Mental Health Awareness Month was originally established by Mental Health America and is recognized during the month of May. It was created as a way to educate the public about mental illness, raise awareness surrounding research and treatments, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and celebrate recovery from mental illness. Because of misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues, people often suffer in silence and don’t seek treatment for their conditions. Nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness and more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely. Coal Creek Meals on Wheels (CCMOW) believes in all aspects of a healthy life, including mental wellness. By providing access to ready-to-eat meals and social contact to anyone in need in Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, and Superior, we are doing our part to support physical and mental wellness for our communities.
Coal Creek Meals on Wheels serves more than just meals
Our clients are able to interact with the volunteer who delivers their meal each day. Our volunteers also serve as our eyes and ears, helping to identify other unmet needs with our clients, including the need for mental health services. By sharing that information with staff, we can make strategic community referrals to provide well-rounded support for our clients.
The Coal Creek Café also provides a space for older adults to meet new people and develop long-term relationships with other community members along with CCMOW staff and volunteers. Activities planned by our Client Services Manager expose clients to new experiences and learning opportunities, stimulating them mentally, physically, and socially.
What you can do
If you or someone in your life is struggling with their mental health, the best thing you can do is reach out and start a conversation. Educate yourself on the realities of living with mental health issues and confront any feeling of stigma or judgment you may have. Just supporting those in your life can spread the message of awareness and acceptance.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition and are unsure of where to start, take a free, private mental health test at mhascreening.org to determine next steps.
It’s important to remember that working on your mental health takes time. Change won’t happen overnight. Instead, by focusing on small changes, you can move through the stressors of life and develop long-term strategies to support yourself — and others — on an ongoing basis.
For available resources throughout Colorado, check out links below:
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline or call the Lifespan Outpatient Psychiatry Crisis Lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 401-723-1915 or 401-553-1031.
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