Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Survivor To Share His Story In Sonoma County

News from Sonoma County Department of Health Services:

Experience Kevin Berthia’ s moving personal story “The Impact of Listening” as he shares his journey of hope and recovery. In 2005, Berthia planned to take his own life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge but it was a first responder’s listening ear that eventually brought Kevin to the safe side of the railing.

The Sonoma County Department of Health Services (DHS) Behavioral Health Division and Community Baptist Church Collaborative is part of Each Mind Matters: California’s Mental Health Movement, which includes millions of individuals and thousands of organizations working to advance mental health.

May is Mental Health Matters Month, a time to raise awareness around mental health and fight stigma so that the millions of Californians experiencing mental health challenges can receive support.

The speaking event is Friday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. Kevin Berthia’s presentation is 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 1620 Sonoma Rd., Santa Rosa.

Berthia, suicide survivor and suicide prevention advocate, will be joined by Michael Kennedy, Behavioral Health Division Director, DHS and Reverend Lee Turner, Pastor, Community Baptist Church.

Half of us will experience a mental health challenge in our lifetime, but many won’t seek support because of fear of judgment, isolation and discrimination. In fact, research shows that with support and treatment 70 to 90 percent of individuals report reduced symptoms and improved quality of life. A recent RAND study found stigma reduction efforts like CalMHSA’s partnership of California’s counties is successfully reaching the population most at risk for mental health challenges to increase support and encourage help-seeking.

• Related:
• Parents and Teens Need Access to Mental Health Care
• Why Men And Teens Refuse To Go To Therapy

For more info: www.EachMindMatters.org or www.sonomacounty.org/health/about/behavioralhealth.asp

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