The world is constantly changing, for better or worse, and it can be overwhelming to deal with everything happening around you. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949 and was created by Mental Health America, the nation’s leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being, and disease prevention. Ta.
Closer to home, MHA Southeast Texas is working to bring mental health to the forefront of Southeast Texas. The local organization’s roots date back to his 1942, but its purpose remains the same. To improve the lives of all individuals affected by mental illness through community collaboration, education, and advocacy.
The organization’s first Mental Health Issues Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 9th at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Beaumont. Individual tickets ($75) and sponsorships ($1,000-$10,000) are available by email or phone at director@mhasetx.org. (409) 550-0134. The theme of the inaugural luncheon is sports.
“We invite you to join us in our efforts to break down the stigma surrounding mental health,” said luncheon co-chairs Sally Broussard, Mark Kubala, and Shelley Tortorice. “It should be as easy to talk about as our favorite sports team. Our mental health is often ignored due to shame, criticism, and lack of understanding, and as a result, our overall health suffers. Let’s offer hope and support to individuals and their families who are suffering by having casual conversations and removing the stigma from stadiums.”
Patrons can enjoy lunch and receive updates on the renovation and expansion of behavioral health services from Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas.
Judge Terrence Holmes and Judge Randy Shelton will be honored for their advocacy in mental health courts and efforts to meet the needs of individuals with mental illness.
Dr. Roshni Koli, assistant professor of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School and a board-certified physician working with adults, children, and adolescents, will be the guest speaker. She currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for the Meadows Institute for Mental Health Policy.
“Mental health is extremely important,” said Julie O’Malley, executive director of MHA Southeast Texas. O’Malley has been working with children with autism for over 20 years. Even though she has been in her executive director position at MHA Southeast for less than a year, O’Malley continues to make her presence felt at her local school.
“I love talking to kids,” O’Malley said. “Some times in life are more difficult than others, and we need to ask for help when we need it. I think I want to do.”
O’Malley said that even though the pandemic is over, suicide rates continue to rise.
According to everytexan.org, a nonprofit that researches, analyzes and advocates for public policies that expand equitable access to quality health care, food security, education, and good jobs, 31% of students are concerned about their mental health. reported that they said it was not good. “Most of the time or all the time.” In the past year, 22% of students reported seriously considering attempting suicide and 20% of students reported making a plan for how to end their life . Of these students, only 13% reported asking someone for help before attempting suicide.
“That last statistic is something we are working hard to change,” O’Malley said. “If someone is having thoughts of suicide, I want them to know that it is 100% okay to seek help and talk to them.”
Mr. O’Malley also emphasized the importance of promoting the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline. Lifeline provides free, confidential psychological support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to people across the United States who are experiencing suicidal or psychological distress. Available in over 200 languages.
“Nationally and locally, we are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis,” O’Malley said. “With this event, we hope to bring the community together to increase understanding of mental health conditions, spread awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.”
