by KAREN LAGRANGE COX
Since 1949, May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), which provides an opportunity to promote understanding and support those struggling with mental health issues.
During MHAM, individuals and organizations come together to work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The aim is to advocate for resources and support for those dealing with mental illness through open dialogue, increase access to mental health resources, and promote overall well-being for individuals and communities.
Youngsville Police Chief Cody Louviere is open regarding speaking on mental health; he lost his wife, and his daughters lost their mother to suicide. He said, “I am a huge advocate for mental health education. My daughters and I lost a wife and mother in 2017 from suicide. I think mental health is such a difficult thing to pinpoint because everyone deals with it differently, and the signs and symptoms may not be apparent.”
Louviere went on to say, “The most important thing to me is to always pay attention to your friends and family for any sudden changes. They may be lifestyle changes, changes in coping mechanisms, or even hobbies. Most people think about coping mechanisms. They think of addiction, but remember, addiction comes in all shapes and sizes. Not only alcohol or drug usage. It could be an exercise or shopping addiction; all of these could be possible signs of mental health issues.”
Louviere continued, “The most important thing is to be there for your loved ones and do anything in your power to support and help them through if they will allow you. Most of the time, when dealing with declining mental health, the helpless and worthless feeling is the hardest, so a little caring and a few kind words can go a long way. Do not be afraid to ask someone if they are okay; you never know how far that will go or how much they may open up.”
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a helpline available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Time). Individuals can reach out to 800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” to 62640 or email helpline@nami.org.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. [source]
In a crisis, call or text 988.
Facts from the NAMI
- The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information,
resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family
members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. - The NAMI Teen & Young Adult (T&YA) HelpLine offers a direct connection with another
young person who shares similar experiences and is prepared to offer information,
resources, and support to help you move through difficult times to a better place. - Experiencing a mental health crisis: Call, chat or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis
counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and only half of them
receive treatment. - 1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences a serious mental illness each year, and only two-thirds
receive treatment. - 1 in 6 U.S. youth experiences a mental health condition each year and only half of them
receive treatment. - 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
- The average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
- 122 million people live in Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas.
- In 2020, 1 in 5 young people reported that the pandemic had a significant negative impact
on their mental health. - In 2020, there was a 31% increase in mental health-related emergency department visits
among adolescents. - As of 2021, 1 in 10 young people under age 18 experienced a mental health condition
following a COVID-19 diagnosis. - More than three-quarters of Americans (76%) say they are not content with the status of
mental health treatment in this country. - 7 in 10 Americans (72%) agree that people with mental health conditions face
discrimination in their everyday life. - Only half of Americans (53%) say they are familiar with the U.S. mental health care system.
Facts source – National Alliance on Mental Illness
Data from SAMHSA, CDC and others. Find sources for this resource at nami.org/mhstats and in NAMI’s Poll of Public Perspectives on 988 & Crisis Response (2023).
Mental Health Awareness Month May 2024.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is not intended to give medical advice, professional advice, or opinion. If you suffer from a mental illness, anxiety, depression, etc., or are feeling suicidal, contact your medical professional or call 988 or 911.
