Mental Health Awareness Month

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month offers us an opportunity to consider emotional well-being for ourselves and for others. You’ve probably heard mental health discussed; maybe someone is depressed after suffering a loss, or someone you know is considering medication for anxiety. The longer I do this work, the more I’ve become aware that so many of the factors we work with at Family Promise, such as housing instability, can make it hard for families to thrive emotionally. It shouldn’t surprise any of us that our life circumstances affect our well-being. After all, we’ve all felt a pang of anxiety when we receive a large medical bill, or a check engine light comes on! For the most vulnerable among us, though, these financial stressors don’t just feel like a bad day. Research has shown that suicide risk is increased by challenges like unemployment, low income, high debt, and unstable housing. When even the basics of life feel uncertain, it’s hard to feel hopeful.

As costs rise – whether it’s rent, groceries, or gas – financial pressure is affecting many more households. Families in your own community are asking themselves which bill they’re going to have to fall behind on this month. That pressure can lead to ongoing anxiety and chronic stress. The CDC even highlights “Stabilizing housing” as part of their suggested strategy to prevent suicide. This May, I’m extra proud to work for Family Promise. The work we do, with your support, is vital to ensuring that our neighbors have stable paths towards brighter futures – for their financial lives and their mental health. Knowing that our community is always eager to get involved, I wanted to offer three things all of us can do:

1. Ask for Help (And Offer It)

There’s a lot of social stigmas around needing help, whether with your mental health or your finances. It’s important that we remember that none of us can do this alone – all of us need help. Who knows, maybe by asking for help, you’re giving someone else the chance to do the same!

2. Give Your Time or Resources

Nonprofits like ours rely on community support. You can make a tangible impact by organizing a group to provide the meal for our Walk-in-Dinner Program, or inviting others in your congregation, community group, or book club to donate to sponsor a night of meals for families working towards stable housing! Gift cards for groceries or gas are always needed.

3. Spread The Word

You never know who in your community needs support! So many families don’t know that programs exist to offer them support when finances are tight. Consider sharing a Family Promise newsletter with some friends, helping others be aware of the support we provide.

All of us can play a part in supporting our neighbors. Together, we’ll keep empowering families.