Prioritizing Wellbeing: Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month; a time to recognize that mental and emotional wellbeing are essential parts of an individual’s life and as a result, a healthy community.
At the Buhl Regional Health Foundation (BRHF), we believe wellbeing is interconnected. Emotional health doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s shaped by access to basic needs, strong relationships, and a sense of stability. When one area is strained, others often follow.
That’s why Mental Health Awareness Month is not only about raising awareness. It’s about encouraging small, intentional, meaningful actions that support wellbeing every day.
Simple Ways to Support Your Mental Wellbeing
- Stay connected: Reach out to a friend, family member, or neighbor. A quick check-in can make a difference.
- Take a break: Step outdoors, in the open air, move your body, or give yourself time to reset during a busy day.
- Limit overload: Set boundaries with consuming news and social media if it starts to feel overwhelming.
- Ask for help: Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available.
Local Support and Resources
If you or someone you know needs support, there are trusted resources available locally:
- Contact the Mercer County Behavioral Commission at mercercountybhc.org/
- Visit The Hub Spot thehubspot.org/ to search for free or reduced-cost services
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate, confidential support
A Shared Responsibility
Supporting mental health is part of building a stronger, more resilient community. It’s not limited to one month, but May serves as an important reminder that caring for one’s own self is what allows us to take care of each other.
At BRHF, we remain committed to supporting the emotional, physical, and social wellbeing of Mercer County and our surrounding communities, because when individuals are supported, the whole community thrives.
*These tips reflect widely recommended practices from mental health organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)