September Designated as National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month
September has been designated as National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month. This annual observance aims to replace silence and shame surrounding mental health issues with open conversations and increased awareness. Advocacy groups and healthcare providers across the country are utilizing this month to highlight prevention, intervention, and ongoing care resources. In the Tri-State area, leaders with Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare emphasize that a significant obstacle individuals face during mental health struggles is the tendency to withdraw from others. Dr. Lionel Phelps, president and CEO of Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare, states that awareness helps people feel comfortable discussing their struggles and challenges, countering the isolation often associated with depression and anxiety.