Recently the United States has launched a new three digit number to access mental health support in this country. It’s as easy as dialing 988 and you will be connected to a live, trained operator who will listen and guide you through your needs. It actually links you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800 number which is 1-800-273-8255 We all can agree a 3 digit number is much easier to remember and dial when in crisis. Just like 911 is. So it’s about time…
People can call, text or chat with the 988 number. The counselors who answer are trained in responding to mental health needs and work with the callers to offer support and guidance. They will listen, gather knowledge about how the problem is affecting the caller, provide support and do their best to connect them with the resources they need if necessary.
This network has been around since 2005 but I can say with personal experience that remembering the 1-800 number associated with it has been impossible for me. So this is a HUGE win in the ability for people to call and get mental health support immediately. There are over 200 criss centers connected with this hotline and has proven itself over and over again to be effective. According to the hotline website, “Numerous studies have shown that callers feel less suicidal, less depressed, less overwhelmed and more hopeful after speaking with a Lifeline counselor.”
Mental health awareness is at an all time high.
“Because of misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues, people often suffer in silence and don’t seek treatment for their conditions. Mental health awareness is an important initiative to improve understanding of mental health conditions and increase access to healthcare for those who need it.”
Lifespan.org goes on to say that, “Whether or not someone personally suffers with a mental health issue, Mental Health Awareness Month helps people recognize the ways mental illness impacts their lives, educates people about available services, and highlights ways to advocate.
Recognition and education are important ways to remove the stigma associated with mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month creates a time and space to start a conversation. Talking openly about mental health can reduce the misconceptions and stigma, and can encourage those who are suffering to seek help and find a support network.
It’s important for caregivers, friends, and loved ones to understand the impact that mental health has on daily life.
Mental Health Awareness Month provides education about the reality of living with a mental health condition – while it can make life more difficult, it doesn’t have to stop someone from having a fulfilling life. When people are better educated on these conditions, they can better support and help someone dealing with a mental health issue.
Mental Health Awareness Month also provides an opportunity for fundraising, outreach, and awareness events. This, in turn, can help support research, fund treatment options, and connect advocates to create a brighter, more promising future of mental health care.”
Why should we care about this personally?
Just like your overall physical health, your mental health impacts your daily functioning too. It’s a huge reason behind why it’s imperative that we care about mental health. Ignoring your mental health can make coping at work difficult, cause medical issues, make building healthy relationships challenging and even in extreme untreated situations prevent one from leaving their home.
Promoting mental health awareness is necessary! We must break the astigmatism surrounding mental health! This past week I have watched a LOT of people sharing posts about the new 988 lifeline program. Holidays are a bad time for people struggling with mental health. The recent loss of a loved one who you know will not be with you can be exceptionally difficult. So making sure that you are helping to campaign for mental health services is key. We need everyone to share this on a post, hang up a poster or flier in public spaces, at work, and schools! EVERYWHERE!
Talking about mental health is one of the ways that you can help promote mental health awareness. Talking about your own struggles, talking about the Troubles of people around you or just speaking about mental health in general is a great way to reduce the stigmatism associated with mental health as well as make sure that the people around you know that there are places to go and people they can talk to for support.
The second key is to educate yourself on mental health and mental health symptoms. Making sure that you and the people around you know what the signs and symptoms of depression are or the signs and symptoms of a suicidal ideation are can be the difference between someone’s life and death. I’m not recommending that you try some giant intervention per se but being able to identify and acknowledge that someone is struggling and a kind and supportive way can make all the difference.
The website balancetreatment.com says that there are a few signs of mental health issues you can look for. Those possible warning signs of a developing mental illness include:
- Mood changes
- Antisocial behavior
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Constant sadness
If you are noticing any of the above warning signs or others that make you concerned, don’t be shy about discussing it in a friendly way with this person and encouraging them to get support.
Perhaps you even find a list of resources available that they could reach out to. Some people even offered to take their friend to an appointment or help them make the phone calls to start Services. Don’t do it for them but be supportive.
Practice and kindness and being supportive of someone with a mental health issue or someone who you think has a mental health issue is extremely important. Telling someone what to do or being demanding is definitely not going to help this person feel better about themselves.
Try to listen, reflect on what they’re saying back to them so they know that you are understanding their needs or their issues, and asking them what you can do to help?
How can you help in your community?
Become a volunteer or participate in some kind of mental health awareness organization near you. As a school counselor I’m always putting posters up in the bathrooms and in the walls of the hallway promoting various support programs. 988 is one of the flyers that we have hanging all around the building as well as things like the dangers of smoking and the use of Vape, as well as abuse, trauma and neglect.
I’m also super into holistic treatments such as essential oils, crystals and body-mind wellness connections so often times if I see someone who’s struggling offer them some lavender oil to help them breathe through a stressful moment or encourage them to try yoga or Pilates as a way of relaxing and connecting back to themselves.
I believe that if you know someone who is more into alternative medicines that helps them find the right resources to treat themselves in a holistic way it can be very helpful as well. So much of our mental health is about “mind over matter” and it’s important that we meet people where they’re at in terms of their treatment and care .
Mental health awareness shouldn’t be something that we are scared of or that we don’t talk about within our friends circles. It affects everyone, of every generation, of every age, every race, every religion, and every everything you can think of. I encourage you to start today by being a better steward of mental health awareness in your community and see the impact it makes!