If you or a family member are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911 immediately.
You can also call or text the Arizona statewide crisis hotline at 844-534-4673 (HOPE); Teen Lifeline at 602-248-8336 (TEEN) in Maricopa County or 800-248-8336 outside Maricopa County; or the Central Arizona warm line at 602-347-1100 (24/7 for ages 18 and over).
By Lynette Livesay, PsyD | Southwest Behavioral & Health Services
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is fitting that the theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” The list of mental health disorders is lengthy, and there is a good chance you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, an eating disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or one of many other disorders that are characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual’s cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior.
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, we were facing a global and national mental health crisis. Here in Arizona, we have our work cut out for us. Last year, Mental Health America ranked Arizona as one of the worst in the nation in overall mental health. The national nonprofit determines rankings based on the prevalence of mental illness and the access to mental health care.
Life can be overwhelming at times, and there is no shame in reaching out for support when you need it. Some of the things you can do now and throughout the year include:
Check in with yourself: Be honest about the emotions you are feeling. Whether you are angry, sad, anxious, overwhelmed or depressed, if you do not have healthy coping skills, you may begin to have physical ailments or trouble maintaining relationships both at home and at work.
Check in with others: Is a friend or family member drinking excessively, or has a colleague become withdrawn? Is your child’s behavior regressing or is your teen sleeping too much? Any type of change in behavior is a sign that someone may be struggling. Find a time and a safe space where you can approach your family member, friend, or colleague with compassion.
Promote mental health education: Raising awareness of mental health disorders starts with being informed. Do your due diligence regarding research and be careful not to spread misinformation. For example, there are more than 18 billion views under the mental health hashtag on TikTok, ranging from users sharing their personal experiences with mental illness to providing tips on how to cope with its effects. These conversations help increase awareness, but it is important to check sources to ensure the content is accurate and authentic.
Do your part to reduce stigma: The effects of stigma can be harmful because it can lead to a reluctance to seek help, a lack of understanding by family, friends and co-workers, and even bullying, harassment or physical violence. It is important to speak out against stigma and take the time to educate others who may not understand that mental health disorders are medical issues.
Know when to seek help: Like any illness, there are varying degrees of progression. While you may find relief by joining a support group or talking with a church pastor, it is important to seek help if your mental health issue is complex.
Editor’s note: Lynette Livesay, PsyD is chief psychologist for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, which has facilities throughout the state, including Buckeye, Mesa and Phoenix.Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
