MONROE, La. (KNOE) – May is designated Mental Health Awareness Month, and there are plenty of resources available for those who need help.
“There is hope. Life is hard right now. Problems are coming at us from every angle, but there is also hope,” says Dr. Matthew Thornton, CEO of the Center for Children and Families.
Dr. Thornton explains why having a month dedicated to spreading awareness is important.
“Mental health touches every aspect of your quality of life and your life and relationships, so it impacts your ability to feel purposeful and satisfied with your work,” Dr. Thornton says. says.
Doctors say common signs of people suffering from mental health-related issues include lack of interest in hobbies, excessive sleeping and irritability.
Dr. Amy Blackham, a licensed counseling psychologist with the Counseling and Psychological Resource Center in Ruston, says it’s best to talk to someone if you feel they’re struggling.
“Sometimes the signs aren’t obvious, and that’s where it gets tricky. The most important thing is to be open and ask people how they’re doing and how you can help,” says Dr. Blackham. say.
Dr. Blackham says coping skills are important tools people can use to take care of themselves.
“Eat healthy, get enough sleep, exercise, and spend time in nature — these are really basic things that can help get you out of a slump when you’re struggling,” says Dr. Blackham.
Rachel Dew, a licensed professional counselor at Finding Solace, says you don’t have to hit rock bottom to seek mental health help — you can seek out a counselor if you notice the signs.
“If you start to notice things like, ‘I’m starting to feel a little tired, I’m starting to get irritable, I don’t feel like going out and doing things, I’m starting to get stressed,’ it’s a good idea to take the plunge and seek help,” Dew says.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States.
Dew explains how to find the right resources and the right mental health professional for you.
“There are so many resources in this area. We have a lot of licensed professional counselors and I would recommend looking at the website Psychology Today and then looking at local counseling websites to get information about the counselors themselves,” Dew says.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, please call or text 988 or text “HOME” to 741-741.
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