Frankenmuth

It's Okay Nd Help It's Okay Nd Help It's Okay Nd Help B Y B R I D G E T S M I T H I have yet to speak with someone who has not felt the weight and burden of these past 18 months or so. September is Suicide Prevention Month. For the past few years, City Council has made an effort to recognize the importance of mental health and personal wellbeing each September. We do this not necessarily because City Council has the ability to enact legislation or ordinance regarding mental health – but because it's important to normalize talking about mental health and supporting the idea that seeking assistance, looking for help or just admitting perhaps that things have been hard, is important to our individual wellbeing – and THAT is important to our community wellbeing. Mental health and personal wellbeing can be difficult to discuss because often times it's hard to explain. I know that personally I have had days where I wake up, without knowing exactly why, but definitely feel like I struggle to hold things together and get through the day. It's happened more during the past 18 months than previously. Covid-19 has really highlighted some of the short comings of our society – like the potential for isolation, division, fear, and distrust. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says that the Covid-19 pandemic has created a state of disaster – it has left lives changed and futures uncertain. Even if you have not suffered directly from the coronavirus, no one who experiences a disaster is untouched by it. MDHHS also states that it is important to keep in mind that a disaster can continue as a very real presence even after it has passed. Feelings of sadness, depression, frustration, anger and anxiety are common and can last for many months. Sometimes support from friends and family is all that's needed. But sometimes, seeking help from experts is the best option. There are resources locally available. We seek help from experts and professionals all the time – from plumbers to dentists to athletic training. Seeking help from a professional to help with mental health and your personal wellbeing is an investment in you. You can speak with a local pastor, you can contact Steven Ministries, you can call any of the numbers below. In fact, just recently I was speaking with a few local pastors to make sure that it was ok for me to include them as a resource for mental health. The response – Absolutely. They said, "Being asked for help is not the problem. The problem? People wait too long." Don't wait. Make yourself a priority. Your wellbeing as an individual is important to our community wellbeing. If stress, anxiety, depression or physical problems increase, persist or interfere with your regular activites, consult a health professional or access resources at Michigan.gov/Staywell. Stay Well Counseling is available through the Covid-19 hotline – Dial 1-888-535-6136 (press *8) Counselors are available 24 hours a day and it is free and confidential. You can also connect with Crossroads Counseling through their website at crcounseling.org or call 989-652-0764. ■ In Business Since 1917 Doing It Right Longer 450 N Main Street • Frankenmuth (989)652-6151 • WeissEquipment.com 8

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