To the Editor:
One in five youth and one in five adults struggle with their mental health. Many factors play into this; however, all of us play a role in supporting the mental health of those we care about. During this May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and every other month of the year, there are simple steps all of us can take to make a difference.
Recognize that mental health is an essential part of overall health. Talk openly about mental health. We all have mental health concerns but normalizing this is still a work in progress. Empower others to recognize, manage and learn from difficult emotions. Support the mental health of our youth in educational, community and childcare settings by working together as caring adults regardless of your role to meet the needs of our youth.
Be the best role model you can be for youth and others in your life by taking care of your own mental and physical health. Recognize that it is a strength to seek help from a physician, mental health professional or clergy when emotional distress affects daily functioning and ideally before it becomes overwhelming.
Learn about the warning signs of suicide, and do not be afraid to start the conversation using a non-judgmental approach with anyone you are concerned about.
Lastly, be a voice for mental health in your community. Whether it’s talking openly with family and friends about the importance of mental health, going to a town hall event, organizing a fundraiser that benefits mental health programs in schools or organizations, volunteering with an organization or advocacy group, attending a training to learn more about mental health and the basic steps anyone can take to support another, and much more.
Our society focuses much more on physical health than mental health, but both are equally important. If you are concerned about your mental health, several options are available. A great place to start would be talking with your family doctor or calling Indiana’s Be Well Helpline at 211 to speak with a trained mental health counselor. You are not alone – help is out there, and recovery is possible. It may be hard to talk about your concerns, but simply acknowledging to yourself that you’re struggling is a really big first step. Mental Health America has many great resources in observance of Mental Health Awareness month. Visit mhanational.org/may to learn more.
Hope Thompson
Upstream Prevention
Greenwood
