Page 8 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - May 2025

8

HEALTH/WELLNESS

Mental health education, empathy

Conversations about
well-being encouraged AVAILABLE RESOURCES

By Matt McIver,
LICSW Mental Health Provider n Chehalis Tribe Behavioral
Health: 360-709-1733
Every year, May is recognized n Call 988: suicide help
as Mental Health Awareness line. Choose option 4 for the
Month. This provides a chance Native & Strong line.
to raise awareness, reduce stigma n Text NATIVE to 741741
and promote understanding. n Thurston/Mason County
What exactly is mental Mobile Crisis Team: 800-270-
health? It can be defined as the 0041
emotional, psychological and n Grays Harbor Mobile Crisis
social well-being of a person. It Team: 800-803-8833
affects how we think, feel and act
and influences how we handle n Cascade Evaluation &
stress, relate to others and make Treatment Center: 360-623-
decisions. 8056 (call for available beds)
When our mental health is nearly everyone knows someone, irritability or extreme mood swings n Resource & Referral Line:
compromised, it can impact if not themselves, who is impacted n Avoiding friends, social 360-528-2800
every area of our lives, such as by struggles. activities and other activities once n Call 911 or go to the
relationships, work, education Despite progress, stigma enjoyed nearest emergency
and physical health. Though surrounding mental health is still n Excessive worry or fear department.
the conversation around mental a major barrier to people seeking n Problems falling asleep,
health has become more common help. Many individuals hesitate staying asleep or waking too early
in recent years, Mental Health to talk about what they’re going n Low energy and fatigue know experiences any of these
Awareness Month reminds us to through for fear of being judged, n Significant changes in weight symptoms, it’s important to seek
focus on the challenges people misunderstood or dismissed. This or appetite help. Mental health challenges
face, advocate for better and more silence can worsen symptoms n Problems concentrating, are not only OK but normal and
accessible support and remind and delay access to support or remembering and making treatable.
each other that mental health is treatment. decisions Talk to someone, whether it be
an essential part of our overall When we normalize talking n Feelings of hopelessness, a trusted friend, family member,
well-being. about mental health, we reduce guilt or worthlessness teacher, primary care physician or
Mental health affects everyone, shame and create safer spaces for n Unexplained physical aches a mental health professional.
regardless of age, race, gender people to be honest about their and pains Everyone has mental health,
or background. According to the struggles. n Increased and excessive just like everyone has physical
World Health Organization, one Mental health challenges might substance use health. Promoting understanding
in four people will be affected by look different for everyone, but n Feeling disconnected from and empathy can go a long way in
a mental health condition at some there are some common signs and oneself or one’s surroundings making our community healthier.
point in their lives. symptoms to watch for in yourself n Changes in functioning such Take time to check in with
In the United States, nearly one and others: as at work, school or performing yourself and others. Start
in five adults experience mental n Changes in mood such as familiar tasks conversations and share resources.
illness each year. That means persistent sadness, nervousness, If you or someone you Remember, you are not alone.

Ever been
bicycling and your
lane just ends? Do you
wish you could easily
bike to more places?
Riding a bicycle is a great
way to travel, but there are
Now challenges. Thurston Regional Take our
through Planning Council is working 10-minute
survey!
June 30 on a project to make our bicycle
routes safe and more connected.
Please share difficulties you face and
what you envision for the future.