SALISBURY — May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In observance, Mental Health America is asking buildings and landmarks to raise awareness by lighting up green (the national color for Mental Health Awareness) the week of May 13 – May 19. This year, the Mental Health Association of Maryland has partnered with the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention to highlight and grow this movement across the state of Maryland to collectively say — ”Maryland believes that mental health is HEALTH.” “Let’s Go Green”.

Mental Health America reports that over 51 million adults in the United States experienced mental illness in 2023. One in five US adults experiences mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC reports nearly 48,000 deaths by suicide in 2021. It is a significant issue that affects individuals, families, and their communities. Continuing efforts to ensure equitable access to care for all individuals in our community, we encourage you to pick a day and wear green as a team or individual and post your photo on social media with hashtags #LightUpGreen or #MentalHealthMatters to show your support.

What are some of the warning signs that you or someone you know may be struggling with Mental Health?

• Confused thinking,
• Prolonged sadness or irritability,
• Feelings of extreme highs and lows,
• Excessive fears, worries and anxieties,
• Social withdrawal,
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits,
• Strong feelings of anger,
• Strange thoughts (delusions),
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations),
• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities,
• Suicidal thoughts,
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments,
• Substance use.

Ways to get involved and help raise awareness and erase stigma surrounding mental health:

• Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about mental health and share this knowledge with friends and family to reduce stigma by following Wicomico Health Department on all Social Media Platforms for local events and outreach opportunities.

• Advocate for Change: Support mental health policies and programs in your community. Write to your representatives to advocate for better mental health resources and funding.

• Participate in Awareness Campaigns: Join events and campaigns to spread awareness and show support for mental health. Wear GREEN during Children’s Mental Health Matters Week (May 5-11) or during Mental Health Awareness week (May 13-19).

• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to local mental health organizations, shelters, or helplines.

• Get trained in Mental Health First Aid: The Wicomico Local Behavioral Health Authority offers FREE training to the community, schools, universities, and agency partners in Wicomico County.

Remember, you are not alone! There is help available, and it is okay to ask for support. Let’s work together to raise awareness and create a community that supports mental health for all.

Local resources include the following:

1. Eastern Shore Crisis Response Team: 1-888-407-8018;

2. Life Crisis Center 410-749-4357(HELP).

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

For more info, visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram (WicomicoHealth) or Twitter (@WicomicoHealth).