San Benito County Mental Health Services held the first in a
series of three lectures Monday as part of its recognition of May
as Mental Health Month.
San Benito County Mental Health Services held the first in a series of three lectures Monday as part of its recognition of May as Mental Health Month.
The agency has sponsored the spring lecture series for several years with the primary focus on what mental illness is and how to get treatment, said program coordinator Nancy Abellera.
“We also want to reduce the stigma that is associated with mental illness, and by doing these outreach activities we find it does help remove the stigma,” Abellera said.
The lecture lasts an hour with a question-and-answer period, Abellera said. The topics include parenting solutions.
“Parenting strategies is a common interest for anyone with children,” she said. “The goal is to provide information to the public about what are important areas to target when it comes to mental health.”
Abellera said depression, anxiety disorders, mood swings and schizophrenia are the illnesses that most commonly bring people into the mental health system.
“We have an open case load of 600 clients who are using our services, but this is not including the crisis services,” she said.
A presentation for the Spanish speaking community will also be offered.
The remaining lectures are scheduled for May 12 and 19. For more information, call Abellera at 636-4020.
