21-05-2025
Spotlight put on mental health awareness in Valley
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized to make sure people understand services are available.
Everybody's mental health is important. Mental illness can affect anyone, no matter your background or circumstances. Problems are common locally.
'It mirrors the national average, which is about one in four adults in the United States will experience some type of mental health condition,' said Brenda Heidinger, associate director of the Mental Health and Recovery Board.
That could be depression, anxiety, or stress. There are counseling services or physicians and psychiatrists who can help. Check to see who's covered by your health insurance. And if you're not covered, you may qualify for services through the Mental Health & Recovery Board.
'It is really accessible for people if they're looking for it. So sometimes it's just reminding people that it's here, because we don't always think of something until we need it, and then we aren't sure where to find it,' Heidinger said.
Help is available. You can be there better for your family, loved ones, and others by taking care of your mental health. There is a way to turn your struggles into strength.
'We just want people to be able to access care when they need it, where they need it, because we want everyone to be able to live their best life and their most hopeful life,' Heidinger said.
Dial 988 if you feel at a crisis point, and a licensed counselor can help you through it before pointing you to services. Dialing 211 is the best way to find out about mental health services and where to go for them in the community.
A new license plate was unveiled in Ohio to increase awareness of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
The easy-to-remember, three-digit 988 Lifeline launched nationwide in July 2022 and provides free and confidential support 24/7 to Ohioans experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The digits are displayed on the new license plate.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
