Mental Health Awareness Month

may
May 20, 2021
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month?  The pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health. We’ve dealt with unimaginable loss, isolation and anxiety on a massive scale. This Mental Health Awareness Month, it is crucial that we end the stigma around mental illness and spread the word that those dealing with these struggles are not alone. 

Below I have shared a few facts and resources to help end the stigma.

We cannot address the mental health crisis in this country without acknowledging how it disproportionately affects Black Americans. Black people are over-represented in our jails and prisons and disparities in access to care and treatment for Black Americans have persisted over time. Even more, less than 2% of American Psychological Association members are Black. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s spread awareness about these inequalities and share resources for the Black community in Connecticut and the United States.

Mental Health Resources For Black And African American Communities:https://bit.ly/3hAczBr
For many LGBTQ+ people, socioeconomic and cultural conditions negatively impact mental health conditions. Many in the LGBTQ+ community face discrimination, prejudice, denial of civil and human rights, harassment and family rejection, which can lead to new or worsened symptoms, particularly for those with intersecting racial or socioeconomic identities.

To learn more about risk factors and resources for the LGBTQ+ community visit: https://bit.ly/3wgWPYk
Did you know that 1 in 4 active duty service members showed signs of a mental health condition according to a 2014 study? Of these conditions, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) were the three most commonly seen in current and former military service members. We must take care of our veterans when they return home and give them the support and resources they need.
 
For Connecticut VA Mental Health Services Visit: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
 
If you are a family member or caregiver of a veteran with mental health, you can learn more about veteran mental health and how to best support them by visiting: https://www.nami.org/support-education/mental-health-education/NAMI-Homefront
 
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance or support, please call the Military Crisis Line. It is a free, 24/7 support service staffed by caring, qualified responders from VA, many whom are veterans themselves. You can reach them at 800-273-8255 (or access the online chat by texting 838255). 
The State has put together a list of mental resources specifically related to pandemic. You can view the full list of resources here:  https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/Pages/Public-Health-Resources/Mental-Health-Resources
 
For CT State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services resources visit: https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Additionally, please see the following mental health resources from The Hub: Behavioral Health Action Organization. 

Prevention. Treatment. Recovery.
These are the three core areas to focus on in order to achieve mental wellness. Individuals, communities, schools and other organizations all play a roll. If we all do our part, we can improve mental health.
  
1. Know the Warning Signs
Educate yourself so you can recognize warning signs of mental health conditions 
 
Below are some common signs. For additional signs and more information, visit the NAMI website.
  • Excessive worrying or fear 
  • Feeling excessively sad or low 
  • Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning 
  • Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria 
  • Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger 
  • Avoiding friends and social activities 
  • Difficulties understanding or relating to other people 
  • Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired and low energy 
  • Changes in eating habits such as increased hunger or lack of appetite 

Prevent a crisis. Reach out to one of the warmlines
if you need to talk.
2. Know How to Respond
If you or a loved one is in crisis, do you know what to do? Add these numbers to your phone in case you need them.
You can also be prepared by taking Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training or a Mental Health First Aid course. Join an upcoming QPR training (dates below). You can also take this free course on Friday:
"Talk Saves Lives: Suicide Prevention"
3. Teach Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills 
Help children succeed in school and life by teaching social emotional learning (skills). SEL helps them learn to manage emotions, feel empathy and build positive relationships.
 
Click the chart below from Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) to learn more. You can also download a PDF with detailed information.
TREATMENT: Know the Options and Where to Find Help
 
44 million U.S. adults have a mental illness and 56% of them did NOT get treatment within the last year, according to Mental Health America.
 
When it comes to treating mental health conditions, there is no one size fits all approach. Every person is unique and responds to treatment in a different way. Typically, a combination of therapy and medication is used to treat a mental illness. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America provide a wealth of information about different types of therapies.
Learn more about the benefits of early intervention and treatment.