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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to step back, reflect and recognize signs of mental health stressors so we can better support each other. Mental health awareness has always been important and is especially critical now with all the anxiety and uncertainty this current crisis has caused – not just for vulnerable groups, but for all of us.
Like in so many places, we haven’t always prioritized mental health treatment and services nearly as much as we should in Montgomery County. Individually and collectively, we’ve often waited too long to say or do something, sometimes failing to intervene before it’s tragically too late. When it comes to addressing mental health, we must act sensitively and seriously, and most important, urgently.
That’s why the County Council recognized the increased and urgent need early on in this Covid crisis with an effort I spearheaded with Councilmember Jawando to put additional resources toward EveryMind's local mental health hotline. As a result, they have expanded their staff and hours in order to meet the growing demand in our community. So if you just want to talk to someone or if you have a loved one or friend who may need some additional support, please reach out by calling or texting 301.738.2255 or by using the online chat.
On September 17th, we focused specifically on physician suicide awareness. Recognizing our current circumstances, we should consider the needs of our front-line health care workers who are our heroes in this pandemic, but aren’t superhuman. They get tired, feel isolated, and may not admit when they need a break because of how desperately we need them right now.
We can all do something this week by taking the time to check in with our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. We can support each other by role-modeling vulnerability and sharing feelings on managing stress or uncertainty. It's an incredibly challenging time, but we can control the things within our power. Please see some additional resources we've put together below.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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