In the United States, about a quarter of the population suffers from mental health illnesses. This includes therapists like Brooke Clever, the lead health navigator at Transitions-Mental Health Association. Clever works with patients to help them establish recovery goals and strategies. She speaks from personal experience, having managed her own anxiety and depression.

According to Michael Kaplan, the community engagement director at Transitions-Mental Health Association, there is a whole month dedicated to mental health awareness because it is crucial to shed light on this important issue. Various resources are available for those in need, including wellness centers, hotlines, and more. Jill Bolster-White, the executive director at Transitions-Mental Health Association, emphasizes the importance of community support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. It can be isolating to face these issues alone, but there are resources available to help.

Clever believes in the power of recovery and finds it helpful to connect with clients by sharing her own journey. By discussing her experiences, Clever hopes to eliminate the stigmas surrounding mental health. Last year, over 5,300 individuals and their families received services from Transitions-Mental Health Association in San Luis Obispo.

If you suspect someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can call the 24-hour Central Coast Hotline at 1-800-783-0607 or visit their website for additional information. Every May, Transitions-Mental Health Association hosts the Open Minds Community Art Show to promote mental wellness through art