The month of May is recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month”. Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as Mental Health Month) has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. Mental Health Awareness Month was started by Mental Health America (MHA) (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). During the month of May, MHA, its affiliates, and other organizations interested in mental health conduct a number of activities which are based on a different theme each year.
Among the organizations recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month is Callaway District Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions Program. Program director Kelly Herbig was a recent guest on KCNI’s Public Affairs. She shared that they see a direct correlation between mental health and physical health especially in older adults.
“Mental health is our general overall sense of well being. In our program we like to tie it in with physical health. We find that as our older adults age their physical symptoms and whether they are declining or they are battling a chronic illness or chronic pain can make their depression and anxiety worse and vice versa if they struggling with depression or isolation and loneliness things like that. Those things can make their physical symptoms worse.”
Herbig stated that the Senior Life Solutions Program will be out and about during the month of May promoting the importance of good mental health.
“Obviously mental health is a serious topic but we also want to kind of take a humorous approach to so the theme of our month is “we think you are a real big dill” as in the pickle. Normally we have some sort of an event or open house at our facility but this year we are doing it a little bit different. I’m not going to tell you what we are doing but it will be blatantly apparent when people see us. We are going to be out and about doing a lot of volunteer activities at senior apartments and assisted livings and the nursing home in town and we have several outings scheduled every week. It is going to be a little light hearted and funny but the overall message will be serious.”
Herbig said the program is dedicated to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health through education, highlighting progress, and improving the quality of life for the patients they serve.
For more information, education, or to discuss support for yourself or a loved one call the program at 308-836-2153.
