May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and local law enforcement is doing its part to help those in the community.
During the month of May, the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Office is sharing resources and data to help anyone who is suffering from mental illness.
While mental health is equally as important as physical health to an individual’s well-being, it is often overlooked, stigmatized, and seen as secondary.
However, the Sheriff’s Office is hoping to change that because one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, and more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with some sort of mental health condition sometime during their lives.
Furthermore, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34, which could be prevented if a greater awareness was cultivated regarding mental health and the options at hand for those struggling.
In regard to Mental Health Awareness Month, the Sheriff’s Office has said, “Let’s use this month to, educate ourselves and others, check in on those around you, end the stigma, listen without judgment, and encourage others.”
Anyone struggling or experiencing a crisis is urged to use the suicide and crisis line by calling or texting 988 or the national helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
