May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is a time for reflection, education, and action when it comes to mental health. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental well-being and to break down the stigma that often surrounds mental health struggles. It’s also a time to explore the resources available to support individuals in need, particularly the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a critical tool that’s making a difference in communities across the country.

Why Mental Health Awareness Matters

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it remains one of the most overlooked aspects of overall well-being. In recent years, there’s been a much-needed shift in understanding mental health as something that needs attention, care, and regular maintenance. The stress of daily life, the impact of past trauma, the challenges of navigating relationships, and the pressures of work or school can take a significant toll on anyone’s mental health. But there’s no need to go it alone.

Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of background or situation, can face mental health challenges. Whether it's anxiety, depression, or dealing with a crisis, acknowledging the need for support is a vital step toward healing. It’s also a time for society to foster a culture of empathy and understanding toward those struggling with mental health issues.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A Game-Changer for Mental Health Support

A major development in the mental health landscape in the U.S. is the establishment of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers individuals experiencing mental health crises a simple, accessible, and confidential resource to turn to. This lifeline, which launched in July 2022, is available 24/7, and provides support for a wide range of mental health issues—from anxiety and depression to substance use and suicidal thoughts.

Why 988 Matters:

1. Easy to Remember and Accessible: Just like 911 is universally recognized for emergencies, 988 is now the go-to number for those in mental health crises. It's easy to remember and can be dialed quickly in times of need. Whether you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or just need someone to talk to during an emotional crisis, 988 is there to help.

2. Confidential and Safe: 988 provides confidential support, ensuring that individuals can access help without fear of judgment or unnecessary disclosure. Trained counselors on the other end of the line are there to listen, offer guidance, and connect people with local services if necessary.

3. Available for All Ages: One of the key benefits of the 988 lifeline is that it is available to people of all ages, including children and adolescents. In times of crisis, it’s crucial for individuals—especially young people—to have a safe space where they can speak freely about their feelings and receive immediate support.

4. Redirecting Emergency Resources: 988 is designed to divert mental health-related calls away from traditional emergency services, like 911, to ensure that people get the right care from trained mental health professionals. This helps alleviate the burden on emergency rooms and ensures that those in crisis are treated with the specific care they need.

   
   

How 988 Works

When you call 988, you’ll be connected to a trained counselor who can listen to your concerns, provide immediate support, and guide you through coping strategies to manage your emotions in the moment. Depending on the situation, they may offer additional resources or help arrange follow-up care through local crisis intervention services.

In some cases, if the situation requires immediate attention from local authorities, the counselor can help dispatch a mobile crisis team to your location. These teams are made up of mental health professionals who can offer in-person support and help resolve the crisis in a safe and supportive manner.

How You Can Get Involved

1. Spread the Word: Many people are still unaware of the 988 lifeline and its importance. By sharing information about this resource on social media, in your community, or with friends and family, you can help ensure that more people have access to the support they need when they need it most.

2. Practice Self-Care: Mental health awareness isn’t just about supporting others; it’s about taking care of yourself as well. During Mental Health Awareness Month, take the opportunity to prioritize your own well-being. Whether it’s through therapy, physical exercise, journaling, or simply taking a break from your busy routine, make time for self-care.

3. Encourage Open Conversations: Talk openly about mental health and normalize conversations about struggles and challenges. Breaking down the stigma around mental health is one of the most powerful things we can do to help others feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.

4. Join Us or Donate: The Orono Coalition is open to ALL. We'd love to have you join our efforts to strengthen the well-being and connectedness in our community. Come to a meeting - check out our main page to see our meeting schedule! We also accept donations to support our projects. We rely almost entirely on community support to pursue our initiatives. The green, metal signs are about $50 per sign and we'd love to continue spreading them throughout the community!

   
   

   

   Signs have been installed around the Orono Activities Center and High School parking lots!

The Path Forward

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s crucial that we remember that mental health is a journey, not a destination. The resources available to us, such as the 988 lifeline, are vital tools in navigating that journey and ensuring that everyone has access to the care and support they need. But as a society, we can continue to do more by creating safe spaces for open dialogue, educating others about mental health, and investing in long-term mental well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to call or text 988—hope is waiting. Together, we can continue to raise awareness and create a world where mental health is prioritized and supported at every level!