1 in 5: Where Do You Fit In?

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.  Since the pandemic, many people are realizing that stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on their well-being.

Since 1949, May has been recognized as National Mental Awareness Month. President Barack Obama proclaimed it official on April 30, 2014. The President called upon “citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.”

This year's theme is More Good Days, Together.  The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Stigma Grows in Silence. Healing Begins in Community campaign encourages us to foster open dialogues, cultivate empathy and understanding and to share resources to support individuals and families on their journey toward mental wellness. LifeRing has taken up this challenge and currently offers eight weekly online meetings for people diagnosed with co-occurring disorders.

Here are additional resources to consider during National Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental Health America (MHA): Mental Health Tests

The MHA offers online screening tests to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition . Tests include:

(I tested “Addiction” and it’s likely I have an “Alcohol or Substance Use Problem.” That about sums it up!)
Take a test >>>

NAMI provides an excellent repository of information on their Warning Signs and Symptoms webpage including a video on the 10 Common Warning Signs of Mental Health Conditions.
Watch it here >>>

Finding a Mental Health Care Provider

Nami also provides a great walkthrough focused on Finding a Mental Health Professional  This blog provides an easy to follow plan to help you find, engage, and build a relationship with your therapist.

The MHA offers a webpage rich with information about Finding the Right Clinical Mental Health Care For You. This includes

• Where can I go for help?
• Which mental health professional is right for me?
• How to engage with your mental health professional
• Types of treatment
• Am I getting the help I need?
• What about self-help/support groups

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the US's primary federal agency for medical research.  It's part of the Department of Health and Human Services and is made up of 27 institutes and centers. The NIH's mission is to improve health, save lives, and reduce illness and disability. They offer the Help for Mental Illness resources webpage including a link to Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider about your mental health.

The University of California (UCSF) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences provides a list of mental health providers some of whom have identified themselves as specializing in treating particular populations.
Explore the options >>>

MHA offers an interactive calendar to serve as a guide to having more good days. You can get access to online activities, articles, printable tools, and practical resources to help you have a good day.
Get your Good Days Calendar here>>>

LifeRing Co-Occurring Disorders and Trauma Focus Meetings: *     

Tuesdays, 1:00pm Pacific Time
Crazy Talk –  Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting 
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Wednesdays, 9:00pm Pacific Time
You, Me, and ADHD –  Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting 
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Thursdays, 4:00pm Pacific Time
Strange Attractors – Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting 
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Saturdays, 6:00am Pacific Time
Trauma in Recovery on Saturdays – Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting 
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Sundays, 7:00am Pacific Time
Trauma in Recovery on Sundays – Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting 
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Sundays, 9:00am Pacific Time
Shine On You Crazy Diamond – Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Sundays, 3:00pm Pacific Time
SOAR (Sober & Overcoming ADHD in Recovery – Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

Sundays, 5:00pm Pacific Time
Manic Sunday – Co-Occurring Disorders Meeting 
Open Camera Meeting – Attendees are asked to keep their video-feed on

* All meeting names are chosen by the current convenor. 

Catch a LifeRing meeting >>> 

There are times when you need more than a recovery meeting. We urge you to call or visit one of these crisis resources for help. Crisis Resources

Help us help others. Your donations allow LifeRing to support new focus meetings for people in recovery who are diagnosed with co-occurring disorders. Thank you!

For other ways you can contribute to LifeRing, please consider being a LifeRing Volunteer or a LifeRing Convenor.