Another year and another month to reflect and spend some valuable time thinking about our Mental Health. How has yours been? How about your loved ones, family, friends, co-workers, and yes… even your pets?

According to the World Health Organization across our world, one in every eight people struggles with a mental disorder of various degrees. We are still seeing numbers that reflect about 1 in 5 Americans struggling with mental health issues every year. We know that suicide rates have constantly risen over the past ten years, and we are now cautiously seeing some decreases in studies. However, suicide is still the number one resulting action of death in children between the ages of 10 to 14 in our state of New Hampshire.

This information means that we need to take a serious look at all the causes that lead to numbers. However, though helpful, just knowing causal factors does not always change behavioral outcomes. There are things we know that do. First, the longer it takes to express these feelings the more complicated they become; people will often look for ways to relieve their symptoms, and this usually leads to more severe illness. We also know that the sooner individuals get the help needed to deal with their issues the positive outcomes are remarkable. The adage,” Talk about it!” has never been more correct.

We must get over the stigmas related to mental illness and open the doors so that everyone feels comfortable discussing their feelings. We hear so often these days, Ěý“It’s ok to not be ok.” We need to make sure the message is further developed in that it is not okay to let those feelings fester inside ourselves. It is not ok to not talk about feelings.

This starts with each of us becoming more observant of those around us and feeling comfortable when we question those, we suspect are having difficulty. Talking about our emotions, though can sometimes be painful, will never make them worse. It will continue to support our world that is acceptable to talk about feelings. ĚýThe bottom line is quite simple …

Talking about our feelings helps, it makes us feel better, it sometimes can save a life, it can restore HOPE, and quite simply it just works!

If you or someone you know are in crisis know that so many wonderful people want to help. Please share this… Just dial 988 or call 883-710-6477.

Rik Cornell

The post Mental Health Awareness Month 2024 appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

As far back as the 18th and early 19th centuries, enslaved people were believed to be immune to mental illness. This misconception was used to justify their brutal treatment and deny them basic human rights. On the contrary, after slavery ended, African Americans were increasingly seen as having mental illness along with racist stereotypes linking them to violence and criminality. This perception fueled discriminatory practices in the mental health system, including segregation in treatment institutions and biased diagnoses.

Throughout history, African Americans have faced significant barriers to accessing mental health care. These barriers included a lack of culturally competent providers along with the stigma associated with mental illness in Black communities. Also contributing to these barriers were poverty and the lack of general healthcare. This was often due to the individual’s lack of health insurance. All these factors contributed to lower rates of diagnosis and treatment for mental illness among African Americans compared to other Americans, and sadly, this continues today.

So, where are we now? Well, we still have so much that needs to be accomplished. There has been a growing awareness of the mental health disparities faced by African Americans. This has led to the hiring of larger numbers of mental health providers who are culturally competent. More education is taking place to help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in Black communities. There is also more work being done to expand access to mental health care for low-income and uninsured individuals. But even with these actions, challenges remain in addressing the needs of Black communities and the ongoing systemic racism and discrimination they face every day. The lack of appropriate funding for mental health services along with the shortage of mental health professionals, especially in underserved communities, at times is daunting. Most importantly, society must continue to create a more just and equitable mental health system for all people, regardless of race or ethnicity.

So, as we go forward with recognizing Black History Month, let us not forget the powerful words of theĚý Rev. Martin Luther King …

“Of all the forms of discrimination and inequalities, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman.”

For well over twenty years, The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester has built a reputation for working to understand and improve on these issues, Ěýespecially when they come from stigma and discrimination. Through this, we have been committed to a workplace of mental health treatment that encourages and respects diversity and strives for equity, and inclusion, ultimately creating a sense of belonging.

What we do today may not always solve the problems of today, but history tells us, it can be impactful in change for the future.

Helpful resources:

The National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health (NNED)

The JED Foundation

The National Alliance on Mental Illness ()

The Mental website

Your local Mental Health Center ( )

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue and needs help, Please CallĚýĚý 833-710-6477

Rik Cornell, LICSW

VP of Community Relations & Development

The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester

The post What Ties Mental Illness to Black History Month? appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

As we head into The Holiday Season, it can, for some, bring back thoughts of losses and increase feelings of anxiety and depression. These are the times when we all pay more attention to who is coming to dinner. And sadly, who is not?

The pressures we all feel when we face these situations and the resulting emotions are real. It truly is OK to not be OK, but it is not OK to ignore not being OK. This is the time to reach out, and when we see this in others … this is the time to ask, “HowĚýcan I help?”

If we are ever to change the direction of Suicide, we must talk about it. Not just in September but whenever we hear, see, or feel it. Talking about suicide does not cause actions of suicide. It stops them. We have control over this if we are vigilant, pay attention, and have the courage to speak. Life is too short to take these issues for granted. We all deserve to have a life worth living. This world’s children should grow up in a place of hope and caring, not tragedy and despair. Together, we can make a difference and change our direction. Together, we can make wonderful things happen.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional stress or pain, call now, call anytime you need to. Caring people are waiting to help during September and every month.

Call: Ěý833-710-5477

Rik Cornell, LICSW
VP of Community Relations & Development

The post The End of Suicide Awareness Month? appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

How do we make a difference? How do we change the direction of these tragic numbers?

We know that much more treatment is needed. We clearly know that we have a serious need for more trained professional counselors. We are beginning to understand better the impact of children and families’ disconnections during COVID-19. Sadly, most are now just coming to light.

Is a month of awareness and reflection enough? Is it really enough? Most professionals will tell you no. They will add that it is important but in no way the total answer. These are situations that occur daily and must be attended to daily. While bringing awareness through the month of September is useful, it will not really solve the issue. For so many, the world and its problems can sometimes have a devastating impact. ĚýWe all live every day, and while some days are wonderful and happy, they can also place unexpected and unwanted stress on us. ĚýIn short, some days are better than others, yet some are worse.

We all talk a lot about ending the stigma of mental illness, and while this discussion is important, we need to look at systemic issues that breed and sustain it. If you ask many people who have wanted to end their lives why, they will often tell you they felt alone. No matter how many family members, friends, or those they would connect with, they still felt alone. Someone once told me the hardest part of dealing with being depressed was not knowing how to talk about it—fearing that people would see them as weak. It would upset others if they talked about how they really felt.

So, what do we do? How do we help? What works? What can really change these feelings in a month?

I am taken back to a childhood song that had a conversation with darkness. It was originally written about a person who became blind. But the lyrics are so true for those who deal with depression. It goes like this…*

“Hello darkness, my old friend
I’ve come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
No one dared
Disturb the sound of silence

“Fools” said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming

And the sign said, “The words of the prophets
Are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sounds of silence”

Ěý*Paul Simon

ĚýWhen we take the time to light up the darkness that so often leads to this silence. When we ask the hard questions, and we really listen. When we are there, not with someone but for them. When it is really okay to not be okay. When understanding that talking about our sad feelings does not make them worse. It simply helps others understand our pain. If we all reach out to others when we feel they are in pain and not wait to see if we are right. These kinds of actions open the doors that encourage us to be here for each other. And when this happens, the loneliness will begin to fall apart. In these moments of this September, or any month, we will begin to end the silence, and in doing so, we may have an impact on turning around this thing called mental illness. We may even save a life.

Your life matters even when you feel it does not. Reach out to others, and don’t be afraid; we all get depressed and worry, and none of us really like to talk about it, but remarkable changes happen when we do.

Talk about it if you or someone you know is dealing with this kind of sadness or pain. If you feel uncomfortable talking with people close to you, call us at 833-710-6477. ĚýWe are here 24/7. We will be here for you, we will listen and want to help.

The post Suicide Awareness Month Thoughts appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

One reflective moment I want to mention occurred in New York City on June 28th, 1969, during the Stonewall Riots—a turbulent time, especially when individuals would express their sexuality. The Stonewall Inn became a focal point, a safe place for them. But tensions rose in Greenwich Village, part of the lower section of Manhattan. It became intolerable for many to deal with the abuse placed on them. Some described homosexuality as a choice and evil. It had no place on the streets of New York or anywhere else, especially in a bar called Stonewall. With tensions getting worse and fights breaking out, a riot ensued. It would be one of many. The conflict resulted in many joining with those who believed all individuals have a right to be who they are and not what others think they should be.

The enormity of this conflict in a little bar called Stonewall would result in people coming together and uniting to fight back against an unjust and cruel ideology—many of the groups we see today represented by LBGTQ+, and more, were built on those battles. Like so many of them and those that would come after, the fight seems never to end, but if one takes the time to see the changes it has brought forth, there have been small progressions. Progressions that lead toward HOPE for a better tomorrow.

Pride Month primarily focuses on celebrating and advocating for the rights and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. While the focus of Pride Month is not directly related to mental illness, there can be connections between the two, especially when combating social stigma and promoting understanding. The LGBTQ+ community and individuals with mental illnesses have historically faced significant social stigma, discrimination, and marginalization, clearly lacking inclusion. By raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, Pride Month helps to challenge societal norms and foster positive regard for marginalized people based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or in short, their differences.

The LGBTQ+ community has often suffered mental health disparities due to discrimination, prejudice, and lack of acceptance. This can contribute to higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and even suicide.

Pride Month addresses these challenges by providing spaces for individuals to come together, share their experiences, and give access to supportive networking. By promoting acceptance, Pride Month can help create a more inclusive society that recognizes and respects the diversity of human experiences. This broader acceptance can contribute to reducing social stigma, not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also for individuals with mental illnesses. Breaking down stigma and encouraging open dialogue are crucial steps in normalizing conversations around mental health and fostering understanding and empathy.

Moreover, Pride Month and mental health awareness initiatives aim to empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves by fostering self-acceptance and self-worth. By promoting self-acceptance and celebrating diversity, these movements encourage others to be more accepting and compassionate towards others, including those with mental health conditions.

It’s important to note that while Pride Month can help address social stigma and mental health disparities, it should not be seen as a replacement for specific mental health initiatives. It is vital to have dedicated efforts to address mental health stigma, educate the public, and improve access to mental health services for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, skin color, culture, or religion.

As we move on from this month, I am reminded of what we should all pay attention to. Real change comes when we all focus on these important issues and take a day, a week, a month, or even a lifetime to open our hearts and mind to these powerful issues that some individuals live with daily.

In summary, all the support and work we do to come together must happen daily. When we stop speaking out, we take a step back—a step back to a time of darkness for so many. A step back from HOPE.

So, ask the difficult questions and start the conversations. Don’t forget to listen because if you don’t, you may not learn much about yourself and certainly little about others. This is really how we learn from each other, and this is how we build HOPE for everyone.

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Yes, giving can make a difference in someone’s life. Supporting these causes can lead to Hope and positive outcomes that grow a healthier community. When we all pitch in to help each other, we all win.

Please consider giving to the Mental Health Center during NH Gives using this link .Ěý NH Gives is a 24-hour day of giving in which people can show their support for local charities and it begins at 5 PM on June 6. What you give will go to encourage, support, and for some, save a life.

Thank You.

Rik Cornell
VP of Community Relations and Development

The post Why give to local non profits? appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

On any day, we could see our youth being taken away from what should have been a normal process of getting older, gaining independence, trying to find themselves, and moving on with their lives. But so many have been cut off from peers, and the lack of social support has diminished those rights of passage. They find themselves trying to quickly figure out too much of their life and, sadly, alone. That leads to horrible anxiety and depression. Some try to feel better by taking substances or acting in dangerous or unhealthy ways. Because so many of them, after all, would say, does it matter?

We, as adults, know it does, and if you didn’t, you would have stopped reading this a while back. We know there is always hope, and life can, and often does, get better. We have much to reflect on in our lives, but our youth usually don’t. They need to talk, and we need to listen to them. We need to help them see that we are truly here for them, at this moment, and for the millions to come.

As we face this month of Mental Health Awareness, let us remember that we are all in this together, no matter what age or color of our skin, even with our right or left beliefs. You see, our different religions don’t matter when we face the fact that we all breathe the same air and share the same planet. Deep down inside us all is HOPE. When we accept it, we all flourish. That is a lesson well learned this month as we pay attention to mental wellness. When it comes to positive Mental Well Being, the world doesn’t need to change; we do. This is the best lesson we can teach the millions of children looking to connect and who need a safe way to do so.

So, take extra time to be with your children. There is no better time than now, and remember, sometimes they just want us to listen and be there.

Rik Cornell, LICSW
VP of Community Relations

The post Lesson for Mental Health Awareness month appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

I work as a Senior Accountant at 18JAV, billing out state grants to provide supplies for the homeless outreach team and suicide prevention trainings. It’s rewarding to see how these funds support our clinicians’ salaries and help us deliver optimal mental health services to clients. My job inspires me to learn more about mental health and make a positive impact.

For Mental Health Awareness month, my mental health tip is to never give up. Despite struggling with anxiety, seasonal affective disorder, and feelings of loneliness that led to suicidal thoughts, I persevered through drug and alcohol misuse and surrounded myself with supportive people. Today, I prioritize self-growth, pursuing an accounting degree and creating meaningful connections with others. I believe that everyone can achieve their dreams if they try their best and learn to love themselves.

The post Spotlight on Nina appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

My “why” for working at 18JAV is to empower individuals who are struggling, feeling weak, unable, or unworthy to live a self-directed life and to support them in reaching their full potential. I want everyone to feel significant, worthy, and connected, so they do not feel alone.

One thing I am incredibly proud of since joining 18JAV is how much our Peer Program has advanced, and I am constantly inspired by the dedication of our Peer Specialists to build connections with patients and support them in their recovery.

If I could share one mental health tip with everyone, it would be to try to hold someone else’s perspective as well as your own. It can lead to boundless positive outcomes.

My two favorite mental health/motivational quotes are “I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become” by C.G. Jung and “Who then can so softly bind up the wound of another as he who has felt the same wound himself” by Thomas Jefferson.

During Mental Health Awareness Month, I want the world to remember that we are all more than the illnesses we live with or what has happened to us. Life is too difficult for prejudice and discrimination, and a little love can go a long way and always conquer hate.

Finally, I want to share that no matter what struggles you are facing, don’t give up. There was a time when suicide was on my mind every waking moment, but through perseverance, self-growth, and surrounding myself with supportive people, I have been able to achieve my dreams and create meaningful connections with others.

The post Spotlight on Bret appeared first on The Mental Health Center.

The most common form of mental illness is depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders follow that.Ěý Many people put off treatment for these conditions for various reasons. “I don’t have the time,” “I’m not crazy,” “I don’t want anyone to know,” “Will I lose my job.” “It will go away.” And when it gets worse, people will try to self–medicate. Some with Sleeping, Some with food, and some with prescription drugs or alcohol. Sadly, these personal remedies usually make these negative feelings more pronounced.

Nobody wants a mental illness. Nobody wants heart disease. Both are illnesses, but they very seldom share the same stigmas. You see, it is sad that someone has heart disease. But mental illness usually brings severe ridicule like, “What did you do to cause this? “or “There is something wrong with me that cannot be fixed.” “I am less of a human being, and I bring shame to those who love me.” All of these thoughts are so common, yet so wrong. The simple facts are these. People do not decide to have a mental illness, they don’t get out of bed in the morning and say, “Today, and forever, I will be addicted to alcohol.” Or, “Today is the day I will start the rest of my life with a severe and persistent mental illness.” At the same time, some people are born with chemical predispositions. Predispositions could make addiction more likely to that individual; however, that is not always the case in addictions. Also, there can be chemical compositions in the brain that could lead to Mental disorders. Still, most mental illnesses result from previous life traumas that often do not get the needed attention. Thus, the internal mind festers and becomes overwhelmed.

This is why putting off getting help for mental illness is so unhelpful. Most diseases of the mind are curable and, at the very least, can be helped to give someone back a healthier life. The beginning of talking about our feelings is tough but made better when people are surrounded by individuals who care, ask, listen, and want to help.Ěý We all need to talk about mental illness until it is so common that we do not have to feel less of a person for having it. And by the way, almost everyone does have some form of mental illness. The challenge for all of us is to talk about those feelings we have.

So, this month of May has 31 days. 31 Days that give us all an excuse to talk about mental health. Try it; you may be surprised by how giving others can be. Once May is over, remember that one year has 365 days.Ěý Imagine all the changes that can happen in a year. An inspirational author and therapist shared a thought for us all trying to understand Mental Illness. She says, “Feelings are something you have; not something you are.”Ěý Simply put, what a great way to start that conversation.

Rik Cornell, LICSW

VP Community Relations

18JAV

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