CMHC: May Is Mental Health Month

#Tools2Thrive highlight what individuals can do daily to prioritize their mental health.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - This year’s observance of Mental Health Month is more important than ever as people all over the world sustain the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The past year has forced us to confront and cope with situations that have tested our resiliency. Because many have experienced stresses that may have brought on mental health concerns and sometimes crises, or worsened issues for those already in treatment, people have become more ready and able to talk about their mental health. This does not mean that we can ease our commitment to combatting the stigma surrounding mental health. During May, which is observed as Mental Health Month, we must continue to focus on building and maintaining resiliency to vigorously meet the challenges ahead of us.

Mental Health Month was started more than 70 years ago by Mental Health America to raise awareness about mental health conditions and about the importance of good mental health for everyone. Community Mental Health Center, Inc., Lawrenceburg, and Mental Health America encourage you to learn about #Tools2Thrive. Mental Health Month calls attention to strategies and approaches that can help everyone achieve good health. Information is available on Mental Health America’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net.

One in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, but everyone faces challenges every day that can impact their mental health. The good news is that there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health and to increase resiliency. #Tools2Thrive highlight what individuals can do daily to prioritize their mental health, to be supportive of friends, family, and co-workers who are struggling with life’s challenges or with mental health issues, to build resiliency in the face of trauma and obstacles, and to work toward a path of recovery.

During Mental Health Month, you can build your own set of #Tools2Thrive: recognizing and owning your feelings; finding hope after loss and trauma; connecting with others; eliminating toxic influences; creating healthy routines, and supporting others.

“While we celebrate Mental Health Month in May, we know we are continuing to recover from the COVID-19 emergency as more people get vaccinated and as we are continuing to gain understanding of how to address ongoing COVID matters,” said CMHC Executive Director Greg Duncan.

“Our reality, and that of our patients, is that every day we need to look at how we can support our mental health and wellness. CMHC is working to safely offer more in-person services while continuing to offer telehealth options for patients who are comfortable with remote services,” said Mr. Duncan.

Mental Health America has developed a series of fact sheets, available on the organization’s website at www.mhanational.org/may, as part of a toolkit to help people understand how their lifestyle affects their health. A variety of other resources about mental health is available on Mental Health America’s website.

A concrete, constructive way to begin building your toolkit is to take a quick, convenient online mental health screening by visiting CMHC’s website at www.cmhcinc.org and clicking on the link on the right-hand side of the website’s home page under the statement “Take a FREE Confidential Online Screening.” Mental Health America also offers a screening on their website at www.MHAscreening.org.

“This type of screening is a less intimidating way for people to explore whether they may want or need to seek help. If you have concerns for yourself or a family member or loved one, please seek professional help,” said Mr. Duncan. “Take that positive step to make your life better. One thing we know for certain: treatment works. Reach out. CMHC can help.”

CMHC provides behavioral health and substance use disorders services in Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland counties. CMHC is continuing to observe a mask requirement, physical distancing, and office practices to maintain the health and safety of our patients and our staff members.

For information about services, please phone the following numbers: Lawrenceburg – 812-537-7375; Batesville – 812-934-4210; Brookville – 765-647-4173; St. Leon – 812-576-1600, and Vevay – 812-427-2737.

If you, a friend, or a family member are experiencing difficulties coping and you would like to talk to a therapist, you may contact one of our local offices to learn about how to get connected with a therapist for counseling sessions.

You also may contact 812-537-1302 to get information about available services. This number provides access to Emergency Services, as well, as does our 24-hour toll-free crisis line at 1-877-849-1248.

All CMHC services are provided without regard to race, religion, disability, gender, color, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political belief, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.