The National Institute of Mental Health reported last month that studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other entities found a significant rise in mental health issues after the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic: 31% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, 13% reported having started or increased substance use, 26% reported stress-related symptoms, and 11% reported having serious thoughts of suicide in the past 30 days, NIMH reported.
In Montgomery County, residents have many opportunities to combat mental health challenges felt by family members or themselves — but not everyone is aware of them.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Volunteers for Mental Health in Montgomery County have partnered with Crawfordsville Radio stations to shine the spotlight on mental health options in our community. Four programs, airing throughout the month, will focus on different treatments and issues and highlight the dynamic individuals working with them here in Montgomery County.
Dave Peach, program director of Crawfordville Radio and Forcht Broadcasting, and Ken Clarke, of Trinity Life Ministry, sat down for a chat about Trinity’s faith-based addiction recovery program, available locally. This interview will be available throughout the month of May at www.facebook.com/truecountry1063/. (Scroll to April 19.)
On Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. on WIMC 103.9, Codey Emerson, assistant program director at Forcht Broadcasting, will discuss the Recovery Coalition and its very unique program at the Recovery Rec Center with board member Jane Christopherson and board president Amanda Browning. Recovery Rec has a vital slate of opportunities through self and peer involvement.
Two other programs will air in May. One will illuminate mental health issues related to youths, and the second will show elements of grief and bereavement. Details will be released closer to the time of each program.
To learn about these programs or others offered by Volunteers for Mental Health, email dbw@vmhmc.org.
