May is Mental Health Awareness month, and as of 2022, one in five adults in the United States struggles with their mental health. If you are having a difficult time managing your mental health, or you just need someone to talk to, here are some resources that may be able to help.
Friends and Family
While it may seem obvious, friends and family are always a great resource when you are struggling with your mental health. The people in your life that you know and trust can support you through whatever you are struggling with. They can help you create a plan to get help, connect you with other resources, or just be a shoulder to lean on. If you are struggling with mental health, you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to someone you love for help.
Your Employer
If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to friends and family, try reaching out to your employer. Many employers have resources available to support employees that are struggling with their mental health, including things like employee wellness programs. This could be especially valuable if you get your health insurance through your employer; they may be able to refer you directly to a provider or organization in your insurance network that could help.
National Resources
In addition to personal or professional connections, there are also many local and national resources and organizations that assist with mental health issues. The National Alliance on Mental Health, or NAMI, is an organization that provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI is a great resource that can connect people with support groups, crisis counselors, and more.
Local Organizations
For individuals located in Washington state, Washington 2-1-1 is an organization that connects people with a variety of community resources, including mental health resources. 2-1-1 has access to a variety of health and human services, so if you’re struggling with anything from mental health issues to food or housing insecurity, 2-1-1 will be able to assist you in getting the help you need. There are multiple ways to get connected to 2-1-1; you can dial 2-1-1 at any time to speak to someone over the phone, text 211WAOD to 898211 to chat with someone, or visit https://wa211.org/.
These are just some of the resources available to people and communities that are experiencing difficulties related to mental health. If you are struggling with managing mental health issues, these resources may be able to guide you in the next steps toward getting help. During this Mental Health Awareness month, remember that you are not alone.
