. It includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel and act (Source: CDC). It enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn and work well and contribute to their community (Source: World Health Organization). We all have mental health and need to take care of it just like how we take care of our physical health.

When you are feeling physically sick, you may get some rest or call your doctor, but if you are mentally unwell, you may be less likely to take break. Mental health is just as important as physical health and should be taken with the same seriousness as any physical health problem. In fact, both mental health and physical health are connected and contribute to our overall health. For example, depression increases the risk for many physical health problems like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the presence of chronic conditions can increase the risk for mental illness. Self-care practices like exercise and getting enough sleep can benefit both your mental health and physical health.

People may have negative feelings and attitudes towards mental health. This can make it hard for people to talk about their mental health challenges and seek help. By talking about mental health in the same way and frequency that we talk about physical health, we can help normalize its conversation. We not only want to create a space where it’s okay to talk about mental health, but also encourage it. By talking about mental health, we can decrease the stigma and discrimination around it while empowering others to also talk about it.

It’s important to note that mental health and mental illness are not the same. A person can experience poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness, and a person can have good mental health and be diagnosed with a mental illness (Source: CDC).

Beach Cities Health District’s “Mental Health is Health” community-wide campaign aims to decrease stigma, increase help seeking behaviors, increase awareness of and access to resources for mental health, and build community capacity to support individuals who need mental health resources. Prioritize your mental health today and check in, get support and attend an event.

> Check in with yourself and take care of your mind and body

It's important to practice self-care and seek strategies to help us maintain good mental health. In fact, some of the same self-care strategies we use to maintain our physical health like exercise and healthy eating, can also impact our mental health. It’s important to focus on these preventive actions that support your mental health before you feel overwhelmed.
Eat well: Learn how foods fuel your body. Click here for nutrition guides and recipes. Eating out or doing takeout? Visit a local Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant for healthy options.
Get enough sleep: Did you know that 1 in 3 adults – and even more adolescents - don’t get enough sleep? Click here for more tips on sleep health.
Exercise: Join the Center for Health & Fitness, it’s all here, in the most comprehensive fitness center in the South Bay! State-of-the-art fitness center, yoga, Pilates, weight management and staff dietitian are just some of what’s offered at the Center for Health and Fitness. Whether you’re devoted to exercise, just getting started, or have special needs, the fitness experts here will design a program just right for you.
Practice mindfulness: Add a mindfulness practice to your daily schedule. Click here for a playlist of guided exercises.
Connect with a Moai: A Moai (pronounced “Mo Eye”) is a group of people meeting for a common purpose and can include activities like walking, purpose discussions and potluck meals. Connect with others who share your passions. Learn more here.
Give back to your community: Volunteer with BCHD and have an integral role in improving the health and well-being of Beach Cities residents – help the community while improving your own well-being! Click here to view current volunteer opportunities.

> Get support for yourself or someone you care about

Professional help and support are available locally within the Beach Cities.
For health-related resources and information for adults and families within the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles area call BCHD’s Assistance, Information and Referral Line, (310) 374-3426 and press option 1. Visit us at bchd.org/resources for a wide range of resources including youth, older adult and legal and financial support.
allcove Beach Cities is a place for young people (ages 12-25) to take a moment of pause and access a range of services: mental health, physical health, supported education and employment, substance use, peer and family support, life skills and wellness, and community. Learn more here.
If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening concern, please call 9-1-1. If your concern is not life-threatening, support is also available by contacting the 24/7 providers listed below:
- Text “LA” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line
- Call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call 1-866-488-7386 to reach The Trevor Project for crisis intervention services specific for LGBTQ+ youth
- Call 1-877-541-2525 to reach the Community Helpline for non-emergency support

> Attend an event to learn more about mental health

Want to be able to support someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge? Get certified in Mental Health First Aid at one of BCHD’s trainings! Mental Health First Aid is help for a person experiencing a mental health challenge, mental disorder or mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional help is received, or the crisis resolves. You will learn how to support someone in need and direct them to help, as appropriate. Register for the training here.
- Tuesday, May 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Friday, June 9, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
See the calendar below for the full list of mental health events in our community.