Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen has proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month as part of a concerted strategy to increase public awareness of mental health issues and reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
During his proclamation, Jensen encouraged citizens to protect and nurture their mental health and wellbeing through maintaining healthy work-life balances, reducing stress and creating strong social connections. He reminded residents that we all share the burden of mental health problems and have a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts. Jensen also encouraged residents to seek help when needed.
Jensen
“As the Mayor of Noblesville, I also call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and schools in Noblesville to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health, and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental health conditions,” Jensen proclaimed.
Throughout April and May, Jensen has been joined by local therapist Kristen Boice for a live, weekly Mental Health Mondays series at 11 a.m. on the city’s Facebook page. Each week, the two have tackled new subjects to cope with stress and various issues residents have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this week’s Mental Health Mondays live stream, Jensen awarded Kristen Boice a Partner in Progress Award. This award is given to key community partners who are dedicated to the betterment of the City of Noblesville.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Noblesville joins other governmental, non-profit and community partners in raising awareness of mental health issues and services. Sharing personal knowledge and experience of what living with mental illness means can reduce the barriers and stigma associated with individuals seeking mental health treatment to live a longer, healthier life.
No, Mr. Jensen, just no.
Mental Health Awareness Month has existed in this country since the middle of the last century, so you don’t get to “proclaim” May as something it already is, especially not when the month is already more than half over. Are you also going to sign a proclamation in 6 weeks to declare July 4th as Independence Day? How about a proclamation later this year to make December 25 some kind of holiday?
Here are few details to highlight the either abject arrogance or ignorance of this proclamation being presented as if it is your own invention:
1. Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). Each year in mid-March Mental Health America releases a toolkit of materials to guide preparation for outreach activities during Mental Health Awareness Month.
2. According to Mental Health America, “1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.” One wonders how many elected officials are in that 20%.
3. Instead of going to a Facebook page for a city whose mayor thinks he invented a 70 year old theme, actual resources are available from the National Alliance on Mental Health at http://www.nami.org/help. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
Do you assume no one knows this already?
Do you think people with mental health issues just won’t know the difference?
Do you want the name of a good counselor?