Shining a Light on Mental Wellness


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Mental Health Memo Contributor

Andrea Heronimus – Mental Health Services Program Manager   

 

 

Each May, organizations across the nation recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. Since its start in 1949 by Mental Health America, this observance has grown with support from groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the South Dakota Department of Social Services – Division of Behavioral Health, and many community partners. The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to provide education and awareness about mental health, fight stigma through open conversations, and ensure that individuals are aware of resources in their community that will support their mental health.

 

Why This Month Matters
Mental Health Awareness Month is important because we are coming together as a community to normalize conversations about mental health and mental wellness, encouraging individuals to seek help if they need it, and providing hope that better days are ahead and recovery is possible!

 

Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis
Knowing the signs of a possible mental health crisis can help you support someone in need. Warning signs may include:

  • Excessive worry or fear
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, or social activities
  • Confused, unusual, or paranoid thinking
  • Seeing or hearing things others don’t
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Missing work, skipping school, or avoiding responsibilities
  • Major changes in mood or behavior such as:
    • Extreme sadness or low energy
    • Sleeping too much or too little
    • Euphoria, unusually high energy, or not sleeping

If you notice these changes in someone, reaching out with care can make an important difference.

 

Ways to Support Your Own Mental Health
There are several ways to better our own mental health and this begins with self-care. Taking time each day to de-stress and unwind through spending time with loved ones, saying positive affirmations, practicing mindfulness, getting out in nature, or doing an activity that you enjoy are great ways to promote our mental wellness. It’s also important to ensure that we’re getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods, and exercising since our physical health is connected to our mental health.

 

 

Resources and Support in South Dakota

Collectively, South Dakota has a strong network of mental health resources, including nearly 1,400 licensed counselors and therapists, more than 1,100 social workers, nearly 220 psychologists, and over 720 professionals licensed in addiction and prevention.

 Mental health support is available through the publicly funded behavioral health system, which includes 11 Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) located across the state. These centers provide comprehensive services for children, youth, adults, and older adults who are experiencing acute mental health disorders or serious mental illness. Services can be accessed in person or through telehealth, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. CMHCs are unique because they offer specialized services for their priority populations, including youth under age 18 with a serious mental illness and adults with a serious mental illness. In addition to these services, Short‑Term Crisis Services are available 24/7 throughout the state to help individuals experiencing a mental health crisis remain within their home communities whenever possible.

 

You can learn more about available services and find resources by visiting sdbehavioralhealth.gov. This website, created in 2023 as part of the “Notes to Self” behavioral health awareness campaign, provides information on mental illness, substance use disorders, community services, and crisis support. It’s a helpful starting point for locating your nearest CMHC or short‑term crisis center.

 

For immediate help at any time, you can also call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for behavioral health support, crisis intervention, and resources for yourself or someone you care about.

 

How You Can Be Involved

Everyone can play a part in Mental Health Awareness Month. Consider:

  • Checking in with a friend, family member, coworker, or classmate
  • Sharing resources or supportive messages on social media
  • Encouraging open, stigma free conversations
  • Posting information within your organization or community

Organizations and businesses can promote Mental Health Awareness Month by utilizing the toolkits that are available online through Mental Health America, NAMI, and SAMHSA using the links below: