May is Mental Health Awareness 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. “Breaking News” in media occurs several times per day. The disturbing imagery we are exposed to 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.
And 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 White Memorial Presbyterian Church (WMPC) is raising awareness of the important role mental health plays in our lives. We are encouraging members of our community to take action toward protecting their mental health and overall well-being.
This May, WMPC led by the Mental Health and Wellness Committee will focus our 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.
Several programs and opportunities will be offered on our campus to support mental health goals during the next few weeks.
April 18 – Dementia Discussions. Dementia Alliance of NC, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
April 20 – Mental Health First Aid Training. All day 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
April 21 – A Goodly Heritage: Selections from The Psalm Works, Oberlin Concert Series, 3:00 p.m.
April 25 – Southlight Tour, 3:30 p.m.
May 1 – Persistent Mental Illness: Impact on Family and Community, Southlight, 6:45 p.m.
May 5 – Soul Shop for Communities: Suicide Prevention Training, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
May 6 – Soul Shop for Youth Leaders: Suicide Prevention Training, All day, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
May 9 and May 16 – Southlight Tour, 3:30 p.m.
May 18 – NAMIWalksNC, Perimeter Park, Morrisville, 9:00-11:30 a.m.
May 20 – Wholeness and Healing Service for persons with mental health issues, 7:00-7:30 p.m.
May 21 – Mental Health and Wellness and Health Committees Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
Mental Health America, SAMHSA, NAMI have created a toolkit to help individuals figure out where to start. The toolkit provides free, practical resources for addressing mental health. Go to mhanational.org/may, samhsa.gov, or nami.org to learn more.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and are unsure of where to start, take a free, private mental health test at mhascreening.org to determine the next steps.
It is important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change will not happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of modern life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis. The WMPC Mental Health and Wellness Committee, its members, and our faith community are here to support you. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NRSV)
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.