WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- May is Mental Health Awareness month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI, brings national awareness to mental health providing support, education and advocacy for mental health while combating the stigma associated with it.
This year’s theme is “Cure Stigma.”
Why is mental health awareness so important? Mental health affects 1 in 5 Americans and stigma creates a toxicity to the individual causing shame, fear and silence preventing the individual from seeking treatment.
What can we do to combat stigma? First we can show compassion to our fellow wingmen when there is noticeable change in behavior or attitude. Be a friend, be a support and let them know they are not alone.
Are all mental health issues permanent? Of course not--they don’t have to be as long as the individual seeks early treatment.
Everyone deals with life stressors but not everyone has the coping skills to work through the stressors. There is no shame in asking for help and there are multiple agencies willing to listen and provide the support needed. Remember, stigma of mental health will not change if we don’t change our perception.
For more information or to reach a helping agency, please contact the organizations below:
Director of Psychological Health: 937-257-6267
Psychological Health Advocacy Program: 937-656-2396
Mental Health: 937-257-6877
Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 opt 1
Military One Source: 800-342-9647
NAMI: 800-950-NAMI