How are you feeling? I’m just checking on you. Are you okay? You want to talk about it? I didn’t want anything in particular; I was just thinking about you. Have you ever reached out to someone because you felt they needed cheering up, or maybe you just needed someone to listen and say something that would make your day? Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. When we are mentally healthy, our feelings, our actions and relationships find a “happy place”.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), each year, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults have some type of mental illness. About 1 in 20 have symptoms that make it hard to live their life. And more than half of us will be diagnosed with a mental health problem at some point in our lifetime. Not to mention the after-effects of COVID-19 which left in its path, fear, confusion, economic and long-term mental health challenges. It’s a new normal many are struggling with.
We themed this edition ”Finding That Happy Place Together” to help you understand it’s not easy to ask for help, but that it is exactly what you need to do if you feel alone, depressed, or not able to handle whatever it is that has disrupted your balance. Be sure to read Jennifer Collier Ed.D., PHR, Interim Superintendent, Kansas City Public School’s strategy to support students, their families and community; learn how First Call helps people struggling with substance use disorders chart a path to recovery; and welcome Optum, a nationally recognized health care provider to our region.
There are many individuals, programs, services and professional licensed counselors available to help us on our mental health journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone. To help you get started we’ve listed a few mental and behavioral health providers and support services in our resource section. Always consult with your medical provider for advice and guidance.
As fall arrives, let’s take some time to refresh and spend time with someone who makes us feel good about ourselves!
