May 6, 2020
Covid-19 is proving how fragile our health care system is. A federal government blatantly not responding. States locked and broke with huge deficits. Hospitals over capacity with a workforce faced with immeasurable pain and loss.
It is May and this is Mental Health Awareness Month. We are on the verge of another pandemic. The pandemic of a world wide mental health crisis. Yes, to us we don't need a month to bring awareness. For us it is a 24/7 battle, but so many of us don't give it a second thought. We will be staring this in the face and we aren't ready.
This week's episode is named for the Black Flag song, Rise Above. We need empathy, kindness and nonviolent communication more now than ever. We aren't prepared for the fallout ahead. Our professionals will need help and care, but who will help the helpers? We need a better community focused answer.
Now is the time to answer the call to get into the mental health profession in what ever capacity you can. We need to help our neighbors, friends and family. It is up to us.
A great resource is, Psych Hub. A library of mental health education and resources.
If you are in crisis please call your health care provider. If you are in danger of self harm please call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1(800)273-8255. Or text TALK to 741741.