WHY YOUR POST DOESN'T MATTER

There is a particular time each year that a massive copy-and-paste status goes around social media. You might have read it or shared it at some time. It says something along the lines that their door is always open, and their house is a safe, non-judgment zone, and anyone is always welcome, so you are not alone. They state in this post that this is something that was lost to technology. We mean well but let us self-reflect. In times of crisis, would someone feel comfortable talking to us about suicidal ideations? Many of us stroll on Facebook with a like and have superficial conversations. Unfortunately, many families do not even get together until the next funeral. Friends do not call each other anymore or spend time together.

When my friend Anne went through her first "serious" crisis and was diagnosed with bipolar II, I finally understood why it is so hard for people to reach out. Anne explained, " if someone called you, chances are you would be busy and did not even know I suffered from a diagnosis. So, no, I would not freely give up this information. Everyone has heard you gossip about your neighbor's divorce, the lady at the store, and your co-worker's husband". The reality is that many of us know that even with the best of intentions, it is hard to handle someone going through a crisis and keep it to yourself. When something does happen people always say something cliche like she/ he always seemed so happy or was the life of the party, but there are always signs. So, I had to do some self-reflection, and maybe you should too. After listening to Anne, I realized a massive copy-and-paste status is not going to help someone like Anne reach out to me when she is in need but there are other ways. Be present when spending time with your loved ones and friends. Have genuine conversations and ask questions. Educate yourself. So many of us suffer just some more than others; no, those with serious issues do not have to suffer alone. I know they can talk to a therapist, right? Let me tell you a story; this type of story happens more than you think.

Pam was referred to Behavioral Health at a military base, which was packed. So, Pam got authorization to go off base to get seen. Forty-two phone calls and hours later, hysterically crying in a parking lot, Pam's husband was sent home to drive her three hours away to be seen and get medications. Later down the road, Pam moves. Pam calls ahead of time to find a provider for medication management. Pam is informed that due to a lack of providers, Pam will have to wait until at least next year to be seen. Pam is an adult who has learned many coping skills over the years and does pretty well. However, many children need to be seen right now who have never been seen or know how to deal with their emotions must wait eight months to a year to be seen in some places. Remember that if this is not your child struggling, it could be your child's friend, niece, or nephew. This will touch your life in some way, somehow, eventually. Why is it essential that we advocate for mental health?

*Check out a few facts below*

"59.8% of youth with major depression do not receive mental health treatment" (Mental Health America, 2022).

"In the U.S., there are an estimated 350 individuals for every one mental health provider" (Mental Health America, 2022).

"Millions of adults in the U.S. experience serious thoughts of suicide, with the highest rate among multiracial individuals" (Mental Health America, 2022).

How can you advocate besides sharing a vague Facebook status?

First and foremost, take care of yourself. You are important. You must take care of yourself before you can help anyone else.

Support those advocating at all levels who are educating, promoting policy change, and volunteering. (Example: Grapple;4Life)

Pay attention to your pre-teens and teenagers.

Depression and suicide rates are HIGH, and there are not enough mental health providers for timely appointments, but together we can fight this.