May is Mental Health Month – Access Free Resources
Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will experience a diagnosable mental health condition this year?
We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate. Many Americans can remember when we were not constantly connected, and tuning out the world's noise was easier. At the same time, the younger population can't imagine life without the internet. Modern life can significantly impact mental health — for better or for worse.
In addition, elected officials, city employees, and especially those who work in stressful jobs such as public safety and law enforcement are under constant scrutiny in public and online.
Finding a sense of calm and focusing on well-being can be daunting. It can be especially challenging to know where to start. Mental Health America offers a free toolkit and other resources for any organization to review and use.
As employers, cities can help raise awareness during May and throughout the year of the important role mental health plays in our lives. Kentucky cities are doing good things related to employee mental health. One example is the Berea Police Department's wellness program. Leaders may want to check out MHA's most recent "State of Mental Health in America" report to find out where all states rank. The report includes detailed data about suicidal thinking, depression, psychosis, and trauma across each state.
Cities can also create local proclamations recognizing May as Mental Health Month, and organizations can do simple things like raise awareness of Mental Health Month.
Mental Health America of Kentucky offers Mental Health First Aid training for anyone who wants to become more educated about addressing situations. The training is similar to CPR training but provides education on recognizing a person in mental distress. Mental health first aiders are a vital link between someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and appropriate support.
Mental Health America of Kentucky provides full-day virtual and in-person Mental Health First Aid training, including for specific groups. For more information on any of the training modules, contact Mental Health America of Kentucky Executive Director Marcie Timmerman.
When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need.
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