THE BRIGHT SIDE
Mental Health Month.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions. The theme for Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 is “Turn Awareness into Action”. This theme encourages individuals and communities to move beyond simply recognizing the importance of mental health and to take concrete steps to improve it. This includes actions like practicing self-care, advocating for change, and seeking support. Despite progress in mental health initiatives, more than 30 million people in the U.S. still lack access to comprehensive, high-quality care. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of bringing attention to this disease.
Right now, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, in charge of Medicaid, is getting ready to draft legislation that is expected to include major budget cuts. That likely means cuts to Medicaid, which is the biggest funder of mental health and substance use treatment in the U.S. On top of that, Congress is starting its yearly budget process, which decides funding for programs like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) expansion grants, Mental Health Awareness Training grants, and more. This could be devastating for our country. Please make your voice heard and let your legislators know how important these resources are.
Now’s the time to check in on your mental and emotional well-being. Set aside time for yourself to recharge and reset. Learn how to identify when you need a break and how to make the most out of a day for yourself. For free and confidential support from trained crisis counselors 24/7 nationwide, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
Call or chat to access confidential support services for survivors at any stage of recovery. Call 800-656-4673 (HOPE) or chat online at online.rainn.org. Making a coffee or tea date with a friend or loved one to connect and enjoy quality time together. Reach out and check on your loved ones, also. Taking a moment to practice gratitude which can improve mental health and boost relationships with others.
Place of the Week
Town Bank’s new building on Broad Street. What a gorgeous, stately addition to Lake Geneva.
