This May, Turn Awareness into Action for Mental Health

By Emily Blomme

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a reminder each year of something we all need to hear: your mental health matters.

It matters regardless of who you are, where you come from or the nature of your struggles. Whether you’re facing daily challenges, situational stress, a short-term crisis or contemplating suicide, you are deserving of support.

Mental health challenges do not discriminate and directly impact all of us. Either through our own struggles or in the concern, care and support we offer to loved ones.  No matter how big or small you think your challenges are, I want to tell you that your experience is valid and seeking help is an important and essential step to being well.

This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” Awareness is important. It allows us to recognize concerning behavior in ourselves or others. But it is action and intervention that changes and saves lives.

Recognizing when someone is in distress and offering support or connection to services can be transformational. It’s also important to foster open communication and candid conversations, and advocate for the expansion of services and sufficient, sustainable funding.

This May, let’s work together to move beyond awareness and create tangible action:

• Educate yourself and others: Knowing what services are available in your community before a crisis occurs is empowering. Take the time to learn about what is available in your community and how to access support.
• Foster candid conversations: Normalizing conversations about mental health can be life-saving. Start by asking friends, family, coworkers and others in your life who they’re doing. Each conversation works to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek support when needed.
• Reach out: If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to call our crisis line at (319) 362-2174 or call or text 988. Our team is available around the clock to provide support.​

At Foundation 2 Crisis Services we’re proud to provide free, confidential support, 24/7 — by phone, chat, text, or in-person so you and those you love don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. Our crisis services are always free and confidential.

With community knowledge and action, we can create spaces where mental health is prioritized, support is accessible, and everyone knows they are not alone.