May is Mental Health Month.
Join the conversation. Change the conversation. You can help United Way of Dodge County change the conversation around mental health in our community.In times of crisis, like the one we face now, it is especially important to support mental health. Studies show one in five adults experience mental illness, yet less than half receive the support they need.
Many individuals do not seek mental health treatment because of a lack of resources or the feared stigma attached to mental illness.
What You Can Do to Change the Conversation
The current social distancing can lead to increased feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, boredom, anger, frustration, irritability, and even stigmatization if you are sick or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Learn to recognize these feelings and reach out to family, friends, or other people in your support network or a trained professional to talk about your mental health.
What United Way of Dodge County is Doing to Change the Conversation
With localized partnerships, United Way aims to change the conversation about mental health in Dodge County. By providing access to quality, affordable health care, United Way’s partners ensure our communities get the mental health resources they need. If you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, suicidal, or dealing with other mental health challenges, one of these programs could help:
- NAMI Southeast Minnesota
- NAMI Connection Support Group – meets on Tuesdays in Kasson
- It is a free, peer-led support group for adults living with mental illness. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who have been there. NAMI’s Support Groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an opportunity to share and to get what you need.
- Recovery is Happening
- Recovery Is Happening is a full-service Recovery Community Organization. If you or a loved one need assistance in the road to recovery, click for resources.
- 2-1-1
- United Way of Dodge County is always here for the people in our community. The current COVID-19 outbreak is no different. Together with 211, we are helping people connect to critical health services and more. Information about a wide range of human and social services is available. CALL 2-1-1 Help Line or Toll-Free: 800-543-7709
The health and safety of our communities is our priority.
Helpful Tips
- Call Your Family & Friends. Loneliness is as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Even during isolation, modern technology allows us to stay connected. Checking in on friends and family is more than polite right now, it’s essential. And don’t forget elderly neighbors or others living alone.
- Take Care of your Mental Health. If you are stuck at home, keep busy with hobbies, try out arts and crafts, pick up an old musical instrument, organize family game nights, and step outside for fresh air and exercise. You cannot take care of others unless you take care of yourself.
- Stay Active. Exercise is good for mental health and physical health—even if it is just a quick break to stretch or a walk around the block.
- Take a Moment. Choose a time of day where you will check in with yourself about how things are going. Ask yourself questions about how you are feeling.
- Ask For Help. You are not alone. Contact United Way’s 211 helpline to inquire about financial help, mental health, and other resources.