May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health matters to all of us. It matters so much that both Summit County and Park City have made proclamations this year that May is officially Mental Health Awareness Month in our community.
Why does this matter? Because mental health continues to be a major issue in Summit County, with more than half of our residents having experienced mental health challenges in the past year, whether themselves, their family, or friends.
Pamella Bello, Director of Behavioral Health Prevention at Summit County Health, speaks on the importance of mental health: “Mental health is essential because it affects every aspect of our lives—thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and decision-making. Like physical health, maintaining good mental health helps us cope with stress, overcome challenges, and build meaningful connections. Prioritizing mental well-being enhances our quality of life and strengthens our communities by fostering resilience, empathy, and understanding.”
How can we all support mental health awareness in May? Learn more about mental health by attending one of the many events happening by various organizations in our community. Start a conversation with someone you know to normalize talking about mental health. Learn where you or your loved ones can get help from professionals or support groups by accessing local resources. Anyone can visit OurMentalHealth.org for more information about mental health events and resources in our community.
Mental health awareness plays a crucial role in reducing stigma, encouraging early intervention, and fostering empathy and understanding. Now is the time to overcome the stigma associated with mental health and access treatment to help ourselves and our community. We are asking our residents to support Mental Health Awareness Month to help create a happier and healthier community in Summit County.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, text or call 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
