Agencies discuss May being Mental Health Awareness Month

JACKSON, Tenn. (WNBJ) - In lieu of the death of country music singer Naomi Judd, mental health is being brought to the forefront of people’s minds.

Also with May being Mental Health Awareness Month, many agencies and practitioners nationwide continue working to break stigmas surrounding mental health and help people get the assistance they need.

“Putting some perspective on mental health and trying to take away that stigma that exists,” said Grant Studebaker, the Medical Director with Pathways Recovery Plus Clinic.

The Medical Director at Pathways Recovery Plus Clinic talks about some signs to look for when you think someone is struggling with their mental health.

“Not fulfilling responsibilities, missed time from work, lower performance at work, trouble with relationships at home or at work. Any kind of change in personality can be a red flag for mental illness,” said Studebaker.

A public health educator at the Jackson Madison County Regional Health Department talks about some things to do to improve your mental health.

“Staying in contact with your friends, your family, making new friends, and trying to be outside. It’s just that COVID did a number, and we are slowly working back to normal,” said Amanda Johnson, a Public Health Educator with the Jackson – Madison Co. Regional Health Depart.

The health department also encourages people to seek help.

“Going to a doctor, asking for help, that is the thing to get you through it because they can give you meds. They can help you come up with other ways to get involved and to keep your mental health intact,” said Johnson.

If you are battling mental health issues, you are urged to contact your local health department or Pathways with West Tennessee Healthcare.