The last 15 months of this pandemic has highlighted a major illness that our
communities have spent many years covering up. May is Mental Health
Awareness Month and many Americans, parents, siblings, children, friends and
colleagues are dealing with varying symptoms. The signs may have been
evident for some time or newly discovered as we sat in our homes isolated
from those that we love.
This is an ideal time to educate all persons on the
conditions that encompass mental health, how to seek help if needed, and live a
mentally healthy life! Mental health issues can cause changes in thinking, feelings,
behavior, and physical activity. How do I help someone who is experiencing a
mental health crisis and I’m not a healthcare worker? That’s easy, be
supportive, avoid judgement as mental health issues may have touched our own
lives, be kind and compassionate, offer a listening ear, avoid giving advice, however
encourage the individual to seek professional help and maybe even
accompany them to their first appointment.