This Mental Health Month you are not alone

Before the pandemic, in any given year, one in five people in the U.S. reported having a mental health condition. Currently, mental health experts suggest the figure is two in five, or even higher.

This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties, the local affiliate of the of NAMI-MD, is raising awareness of mental health conditions and highlighting available resources.

It’s been several years since the pandemic upended our everyday lives with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and depression. The burden of living through a pandemic continues to impact our personal and professional relationships in unprecedented ways. NAMI KQA wants anyone who might have concerns for themselves or a loved one to know that they are not alone.

NAMI Maryland has prepared an extensive set of materials for Mental health Awareness Month: https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month/#take-the-moment.

Together, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental health conditions can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives — a nation where no one feels alone in their struggle.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we endeavor to turn the lasting impact of COVID-19 into a spotlight on the growing urgency for systematic improvements in our mental health care system, in order to meet the increased needs.

Especially during times of uncertainty, the NAMI community is here to help you. NAMI KQA invites all members of the public to contact us at namikentandqueenannes@gmail.com.

Please look for our table in the Chestertown Farmers’ Market this month, and ask about our ongoing free Family Support group. We are here to help — our local Help Line is 443-480-0565 — call for information and assistance. If no answer, leave a voicemail during regular business hours and we will respond no later than the next day. You can also call the NAMI MD Help Line at 410-884-8691.