We’re in a mental health crisis. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, 1 in 5 Americans (51.5 million in 2019) experience mental illness in one form or another. That was before the pandemic that took nearly a million lives in the U.S. alone, isolated people around the globe and canceled plans, routines and normal outlets for destressing, such as team sports and other social activities.
Depression and anxiety have skyrocketed over the past two years, straining an already taxed system and putting many, especially youth, in crisis. In Governor Scott’s recent budget address, he talked about strengthening youth mental health services in the state, a dire need, and expanding mobile crisis units. Organizations like Hannah’s House in Waitsfield have been inundated with the need for counseling services during the pandemic and are seeking additional therapists to meet demand. School nurses and counselors can attest to how critical things are.
Those of us who have experienced mental health challenges and crises know the stigma attached to these experiences and the power of sharing stories. Stories of mental health issues are everywhere, if only we listen and give space for others to share their private pains.
One of the most radical acts we can undertake to eradicate the stigma around mental health and literally save lives is to talk openly about the struggles and offer support for others. You don’t have to be a licensed therapist to listen (though therapy is also an important part of recovery for many and should be accessible and affordable to all).
Let’s normalize saying we’re not OK and offering support to friends, colleagues and loved ones who are going through a hard time. Just knowing that there’s someone willing to listen, maybe even someone who’s experienced something similar, can be a real gamechanger. NAMI-VT, a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Health, provides peer-to-peer training and other resources.
January 31, 2022, will mark Vermont’s annual Mental Health Advocacy Day (virtual for the second year in a row, normally held at the State House). Vermont Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint will speak, as will advocates, leaders and those who have been directly impacted by mental illness. People can register to attend and/or share their story at www.namivt.org. Together, we can bust stigma around mental health.
--ENF
