May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many of us have experienced the uncomfortable feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness or isolation, especially during this pandemic. There are many of us who struggle with chronic mental health issues that impact daily functioning, life skills and cause cognitive impairment.
If you have observed yourself, or someone you love experience further social distancing, withdrawal or change in behavior, do not hesitate to reach out. It may be exactly what you or your loved one needs. Asking for help is the first step, and the scariest. Depression can lead to harmful thoughts that can lead to harmful actions. We all need someone who understands and expresses compassion towards us. A non-judgmental person to support us when we most need to know that we are not alone.
As mental health awareness grows in our schools and in our communities, we begin to realize the importance of noticing signs or symptoms of concern and to kindly intervene if necessary. There are a multitude of community resources available for assistance that are just a phone call, text, email or click away. Such organizations include but are not limited to: National Alliance of Mental Illness (nami.org), Emotions Anonymous (emotionsanonymous.org) or Project Semicolon (projectsemicolon.com).
For Montgomery County area assistance there is montcares.org or montgomerycounty.in.gov for local listings including agencies that offer counseling services and related support. As always, dialing 2-1-1 gives access to a live person to speak with during times of crisis.
If you would prefer to browse topics or read on your own, the Crawfordsville District Public Library offers a large selection of books to serve as references. Topics include post-partum depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, ADD and many more. Nonfiction titles include: “Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness and Self-Compassion” by Elisha Goldstein (616.85 Gol); “Depression: The Ultimate Teen Guide” by Tina Schwartz (616.85 Sch); and “Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families” (616.89 Mon) by Francis Mondimore, MD. Also, please be sure to research our “DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (REF 616.89 Dia). Or, you may look at our two digital databases to read up on, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine database and Grey House Health EBooks/Databases.
Most importantly, we should try to maintain healthy lifestyles and activities that foster positive mental health, as well as good coping skills — talking to a loved one, practicing deep breathing, doing yoga, trail running, mountain biking or readin. Remember to take time for self-care. Stay aware and stay healthy Montgomery County.
Stephanie Morrissette is a Library Assistant in the Reference and Local History Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
