May is Mental Health Month
Immediate Release
Contact: David Schick
The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board
Phone: 440-350-2193
Email: DSchick@LakeADAMHS.org
May 9, 2024
May is Mental Health Month
We live in a rapidly changing world that can be complex to navigate. About half of Americans can remember a time when we were not constantly connected and it was easier to tune out the noise of the world, while the younger half of the population can’t imagine life without the internet.
Modern life can have a significant impact on mental health — for better or for worse. The disturbing imagery in the media we are exposed to today can be deeply unsettling. At the same time, our current technology also allows us to mobilize and provide collective support more efficiently in times of natural disasters or injustice.
Ironically, while our devices make us more connected than ever, loneliness is an increasingly serious public health concern. We are now able to have conversations with friends and family on the other side of the world in real time. However, constant connection also means that we will know if we weren’t invited to a friend’s party down the street. Recent survey data show that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely.
Finding a sense of calm and focusing on well-being when you are having mental health concerns can be daunting in our fast-paced society. It can be especially challenging to know where to start.
May is Mental Health Month and the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging members of the community to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being.
This May, the Lake County ADAMHS Board will focus their efforts on helping members of the community to:
- LEARN how modern life affects mental health with new resources to navigate our changing world.
- ACT by building a coping toolbox to manage stress, difficult emotions, and challenging situations.
- ADVOCATE to improve mental health for themselves, the ones they love, and their community.
The Lake County ADAMHS Board has created a toolkit to help individuals figure out where to start. The toolkit provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health. The Compass Line is a central,
user-friendly entry point for Lake County individuals and professionals in need of direction regarding mental health and/or substance use services. “If you have questions about a mental health condition, please contact our strong local system of support, the Compass Line assists individuals in sorting through feelings and symptoms, explore options, and get connected quickly with local resources,” stated Kim Fraser, Executive Director of the Lake ADAMHS Board. The Compass Line has access to information, referrals, and wait times for Lake County ADAMHS Board providers and is able to directly link individuals to the services needed. The Behavioral Health Navigation Specialist is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 440-350-2000 or go to HelpThatWorks.us to learn more.
“Mental health is a critical component of our overall well-being, and it is important for us to prioritize mental health education and resources for our community. Ignoring the symptoms of mental health disorders can cause further problems relating to an individual’s well-being. Prevention, early identification, and intervention are important steps in the process to recovery. Integrated services are available throughout Lake County,” said Commissioner President John T. Plecnik.
“It is essential that individuals feel empowered to seek help and support when needed and the Lake County ADAMHS Board network of nonprofits and services ensure Lake County residents can thrive,” said Commissioner John R. Hamercheck.
“Speaking out about life with mental illness can familiarize others on how to recognize symptoms to empower individuals to be agents in their own recovery. By raising awareness and providing support services, the Lake County ADAMHS Board is playing a vital role in promoting mental wellness in our community. I encourage individuals to take advantage of the resources available and prioritize their mental health,” said Commissioner Richard J. Regovich.
For more information on May is Mental Health Month, visit Mental Health America’s website at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may.
About the Lake County ADAMHS Board
The Lake County ADAMHS Board plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates services available to residents who are living with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. For more information, please visit www.HelpThatWorks.us.
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