Mental Health Awareness
"Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It's about how you drive, not where you're going" - Noam Shpancer, PHD
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, lets discuss an important topic. Mental health issues affect 1 in every 5 adults, and these issues don't discriminate. Did you know that conditions like anxiety and depression can escalate into more significant problems if left unaddressed? So, how can we support ourselves and others around us in managing these challenges without feeling alone? What do anxiety
and depression look like? How can you assist someone who is struggling?
The biggest thing to remember is that it's okay not to be okay. One of the most effective ways to cope with mental health issues is to talk about them. Do you have a friend or family member you can confide in? Or maybe a therapist or medical professional who can provide you with support? You are not alone, so there's no need to suffer in silence.
Did you know that Dubuque, IA, has a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) office? Beyond that, there are several resources available to help you navigate any mental health issues you or someone you know may be experiencing, both online and in person. Speaking about your experiences can be unbelievably helpful, and you may even find that others are going through similar struggles and also need someone to talk to about them.
*Click on the photo to check out the NAMI Dubuque website
If you haven't personally struggled with mental health issues, you can still make a difference. Most often, you would never know that someone is struggling. Why? Because they rarely show their suffering on the outside. Easy ways to help include reaching out to a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. Showing kindness to someone who seems to be having a tough day. Last but not least, please educate yourself on the resources available in your community, so you're prepared if you or someone you know ever needs them.
Mental Health Resources