May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to break the silence around mental health and remind ourselves that it’s okay to not be okay — and it’s more than okay to ask for help.
At the Bear River Health Department, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you’re managing stress, living with anxiety or depression, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to stay emotionally balanced in a busy world — your mental well-being matters.
Why Mental Health Awareness Matters
Mental health challenges are more common than many people realize:
- 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience a mental illness each year.
- 1 in 6 youth aged 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
- Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10–34.
Raising awareness helps reduce the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help. Mental health struggles are not a sign of weakness — they are a part of being human.
Mental Health Is Community Health
Mental health affects everything: relationships, school, work, and even physical health. When we care for our mental health, we build stronger families, healthier schools, and more resilient communities.
That’s why Bear River Health Department offers:
- Crisis resources and referrals
- Mental health education in schools and community settings
- Support for parents and youth
- Substance misuse prevention and recovery services
- Mental health therpay
How You Can Help
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to:
- Talk about it — Share your story or check in with someone who may be struggling.
- Learn more — Visit trusted resources like Live On Utah for education, stories, and suicide prevention tools.
- Know the signs — Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or behavior can signal a need for support.
- Ask for help — If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the free and confidential Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
You Are Not Alone
There is no shame in seeking help. There is strength in speaking up. And there is always hope.
At the Bear River Health Department, we are here to support you. Together, we can create a community where mental health is a priority and no one feels they have to struggle in silence.
Let’s break the stigma — and build a future where mental health is health.