Why Mental Health Matters

People often juggle busy schedules, long commutes and family responsibilities that can quietly affect mental well-being. While mental health resources may be close, barriers such as time constraints, stigma and difficulty prioritizing care can prevent people from seeking help. Pressures related to work, finances, caregiving and maintaining a fast-paced lifestyle can contribute to chronic stress and emotional exhaustion.

Mental health concerns can affect anyone. Recognizing the importance of emotional well-being is a critical step toward healthier individuals and families.

Recognizing the Signs

Mental health concerns do not look the same for everyone. Common signs may include persistent sadness, anxiety, changes in sleep or appetite, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating or increased use of alcohol or drugs. These symptoms may be overlooked as normal stress or fatigue. Identifying changes early can help people seek support before symptoms worsen.

Steps Toward Better Mental Well-Being

Simple steps can make a meaningful difference. Staying connected with family and friends, maintaining daily routines, staying physically active and getting enough sleep all support mental health. Talking with a primary care provider is often a helpful first step. They can screen for concerns and recommend treatment or referrals when needed.

Building Stronger, Healthier Communities

Mental health awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages open conversations. This month, take time to check in with yourself and others, share trusted resources and remind your community that support is available. Caring for mental health strengthens individuals, families and the communities we call home.

The post Mental Health Awareness: Caring for the Mind appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

Ivy Tech Community College’s Valparaiso Campus will host its Fall into Wellness Mental Health Fair on Monday, Oct. 5, bringing together students, employees and community members for an afternoon focused on mental health, well-being and connection.

The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Commons Area at Ivy Tech Community College, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso. The fair is open to students, faculty, staff and members of the community.

Designed to make conversations around mental health approachable and engaging, Fall into Wellness will feature local vendors and organizations offering mental health resources and information, interactive wellness activities, raffle prizes and opportunities for attendees to connect with support services.

“Supporting mental well-being begins with creating opportunities for people to connect, learn about available resources and know they don’t have to navigate challenges alone,” said Racheal Bennett, Life Coach. “Fall into Wellness is about bringing our campus and community together in an environment that reminds everyone that their mental health matters.”

The event is presented in partnership with Life Coach Services at Ivy Tech. Organizers hope the fair will not only introduce attendees to resources available in Northwest Indiana but also encourage an ongoing culture of wellness, connection and support.

Event Details

• What: Fall into Wellness Mental Health Fair
• When: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Where: Ivy Tech Community College – Valparaiso Campus, Commons Area, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso, IN 46383
• Who: Ivy Tech students, faculty, staff and community members
• Admission: Free and open to the community

For additional information, contact Life Coach Services or Racheal Bennett at rgamblin@ivytech.edu.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, serving more than 200,000 students annually throughout the state. Ivy Tech serves as the state’s workforce engine, offering more than 70 programs that provide pathways to high-quality education and training aligned to in-demand careers, needed by Hoosier communities. The College awards credentials that are stackable toward industry certifications, short-term certificate programs, and associate degrees that seamlessly transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana for a more affordable route to bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

The post Ivy Tech Valparaiso to Host Fall into Wellness Mental Health Fair Oct. 5 appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

“There is so much empowerment in knowing that we have control over so many of these factors,” said Dr. Mimi Kokoska, market chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in Indiana, Kentucky and Alabama. “You do not have to wait for a diagnosis to start prioritizing your brain health. You can begin building those protective layers right now.”

UnitedHealthcare promotes consistent lifestyle habits to provide significant protection for long-term cognitive health. Maintaining social connections, engaging in regular physical activity, and pursuing mental stimulation — such as reading or learning new skills — all strengthen brain function. Implementing these manageable actions provides high-impact results for individuals of all ages.

“It is easiest to start simple,” Kokoska said. “Managing chronic conditions is really important. Regular checkups and preventative care help identify potential concerns early to keep people on track with their overall health. It does not mean that you have to do some major overhaul in your life.”

This effort is deeply rooted in the heart-brain connection. Managing cardiovascular conditions — such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol — serves as a critical protective measure. Consistent focus on these actions allows individuals to preserve cognitive health and lower their risks over time.

“We are seeing a paradigm shift where people are realizing that what is good for the heart is also good for the brain, and that the choices we make today set the stage for our cognitive future,” Kokoska said.

Early-onset Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions are a growing concern for modern generations, making preventative habits more vital than ever. Quality sleep serves as a fundamental pillar for brain health across all age groups. Deep sleep provides a critical period for brain cells to repair damaged DNA and recharge neural pathways. Consistent sleep cycles are therefore pivotal for maintaining cognitive function throughout a lifetime.

“Research now has shown that it is in the deep sleep that our brain cells are repairing their DNA, so when there is damage in the DNA, it is getting repaired during deep sleep,” Kokoska said. “This is actually underscoring the importance of sleep at any age.”

Auditory health also plays a significant role in maintaining brain function. Untreated hearing loss is a critical, often overlooked risk factor for dementia because it limits social engagement and can accelerate cognitive decline. UnitedHealthcare advises anyone who frequently asks others to repeat themselves or needs to increase the volume on electronic devices to consult a healthcare provider. Taking this proactive step ensures that hearing challenges do not become an unintended barrier to long-term cognitive health.

“The most fascinating thing about all that we have learned is the importance of hearing and trying to preserve your hearing for brain health,” Kokoska said. “Avoid loud noise damage and get adequate sleep — these have come to light in the last few years. It is truly a fascinating field.”

UnitedHealthcare encourages proactive care in managing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Affected families should strive to create a safe home environment, use clear communication, and prioritize caregiver well-being to avoid burnout. Early symptom identification and monitoring are vital because the progressive nature of the disease demands ongoing adjustments. UnitedHealthcare further supports cognitive health through community engagement, especially in highlighting opportunities like the Alzheimer’s Walk in Valparaiso this October.

“Brain health touches families across every community we serve, and Alzheimer’s is one of those diseases that affects not just the person living with it, but everyone who loves them,” said Mike Telesky, Vice President of sales, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Plans of Illinois and Northwest Indiana. “That’s why we show up for causes like this. UnitedHealthcare will have a team in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Bloomington, and I’d love for our neighbors across Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area to walk with us. Whether you join the team, make a donation, or simply share the story, every step helps fund the care, support, and research that move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.”

Ultimately, UnitedHealthcare promotes sustainable change through gradual adjustments rather than radical lifestyle shifts. Complex health goals can often fail when they require immediate, drastic transformations. By taking these small, incremental steps toward better heart health, sleep, and social engagement, individuals and families can build long-term neurological benefits.

“It is never too early or too late to start supporting your brain health,” Kokoska said. “Take small, steady steps. Stay connected, stay active, pay attention to your hearing, sleep well, and keep up with preventative care. It can really have a lasting impact.”

For more information on healthy aging and resources for Alzheimer’s caregiving, visit uhc.com. To make a meaningful impact and sign up for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk, visit alz.org/walk.

The post UnitedHealthcare encourages proactive steps to build brain health awareness and support families appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

Porter-Starke Services, the nonprofit behind the Symposium, has been investing in Northwest Indiana residents’ mental health for around 50 years. Porter-Starke’s annual Symposium gathers many of the Region’s premiere mental health practitioners and provides them with an opportunity to continue thinking and learning about their field of study.

Amanda Zelechoski, clinical professor of psychology at Notre Dame, was one of the event’s two keynote speakers. Her first presentation of the morning focused on childhood trauma and its effects on the developing brain, which she believes is crucial for all mental health clinicians to have a grasp of.

“If you work with older adults, if you work with young adults, if you work with teens, kids, really understanding their foundations is what helps us figure out what they need at lots of different life stages,” Zeldchoski said.

Zelechoski’s presentations at this year’s Porter-Starke Symposium weren’t just designed for those in psychological fields. It featured graphs, charts, and language that made it understandable for everyone, including attendees who weren’t mental health students or practitioners.

This was by design for Zelechoski- her presentations take months to fully flesh out. A large portion of that time is dedicated to translating studies and theories into a language that anyone can grasp.

“We don’t often do a great job on the dissemination end of research,” Zelechoski said, “and that’s really what I love, these kinds of conversations and events, because then I can translate that and say, here’s what this means for your work, or when you’re sitting across from this person, here’s what this data tells us. The community also doesn’t often have access to some of this research, so I really love events like this, because it allows us to give psychology research to the community.”

Porter-Starke’s Annual Symposium does a wonderful job of giving away the knowledge that Zelechoski discussed. Admission into the Symposium was entirely free for everyone, and amenities such as breakfast, pastries, and coffee were provided to all attendees. 

Porter Starke’s Annual Symposium is a reflection of its goals as a nonprofit. It provides the Region residents and mental health professionals with cutting-edge information in a digestible yet powerful format.

“I think that Porter-Starke does an amazing job each year of not just bringing together professionals, but bringing the community into the room to be in conversation with people who work in lots of different spaces. I think that’s really powerful about it. It’s not just people who are used to seeing each other in the same clinics or in the same spaces; it’s bringing together community members who are just really interested and passionate about these topics, and that helps us all learn from each other.”

More information on Porter-Starke Services can be found here: porterstarke.org

The post Porter-Starke Services Annual Symposium moves Region mental health care forward appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

National data from UnitedHealthcare and YouGov highlights the significant pressures facing today’s students and emerging adults. It also reveals an inspiring rise in resilience, awareness and community support. 

UnitedHealthcare urges healthcare leaders, families and young adults to prioritize mental wellness through open dialogue, early intervention, digital tools and easier access to support.

“The most important dynamic is greater awareness and destigmatization,” said Dr. Anthony Dowidowicz, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare’s Employer & Individual Health Plans of Illinois and NW Indiana. “The willingness to shine a light into some possibly dark corners is an important step, and I think we’re getting there now.”

The fourth annual Young Adult & College Student Behavioral Health Report, commissioned by UnitedHealthcare and conducted by YouGov, reveals that over 60% of young adults ages 18 to 28 experienced a mental or behavioral health issue within the past year.

College students face the brunt of this crisis, with 70% reporting struggles compared to 54% of their peers not in school. The findings underscore the need for communities to address these rising rates of anxiety, depression and related conditions. The first critical step is destigmatizing the conversation to highlight these overlooked challenges. Local communities can cultivate a safe, supportive environment to ensure young adults receive timely help.

“We have a mountain of data that paints a concerning picture of how young adults are coping,” Dowidowicz said. “Rates of depression have been increasing and it can be a devastating illness. Most concerning are statistics on suicide. It’s sobering when you learn that suicide is the second leading cause of death in people ages 10 to 34.”

Many families face a difficult reality as parents and caregivers lack a modern playbook for the unique mental health pressures impacting emerging adults and youth. Previous generations navigated different societal stressors than today’s adults, who manage a constant influx of digital information, academic competition and shifting social dynamics that can exacerbate isolation. Parents often prioritize frequent check-ins to offer support, but lack the tools to navigate these complex hurdles. This creates a societal disconnect between good intentions and the specialized needs of the young adults.

“Parents want to check in with their kids frequently to be reassured,” Dowidowicz said. “Despite their best intentions, however, that doesn’t always mean they have the right tools to have effective conversations. We are dealing with a different set of pressures today — a constant, 24/7 digital environment that previous generations simply did not encounter.”

Another important part of support is recognizing that young adults often turn first to peers, support groups and other community-based resources. These options can help normalize conversations about mental health and create an additional layer of support alongside clinical care. As care models continue to evolve, expanding these options may help more young adults get help in ways that feel easy to access and more comfortable.

“I’m happy to say that we are starting to see a lot of innovation in care delivery models that will expand access and offer alternatives, but we aren’t quite there yet,” Dowidowicz said.  “This includes support groups, crisis lines, and peer counseling. All of these things are becoming much more common.”

As a final step, individuals should proactively seek professional support when concerns arise. Determining the right time to reach out depends on the individual and their specific situation. Mental health struggles often remain invisible, and experts recommend erring on the side of caution. Early consultation acts as a vital safeguard before a crisis occurs.

Support can begin with a primary care physician, therapist or another trusted health care professional. Many people also have access to mental health resources through their health plans, including Employee Assistance Programs, virtual care and digital tools. While cost can be a concern, these options may offer meaningful options for support before problems become more severe.

“I’m cautiously optimistic and encouraged to see progress in some places expanding the scope of certain healthcare providers to accommodate these needs. On that point, we really have to be careful not to sacrifice quality,” Dowidowicz said.

The landscape of mental health continues to evolve and offers brighter paths toward wellness. UnitedHealthcare encourages young adults and others struggling with mental health conditions to remain proactive in navigating hurdles and to embrace every opportunity for personal growth.

Innovative technology and emerging AI tools continue to develop new, supportive avenues for connections in addition to traditional care. These digital resources serve best as a supplement rather than a replacement for professional guidance. By shifting from shame toward honest conversation, our local communities can illuminate the way toward a healthier and more resilient future.

“I think one of the more hopeful features of the younger generation right now is their openness about their mental health and positive views of seeking help,” Dowidowicz said. “They are supporting each other and helping to remove that stigma.”

For more information on navigating mental health, finding local resources, or exploring support programs, visit uhc.com/health-and-wellness/mental-health. Anyone in need of immediate support can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential assistance 24/7.

The post UnitedHealthcare promotes a healthier future in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

“We treat the brain like any other organ in the body,” said Kevin Zwiers, the center’s Director of Business Development. “If you were to be physically hurt, wouldn’t you go to the hospital and get help? If your brain is hurt, why wouldn’t you go to a behavioral health facility to get help?”

Midwest Center for Youth and Families works to overcome the entry barriers that often hinder families seeking mental health support. Serving as a regional resource, the facility helps guardians navigate a complex healthcare landscape. The center integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy to equip families with four core modalities in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills as long-term alternatives to medication-heavy management.

“How can individuals manage emotions effectively and correctly? We can teach coping skills, mindfulness activities and distress tolerance. Our goal is simple: to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care, structured support and the tools young people need to build a healthier, more hopeful future,” said Zwiers.

The Midwest Center’s program uses a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates 24-hour nursing and weekly psychiatric care with support from licensed clinicians, a board certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, and a registered dietician. This clinical structure supports helping residents focus on practical coping mechanisms and parent education. A key goal of the center is to support a sustainable transition toward community reintegration.

“Just because two people have the same diagnosis, they have different lived experiences,” Zwiers said. “We can’t treat everyone the same way. Our goal is to meet those individuals exactly where they are in their current situation to aid them back to reunification with their community.”

As an extension of Midwest Center for Youth & Families, South Shore Academy puts this advocacy into practice as a specialized residential program to accommodate community needs. Based in Valparaiso, the facility offers a secure and seclusion-free environment for females ages 12 to 18. Residents focus on personal growth through a structured recovery process and a pro-social atmosphere. South Shore Academy also provides year-round instruction through its Cognia-accredited school to help ensure students stay on track academically. These comprehensive services address the broader mental health challenges facing the region.

“Statistically speaking, one in five people has some form of mental illness in a calendar year,” Zwiers said. “My goal and that of Midwest Center for Youth & Families is to let our community and surrounding territories know that mental health is important and we’re here to help.”

Midwest Center for Youth & Families marks Mental Health Awareness Month by promoting progress over perfection through the belief that it is okay to not be okay. This effort normalizes seeking care and underscores how early intervention can provide stability. Success is measured by former residents now thriving as independent and stable adults.

“We hear from patients, five to 10 years down the line, with families of their own, and they’re thriving,” Zwiers said. “That is what brings us to work every day.”

As part of its commitment to Mental Health Awareness Month, Midwest Center for Youth and Families invites families to access confidential assessments at midwest-center.com or by calling 219-766-2999.

For residential programming and support, call the national toll-free line at 888-629-3471. Those in immediate crisis should contact 911 or seek emergency care.

The post Midwest Center for Youth and Families advocates for regional mental health resources for Mental Health Awareness Month appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

The entry-level question, persuade and refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with one suicide taking place every 11 minutes. According to the QPR Institute, just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help.

Franciscan Health is presenting the QPR Suicide Prevention Course from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central on June 17 and Aug. 4 at Sounds of Sarah, 2057 W. Glen Park Ave. in Griffith.

The courses are free, but registration is required. Registration is available online at fran.care/qpr.

Please direct questions to Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Stacy Zembala at Stacy.Zembala@franciscanalliance.org.

Please note: If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.

The post Franciscan Health, partners presenting free suicide prevention courses appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

Jeff Carroll, board president of Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana, has been looking forward to this gala for the past several weeks.

“We have a great presentation lined up. What this event does is let people in the community see what our organization does,” Carroll said. “This is a special night, and we hope it continues to grow over the years.”

Andrea Sherwin, president and CEO of Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana, noted that Mental Health America has celebrated a Legacy Breakfast for many years. The addition of the Legacy Gala came as a way to raise funds and awareness for mental health.

 “We’ve elevated every aspect of this event — from the experience itself to the name, now the Legacy Rising Gala,” said Andrea Sherwin. “As one of our two signature annual fundraisers, held during Mental Health Awareness Month, this evening reflects both the importance of our mission and the strength of the community that supports it. Tonight, we’ll share the stories of three clients who have overcome significant challenges with the support of our programs. This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, invest in mental health, and help ensure these life-changing services continue to reach those who need them most.”  

Mental health can always be a sensitive subject, but Sherwin encourages the community to reach out to their team or visit the Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana website if they are in need of any personal, family, parenting, behavioral, or mental health support.

“We’re fortunate to have a strong referral network and nine different programs at Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana that allow us to meet people where they are,” said Andrea Sherwin. “What I hope people take away from tonight is the importance of continuing the conversation around mental health. Talk about it at home. Talk about it at work. Embrace it. We are looking for the mental health advocates in our community to help us keep our mission and our work strong. That support comes in the form of time, treasure, and talent. We serve thousands of families and individuals in Northwest Indiana, and we want to continue reaching as many people as we can.”

With this being the first ever Legacy Rising Gala, Mental Health America of Northwest Indiana is connecting with a unique audience of people who want to express their challenges with others and learn about the stories of resilience.

“It is always wonderful to bring together people from across the Northwest Indiana business and community landscape — not only to enjoy an evening together, but to better understand and connect with the mission,” said Andrea Sherwin. “It creates an opportunity to engage new and returning supporters, broaden awareness around mental health, and connect more people to the impact of our work.”  

The paramount highlight of this event is to share these experiences in a way that allows people to put themselves in the shoes of others to understand how these struggles have been overcome.

“One of our core values is treating people with care and dignity while helping them move toward stability, healing, and the future they envision for themselves. Some of our clients have stories that they might have been initially afraid to tell, but now, because of our work together, they want other people to know about it and not to be afraid to ask for help.”

While this event just completed its first rendition, Sherwin hopes that it will become a mainstay for many years to come. She was also thrilled with the care and dedication that Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana provided as the event’s exclusive host sponsor and thanked Hard Rock CEO Matt Schuffert and his team for underwriting the event.

“Having a gala like this elevates our voice to the community,” Sherwin said. “We hope it attracts more business leaders and organizational leaders, as well as local government officials in the future, and encourages them to rally around the mental health and well being of our shared community. Having the gala at a venue like Hard Rock makes it accessible, and we’re proud that it is in the heart of one of the urban areas that support, reflecting the rich diversity of communities we serve.”

For more information on Mental Health America, you can visit mhanwi.org.

The post Mental Health America introduces Legacy Rising Gala for community-based program with clients at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

RHS identified a critical gap in early intervention behavioral health services within the community and proactively pursued resources to address it. Through this effort, RHS successfully secured a grant from the Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction (DMHA) to establish the FEP Program.

“This grant allows us to provide FEP patients with improved recovery outcomes, support individuals and their families, and reduce relapse as well as their hospitalization,” FEP Program Supervisor Tracey Uwaeke said.

With RHS locations in East Chicago, Hammond, Highland, Hobart, and Merrillville, the FEP Program is poised to have a significant reach across Northwest Indiana. 

“We’re really trying to reach the community to help them work on their psychosis early on and reduce some of the negative impacts it can have when it is not addressed,” Uwaeke said.

FEP is defined as the first-time symptoms of psychosis, a condition that affects how an individual thinks, perceives, and understands reality, occurs. Common FEP signs include hearing or seeing things that are not actually real, unusual or strongly held beliefs, difficulty thinking clearly or concentrating, sudden changes in behavior or emotions, and withdrawal from friends, school, or work. 

According to RHS, it can happen to anyone. Support, especially early, can improve recovery outcomes, restore optimal functioning at school, work, and home, reduce hospitalization, support families and caregivers, and provide hope and empowerment.

“We officially launched the program on April 13th,” Uwaeke said. “We’re working on referrals and collaborations out in the community.”

RHS’ FEP Program is highly specialized. That means it is person-centered, team-based, and facilitates strengths-driven care. The program includes psychiatric evaluation, medication support, case management and coordination, individual and family therapy, education support, and employment support.

To learn more about Regional Health Systems’ FEP program, you can call 219-769-4005 or visit rhs.care/first-episode-of-psychosis.Regional Health Systems provides care that supports a healthy body, spirit, and mind, including behavioral health and addiction treatment programming. This Mental Health Awareness Month, take the first steps toward making your health a priority at rhs.care.

The post Regional Health Systems launches new First Episode of Psychosis program appeared first on GreatNews.Life.

Behind these numbers are our neighbors, coworkers, friends and family members- people whose struggles are often invisible, but deeply real. 

At Midwest Center for Youth & Familles, I have the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who care for individuals and families navigating these challenges every day. We see both the weight of unmet need and the extraordinary resilience of those who seek treatment. In every story, there is strength – and there is hope. 

Yet the gap between those who need care and those who receive it remains significant. Recent data shows that tens of millions of Americans require mental health treatment each year, but many do not access it due to stigma, cost or uncertainty about where to turn. At the same time, we are seeing concerning trends: rising rates of anxiety, depression and suicide, particularly among young people, alongside increasing demand for crisis services across the country. 

The message is clear: mental health can’t wait. 

Encouragingly, there are also signs of progress. Awareness is growing. More people are talking openly about mental health than over before, and innovations such as telehealth have expanded access to care. Integrated, trauma-informed treatment approaches – addressing mental health, substance use and physical health together – are helping individuals achieve more sustainable recovery. And importantly, we know that treatment works. Positive outcomes are not just possible; they are happening every day. 

Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a moment – it is a call to action. Each of us has a role to play in breaking the silence and igniting change: 

Listen and show understanding. If you suspect a loved one is struggling, start with compassion. Listening without judgment can be the first step toward healing. Encourage them to seek professional support. 

Share resources that save lives. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 via call, text or chat. 

Act in an emergency. If someone is in an acute medical emergency or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. 

Support the future of mental health care. We must inspire and invest in the next generation of mental health professionals who can meet the growing need for care, Midwest Center for Youth & Familles is proud to support training and mentorship opportunities that strengthen our workforce and our community. 

Here at Midwest Center for Youth & Families, we have been privileged to serve this community for over 30 years. If you or someone you know is struggling, our team is here to provide the help you need. 

Know this: you are not alone. Call 888-629-3471 for a level of care assessment or visit https://midwest-center.com/ for more information. 

Let’s commit to speaking openly about mental health. Let’s replace stigma with understanding, silence with conversation and barriers with access to care.

The post Mental Health Can’t Wait: Break the Silence, Ignite Change appeared first on GreatNews.Life.