May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM). Established in 1949, MHAM raises awareness for mental health and wellness and helps reduce stigma around behavioral health issues. I plan to do my part to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support opportunities for my Veteran community.
In a professional capacity, I serve my Veteran community and my entire community. As a Veteran and resident, I am personally connected to the community. The proverb about “it takes a village…” is speaking to a network of individuals coming together to accomplish mutually beneficial goals. I believe community is important and mental health (awareness, wellness, and eliminating stigma) is vital to our community.
Paraphrasing a comment from an unknown speaker, “mental health is not a personal weakness, it is a medical condition”. I think we are overdue for this paradigm shift. The medical field is making positive changes. The recipe seems clear for the community, we need more empathy and less stigma.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, thoughts of suicide, or any other mental health concerns, then please talk to someone. Veterans understand the importance of a team. We can come together as a team to support one another. When it comes to saving a life, there is no shame in asking for help. Everyone matters in our community.
I had the opportunity of attending this event last year and will be joining them again this year. Love Life presents the 2nd Annual Two Harbors Suicide Awareness Walk. A community event to remember loved ones and break the stigma about suicide and mental health. The event is being held at Sonju Arena (301 8th Avenue, Two Harbors) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9 – 11AM. Mental Illness… once we change the “I” in Illness to “We”, we have Wellness. Please come out to join the community (and Lake County Veterans Services) to support the cause.
If you or a loved one is struggling or in crisis, then remember the 988 Lifeline. Anyone may call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free and confidential support. You may even call to make a referral or request support for someone else. Dial or text 988 and Veterans dial 988 (then press 1) or text 838255.
For tech-savvy, unlock free membership to Innerworld, a peer, social-support, mental-wellness app. For a limited time, Innerworld is offering free lifetime membership to Veterans and their family members.
Brad Anderson and Melissa Crandall are the Lake County Veterans Service Officers and can be reached at 218.834.8326 or cvso@co.lake.mn.us
Karen Christianson is the Cook County Veterans Service Officer and can be reached at 218.387.3639, or karen.christianson@co.cook.mn.us
