Offering the Support You Would Want

As another month is coming to a close we can look back and reflect how this month of May has been set aside to take time for mental health awareness. To become aware of something basically means to come to a knowledge or understanding of a particular subject or situation. SAMHSA is an organization with a purpose to help bring public awareness to the topics of mental health and substance use issues. To bring awareness to the public can be done through such things as a campaign designed to educate about a topic, promote “health,” or influence social change for the better upon the topic.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) posts on its website that 1 in 5 US adults experience some form of mental illness each year and each year 1 in 20 will experience a serious mental illness. Also, 1 out of 7 Youth ages 6 to 17 will have a mental health disorder. This lets us know that there are many people affected by mental health issues across the country that still work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love, and inspire each day through the lens of treatable mental health issues.

Just like with a physical health issue there can be different stages and levels of the illness that determines what the best type of treatment for it may be. One may have the sniffles and a headache that some rest and an over the counter medication may help. While others may have some severe symptoms such as sudden confusion, trouble speaking, loss of balance, and a sudden headache may need more immediate attention to help save someone’s life.

One could have had some stressful situations in life with several life changes such as moving to a new area, starting a new job, having to meet new people may cause some higher levels of anxiety or depression that is situational. Having these symptoms may not require any counseling or very minimal with no forms of medications being prescribed. However, there could be someone who had a parent and grandparent who had a severe mental health issue and they may be now having similar symptoms that have been greatly impacting his or her life. This person may need to seek help and not be judged for it just like the one suffering symptoms of a stroke would not be looked down upon for seeking treatment.

The last week of the month the theme is “Supporting Loved Ones: Connection is a powerful form of care.” SAMHSA is raising the awareness that we all should come to know about mental health issues because if we don’t currently have an issue of our own, we either know or will know someone who does. To be able to offer encouragement and support often starts with an understanding of the issues one faces. Only then do people tend to have more empathy and concern and show a willingness to be there for the one having to face the symptoms they are experiencing.

Mental health like physical health issues do not discriminate. Anyone can “develop” an issue. Just because you don’t have a mental health issue today doesn’t mean you can’t have one later. Therefore, learn to offer the support that you yourself would want if you have to face a mental health issue.

~TRS 5/23/26

A Month To Remember

September is a month to remember two very important topics: Recovery from substance addictions as well as suicide prevention month. This month is set aside to promote and support those in recovery, and aims to raise awareness about recovery. Every day is a day for one in recovery to celebrate, but this month is a time to truly reflect on the progress of those who have finally chosen to be set free from the bonds of addiction.

It is a time to attempt to reduce the stigma associated with substance use disorders. It’s a time to encourage those who are now in recovery to share their stories of how they have overcome. It is a time to highlight the positive outcomes of recovery as well as the strength of those who have found freedom from addictions.

It is a time that local communities should be supportive of those making better, healthier choices and encourage those on their journey to sobriety. In 2019 studies showed that the majority of people who keep alcohol sales up are those who are “problem drinkers.” Local governments should encourage those establishments if they are going to be part of the problem to offer options to recovery. It would be great if establishments that serve alcohol or stores that sell it be required to post and provide brochures and literature on ways to recover. Right next to the coolers or by the door as they leave with their purchases should be a listing of the different support groups and treatment facilities available for whenever they choose to get help. I recently read of where a sobriety token given out at some recovery support groups was found on a shelf of a liquor store. This means that someone who was in recovery and knew about treatment and help unfortunately had a lapse that may have led to relapse. But, if there were postings and information given out in the packages of these establishments that might be a “sign” or once they are over their hangover and in a better state of mind will call for help.

Studies also show that those with substance use disorders are up to 14 times greater risk of committing suicide. Some specific substances are linked to even higher rates such as those who use heroin. Those who abuse alcohol are 10 times more likely, though reports are that 20% of suicide deaths are connected to alcohol use. September is also suicide prevention month. The 10th of every September is “World Suicide Prevention Day,” in order to provide worldwide commitment and action to advocate and support one another in the battle against choosing take take one’s own life.

According to NAMI it is a “time to raise awareness, spread hope, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent mental health issues of our time.” The motto for this month is, “Start a conversation. Be the difference.” On September 10 a National Moment of Silence will be at 1:00 p.m. EST. If you are having suicidal thoughts and feel you have no one else to talk to call or text 988.

~TRS 9-07-25

Making Changes Last

When things seem to be going good in our lives or we are at least content with our circumstances we rarely would see a need for change. The simple definition of change is to alter or make different, usually with the intent to make better or improve. Stop for a moment and reflect on what in your life you wish was different. What in your life could be improved? What do you wish was better?

In most support groups one may hear a portion of a prayer from Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr referred to as, “The Serenity Prayer.” Within it one asks God for the peace to accept the things that cannot be changed, the courage to change the things that are within our power to change and then for the wisdom to know the differences of what we can and cannot change.

We have to know and realize that we will never change another human. We can encourage, influence, maybe even persuade but ultimately it is up to each individual of whether they make the changes in themselves that maybe we wish they would. Maybe we have been in a similar situation as a certain person and we know that if they did X, Y, and Z their life would show some improvements, but until they get to the point of being willing to make those changes on their own nothing will happen.

Working as a counselor and now a pastor too, I have heard many “rock bottom” stories. Rock bottom is that symbolic place that people often refer to where they finally start the process of changing.

In the late 70s and early 80s James Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente came up with The 5 Stages of Change Model. Within this model one can look at the different stages to see where they may be in regards to making a change. The first stage is Pre-Contemplation which is basically the stage that you still feel no need to change. You believe that there is no problem and no reason for a change, even though others may see it. In this stage you will reject any advice or help because you see no need in it.

Then 2nd stage is Contemplation; this is where you actually start to think that it is in your best interest if you do start to make a change. This leads to Planning or what some call the “brainstorming” stage. You think of all possible options that you can do in order to make change happen. You may have many ideas, but the next stage is to pick a plan and put it into action.

The Action stage is where other people will also see a difference. There will be evidence that you are making a change. It will be seen in how you act which will be a direct result from your thoughts and beliefs changing. As the change happens and others see the differences and improvements the last stage is Maintenance. Once at this stage the change has happened and you continue doing what is necessary to make the changes made last.

March 16, 2025

~TRS