Mental Health Minute with Mr. Ponca City, Relo Adams, MS, MCP, LPC
May has been recognized as mental health awareness month since 1949 to heighten the public's understanding of mental health and to minimize the stigma surrounding mental health. Mental health awareness month highlights the importance of mental wellness and how mental health should be taken just as seriously as physical wellbeing and health.
Ashley Lee Adams, Licensed professional counselor states "practicing self care, having a healthy routine, establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, and seeing professional support when needed are all effective ways individuals provide mental health support to their community." Be about it! Don't just talk about it!
Melissa Pipestem, Licensed professional counselor says: "Meaningful actions, no matter how small or big, as long as they are genuine, go a long way. Check in on your friends! Listen without interruption or judgement, share space with them as they sit with their feelings and experiences! Sometimes, your presence means more than any words you can say!"
GRAND mental health offers comprehensive, community based services in Kay county. A major resource is the 24/7 crisis support which not only includes a hotline to call for support, but provides vital crisis mobile response teams. Besides crisis intervention, GRAND offers psychiatric care, therapy, telehealth options, and case management.
A major focus of GRAND's community work is its partnership with the school systems in Kay County. "Mental health support in schools is about meeting students where they are and helping them build the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally," said Integrated team managers Jamie Phillips and Sierra McKinnon.
Samantha Goodno, executive director of GRAND Mental Health in Kay County said: "Mental Health Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that mental wellness matters every day. At GRAND, we are proud to support this initiative by expanding access to care, promoting education, and encouraging open conversations that help individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help."
Remember if you or someone you know need mental health assistance of any kind, please feel free to reach out to your local community mental health agency or call or text 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline or call 911 for immediate emergencies.
Take care of yourselves, and each other... - Relo Adams, Mr. Ponca City