May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Established in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health to raise awareness, it has been an initiative embraced by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to continue educating the public and changing the narrative surrounding mental illness and mental health.
This year, the theme is “In Every Story, There’s Strength.” This theme emphasizes the unique experiences of every person impacted by mental health, and the power of each individual’s voice to share their story and bring acceptance to the conversation.
This could not come at a more appropriate time, as every day we hear new reports of services slashed and agencies shuttered in the name of cutting federal tax liability. I remember well, being 15 years old and bringing home my first paycheck, looking at the stub and asking my dad who was FICA and why did she take a bunch of my money? His response was, Well honey, that is the federal government – You get that back in services. I did not understand that then, but I do now.
SAMHSA, or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, was established by Congress over 30 years ago to support programs, services and resources to recognize mental health as important as physical health. Their priorities include preventing overdose, enhancing access to suicide prevention and crisis care, and integrating behavioral and physical health care. State and local governments receive federal dollars to support community based mental health services, ensuring access to substance use and mental health services to every person; the National Suicide Prevention lifeline, or 988, has answered over 13 million calls since its inception in July 2022. These are just two examples of the resources provided by federal tax dollars, available to every person in the Country.
Mental health affects every person – whether it be the “baby blues”, the “January slump” or the stutter that appears when speaking in front of a crowd. When we identify these experiences by their name and are willing to talk about postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder or social anxiety, for example, we bring acceptance to that person’s story – and thereby help the healing process. What’s your story, and how can sharing it help someone else?
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, reach out to Spero for assistance at 800-722-0590. Our team can help guide you through the services available in the community to meet your individual needs.
