The CALM Program at UC Berkeley

This week (October 4-10, 2026) is Mental Illness Awareness Week. Let’s make space for open conversations about mental health, challenge stigma, and remind each other that support is always worth seeking 💙

Sharing a diagnosis takes courage. Hearing one takes care. Swipe for how to do both.

Sources:
1. NAMI, Disclosing to Others: https://www.nami.org/living-with-a-mental-health-condition/disclosing-to-others/
2. Mind, How to help someone who has bipolar disorder: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/supporting-someone-with-bipolar/

September is Su***de Prevention Month. Su***de is preventable, and it starts with knowing the signs, understanding the risk factors, and having resources ready before they're needed. Swipe through to learn the warning signs, the stats that show why this matters, and where to turn for help- for yourself or someone you love.

***dePreventionMonth

Sources:
Statistics and resources compiled from NAMI (nami.org/su***depreventionmonth) and SAMHSA's Su***de Prevention Awareness Month toolkit (samhsa.gov). Data sourced from CDC and NIMH.

Starting treatment for bipolar disorder can feel like a big step, and it's normal to have a lot of questions along the way. Swipe through for a few notes on what to bring to your first appointment, how to know if your provider is a good fit, and what to expect when it comes to medication and side effects. 💙

Asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do, and you don't have to figure it out alone.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, NAMI, HelpGuide, and a peer-reviewed patient survey published on NCBI/PMC.

Ever wish there was a reliable and trustworthy social media resource that shared useful mental health information? Well, look no further!
In addition to providing direct clinical services, EBP Besties seek to share the best information that their research has to offer on common mental health topics. You can find them on social media with free, accessible content here:

Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

EBP stands for evidence-based practice. This means interventions demonstrated by research to be effective for improving mental health conditions and are flexible and individually tailored to meet the unique needs of each person. Many people are surprised to know that some therapies don't actually work or help people. We hope to change this by sharing and providing more about those strategies that do work! Find out more about EBP!

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day, a global day recognized by the World Health Organization to raise awareness and reduce stigma around su***de. It's a reminder that connection saves lives: checking in on someone, really listening, and knowing where to point them if they need more support.

In the US, 988 is available by call, text, or chat, 24/7. Free and confidential.

Today is 988 Day — a national Day of Action held every year on 9/8. Communities, organizations, and individuals come together to raise awareness for the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: a free, confidential resource available by call, text, or chat, 24/7. Save the number. Share it with someone.

Note: 988 is there before it's an emergency, too!

***dePrevention

🗣️ Join us on August 19th for Creativity, Moods, and Mania with Dr. Sheri L. Johnson as she explores the fascinating connection between mood, creativity, and bipolar disorder. This talk will explore research on how positive and negative moods affect creativity, evidence linking bipolar disorder with higher creativity, and the lives of creative figures such as Virginia Woolf and Vincent van Gogh. We’ll also examine why these connections may exist and whether bipolar medications influence creativity.

Purchase tickets through the link in our bio!
https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/alameda-creativity-moods-mania

📍 Profs and Pints Alameda

Cyclothymia is often misunderstood, but it can have a real impact on a person's daily life and well-being 💚

This post covers what cyclothymia is, common signs and symptoms, how it's diagnosed, treatment options, and ways to find support. Whether you're learning for yourself or someone you care about, we hope this information helps raise awareness and encourages understanding.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, and support is available.