How much do you know about mental illness?

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? I don't know of anyone who hasn't been directly impacted by mental health challenges at some point in their lives. Whether it is you yourself, or someone you love, the reality is that at least one in five adults in the United States struggles with some form of mental illness. Personally, I am not ashamed to admit that I made the decision to talk to my doctor and my therapist about my own struggle with depression several years back and I continue to benefit from that conversation.

For some, mental illness is more challenging than for others. It can range from mild to severe, and can include a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more. 

Navigating mental illness of any degree can be difficult. With support, medication, and treatment options it is often manageable, however, for those without a home, it becomes exponentially more challenging without the stability of a place to rest, food access, medical care, and a supportive community. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month this May, it's important to recognize that mental illness is a crisis affecting all segments of society. 

At City Relief, we understand that the intersectionality of mental illness and homelessness creates unique challenges for those without a place to call home. People experiencing homelessness are at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions due to a myriad of factors like trauma, sleep deprivation, hunger, access to medical care, and a whole lot more.

Sometimes the easiest way to help someone alleviate the pain of mental illness is to provide friendship, support, and a pathway to sustainable housing. At City Relief, we are always thinking of ways to bridge the gap between mental health and housing stability by providing connections to services that focus on mental wellness, including counseling, social support groups, volunteering opportunities, and community building.

We know that mental illness impacts everyone differently and it can be an invisible struggle that often goes unnoticed. However, by working together and extending a nonjudgmental hand, we can break down the barriers that prevent our friends, family, and neighbors from accessing the help they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

So this month, let's take the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and support services that allow our unhoused neighbors to pursue and experience a brighter future. With your help, we can make a difference and offer hope to those who need it most. Because next time, it could be any of us.

Sincerely, 

Josiah Haken