Hello, Fellow CAP Members,
On Tuesday, March 7, TribLive published a very well-done article highlighting the need for understanding and support for individuals who are suffering with mental health conditions. I am including the article below which was authored by fellow CAP member and executive director of the Staunton farm Foundation, Joni Schwager.
Sue Coyle
Letter to the editor: Understanding, supporting mental health
When someone chooses to step out of the shadows of depression and ask for help, it is a profound demonstration of strength. When someone like Sen. John Fetterman shares this information publicly, it shows countless others who are working on their mental wellness they are not alone.
According to the CDC, more than 50% will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime, and about one in five Americans will experience a mental illness in a given year.
We need to remove the stigma associated with mental health conditions and increase awareness that these conditions are highly treatable. Check your own mental wellness and the mental wellness of the people around you. If you’re seeing red flags, consider talking to a trusted loved one, your primary care physician or a faith leader, or call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Together, we can work toward a future where mental wellness is understood, supported and accepted.
Joni Schwager
Point Breeze
The writer is executive director of the Staunton Farm Foundation .
