Why do we observe Mental Health Awareness Month?

Because nearly 60 million Americans live with mental illness — that is one in five Americans — yet countless people still do not understand what that means. Folks attach stigmas, act in fear, and cause damage to friends and family when they are unaware of what mental health is and why it is so important. By raising awareness and educating our friends and neighbors, we will help more people access the care and help that can be life changing for them.

We're making progress in Washington with legislation like the Mental Health Parity Law — which requires insurance companies to cover mental health and substance use disorder services at comparable levels to physical health concerns.

Many, many years ago, I was going through what my mother would call a "rough patch," and I went to a counselor for a while. Even writing these words I feel a twinge of uncomfortable revelation — rooted in a stigma that many of us have experienced. But it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. (Marrying Paula still ranks as #1!)

So right now, our communities are experiencing a big spike in mental health needs. While there are lots of theories out there, I think it's been coming for a while due to the increased isolation and loneliness many experience in modern life.

More screen time and fewer IRL interactions with people. Just less human contact and connection overall.

Then the pandemic hit. Talk about an isolation accelerator on steroids! Many of our friends and family experienced more loneliness, more despair, and more mental health issues.

What do we need? How do we help those we love?

• Reducing the stigma associated with treating mental health.
• Investment in treatment – increase options, expand access, recruit and retain providers.
• Support for efforts that create stronger communities and a tighter sense of belonging. At the end of the day, that's what most people want, to feel belonging.

And good news, John: You know what else helps? Something each of us can do every day? Maybe just extend an extra moment of kindness to one another – hold an elevator door a second longer, smile at the other folks in the cereal aisle, check in on that neighbor you haven't seen lately.

Now, that would be a good use of May. And June. And July . . .

Denny

If you, or someone you know, needs mental health assistance, please call the Washington State Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 or dial 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline.