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Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that mental health is just as essential as physical health. For Texans, protecting mental well-being starts with small, intentional steps. By focusing on education, access to care, and open conversations, individuals can make a meaningful difference in their own lives and in their communities.

Losing a loved one to suicide comes with a pain unlike any other. Although words of comfort can alleviate that pain temporarily, they do not ease the struggle nor fill the void created in the absence of a loved one. The following aims to offer insight that may provide a better understanding of suicide risk and warning signs, along with ideas to take care of self and others in the midst of life’s difficulties.

Trauma can affect every part of our well-being—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Although self-care won’t erase the pain, it can help restore a sense of control and promote healing. Whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or past experiences, practicing self-care is essential to emotional recovery.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If you suspect someone may be considering suicide, watch for signs such as: substance abuse, frequent discussions about death, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, impulsive or destructive behavior, changes in sleeping and eating habits, excessive shame or guilt, intense emotional swings, withdrawal from daily routines, unexplained disappearances, or changes in communication patterns (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023).

Mental health stigma not only affects those with mental illness but also their loved ones, including family members. Self-stigma can lead to reduced self-efficacy, reluctance to seek treatment, and feelings of powerlessness when facing mental health challenges.

How do you build resilience? Begin by asserting to yourself that you are already resilient.

May is recognized as Mental Health Month in the United States. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting mental wellness for all. (May 2024)