Monday, October 10, 2016

October 10th is World Mental Health Day

mental health, social work, depression, anxiety, PPD, PPA, support, suicide lifeline, resources, mental health support

Today is World Mental Health Day.

Mental Health awareness is so important. It's critical. It's a part of our lives, whether we recognize it or not.

One in five adults experience mental illness.

One. In. Five.

Can you imagine it?

It's possible you can.

And it's possible because you might be that one in five.

And if you are? Think about how many people there are in the world.

How many people exist and how many people one in five represents.

Remember that you're not alone.

Never. Ever. Alone.

You're not alone because we're out here, too.

People like me, who are experiencing something that relates to what you're experiencing.

Depression.

Anxiety.

Bipolar Disorder.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.

Postpartum Psychosis.

Panic attacks.

Delusions.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Suicidal ideations and attempts.

All of these things. 

One. In. Five. 

Today is World Mental Health Day.

A reminder that none of us are alone in this.

None of us need to feel alone.

There is help. There is support. There are resources.

If you are feeling alone or experiencing despair to a point that you feel you need to speak with someone immediately, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

You do not have to be experiencing thoughts of hurting yourself to call for help. You can be experiencing any other symptoms, so please, reach out. There are phone support staff members available24/7 and someone will be there to talk to you and to listen if you need them to. 

Please don't wait. 

And if you know someone who could use the support? If you know someone who is hurting? Reach out to them. Let them know they're not alone. 

Don't try to say you understand if you don't. It's okay for you not to. You can simply say that you see that they are hurting and you want to be there for them. You want to help them find help. You want to support them however they need you to. 

And if someone you know or love threatens to hurt themselves, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. It's terrifying, I know. And you don't want them to be even more afraid. But talk to them. Explain what you are doing and why. Let them know that you're afraid they're going to hurt themselves, because of what they have said or done, and call 9-1-1 in front of them, so you can explain what's happening. Ask the dispatcher to send someone who is skilled in crisis intervention, or has been trained in mental health. There have been many trainings and newly skilled first responders who can help your loved one get the support they need. They can help you get the support you need. 

Don't be afraid to ask for help. There is so much more life to live. So much more to do. So much more to experience. Please - get the help you need - know you're not alone. 

For more resources on mental health advocacy and support:


Hopeline: 800-784-2433

Hopeline, North Carolina: Call 919-231-4525 or 877-235-4525



Please do not hesitate to reach out and email me if you need more resources or would like to find an organization in your area for support and/or to volunteer with. That said, if you are in the midst of an emergency, please, PLEASE, I cannot stress this enough - call 9-1-1.

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