You are not alone – Hamilton Center brings awareness to Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Hamilton Center, Inc. urges everyone to use this moment to self-reflect and open up about the mental and emotional impact of the last year. The theme for this year is You are not Alone, which has an obvious connection to the world’s struggle with a worldwide pandemic.
“The after effects of COVID-19 will be felt for years,” said Melvin L. Burks, CEO. “It is critical to recognize how our mental health, both as individuals and as a community, has been impacted by the many burdens of the pandemic.”
A recent Kaiser Poll suggests that there are many more individuals who have struggled in the past year than in “typical” non-COVID years. In 2019, where 11.1 percent of adults reported feelings of anxiety and/or depression, 41.1 percent reported those same feelings in January of 2021. Causes for this are abound. In the past
year, in addition to the tragic loss of life to the coronavirus, communities across the country have struggled with social isolation, shut downs, anxieties related to the virus, and increases in unemployment and substance use.
In celebration of 50 years of service to west central Indiana, Hamilton Center has launched a public service campaign focused on suicide prevention.
“This campaign is meant to send a message to the community,” said Burks. “Zero suicides. It is possible.” In addition to expanding 24-hour access to services, Hamilton Center is offering free suicide prevention training to organizations, groups, and individuals, which includes Questions Persuade Refer (QPR) and Signs of Suicide (SOS). To learn more go to hamiltoncenter.org/communitytraining.
“These trainings offer individuals the skills to identify and assist those struggling with a mental health issue or crisis,” said Burks. “Take the training. Save a life.” If you or someone you know is struggling, call Hamilton Center’s Access line at 1-800-742-0787. To learn more about Hamilton Center Mental Health Month
happenings, visit facebook.com/HamiltonCenterInc or go to hamiltoncenter.org.
Hamilton Center, Inc. is a regional behavioral health system in Central and West Central Indiana with corporate offices located in Terre Haute, IN. Services are provided to children, youth and adults, with specialized programs for expectant mothers, infants, and people who may be struggling with stress, life changes, or
relationship issues as well as more serious problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and serious mental illnesses.
For information on Hamilton Center Services call (800) 742-0787.
