I applaud the many efforts being made at the national, state, and local levels to bring mental health to the forefront. I was very pleased to read an article dated May 12-18, 2023 in the Pennsylvania Pike County Courier. Here it stated that Pennsylvania: Pike County Commissioners, Matthew Osterberg and Ronald Schmalzle, adopted a resolution to make May Mental Health Awareness in Pike County. The purpose being to raise awareness for mental health and remove stigmas attached to this subject. The article noted NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as one group that has implemented programs to talk about mental health. In this article, it stated that students can be encouraged to seek guidance from counselors, teachers, and trusted adults. It is so powerful that NAMI has stepped forward to bring staff and students together to bring this subject, that is often stifled, to light.
Our youngsters live in an often-troublesome world. They may encounter unkindness, low self-image, bullying, drug use temptations, gender identification, feelings of not fitting in, cultural differences, guilt, anxiety, unwanted obsessive thoughts, discrimination, home unrest... the list goes on.
I would like to name another powerful group that often works in coalition with NAMI, and it is titled: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP has been at the forefront in establishing a three-digit crisis intervention code for suicide, mental health, and substance abuse. This number is: 988. One can text and talk to trained personnel about their feelings of sadness, despair, loneliness, anxiety, anger, mind confusion, and many other troublesome emotions.
I am hoping that the Pike County Courier will include in its list of “Who to Call for Help” this important 988 number. Anyone, whether it be student, parent/caregiver, young adult, grown adult, senior adult, elderly, can use this valuable resource.
Laura Horn
Dingman