May is Mental Health Awareness Month

HENDRICKS COUNTY – According to the 2018 Hendricks County Health Assessment, Hendricks County residents report an average of 3.4 “mentally unhealthy” days per month.

From 2011 to 2015, 94 people died by suicide in Hendricks County. When looking at State Averages, Suicide is listed as the 2nd leading cause of death in people ages 15-34 in Indiana.

When looking at national statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it is estimated that 1 of 5 adults in the US will experience a mental illness this year.

Perhaps these numbers are shocking to you. But, likely, they are no surprise at all. The month of May is “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the US. Across the country, mental health providers, healthcare agencies, nonprofits, and student groups will be collaborating to increase awareness about mental health issues, and to decrease the social stigma that often surrounds the topic.

Education is one of the best ways to prevent mental health crises, and we each have a responsibility to be educated for our own good and for our neighbor’s good.

Member agencies of the Hendricks County Mental Health & Wellness Coalition are hosting the following low-cost or free events where you and your family can learn more about Mental Health:

• Avon JAG Students – Groups will be assigned relevant topics related to mental health and will be promoting each to the high school students all month long.
• HRH YMCA – Healing Heroes Yoga for PTSD -12p-1p on May 4th. (Meets regularly on the first Saturday of each month!)
• United Way of Central Indiana; Youth Engagement Team to lead/conduct The Peyton Heart Project on Saturday, May 4th 10:00-11:30 am. Students and adults will place pre-made crochet hearts with inspiring messages attached in public places for random community members to find in their day-to-day lives. This global project was created to help spread encouragement and positivity. More info on this project can be found at http://www.thepeytonheartproject.org/ .
• Hendricks Regional Health in Danville, Thursday, May 9 (5-6pm) – Journaling for Better Life – at Danville Hospital Conference Room 6
• Care to Change Counseling, Mental Health Series – May 9th, 8:30-9:30am Topic: Mental Health & the Church – register here
• Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Health and Wellness Fair, Friday, May 10th from 10am-2pm at Cummins’ Avon Office, 6655 E US 36, Avon IN 46123. Event for providers, consumers, and general public with focus on overall wellness, integrated healthcare, and stress reduction.
• Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, May 14th at 4:30p – Vulnerability and Connection: The Keys to Happiness? (Discussion facilitated by Matt Ruckman, M.A., LMHCA, Coordinator of Bereavement and Community Support for HRH)
• Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, May 15th 5:30pm Pet Walk on the Trails
• Care to Change Counseling, Mental Health Series – May 16th, 8:30-9:30am Topic: Mental Health & Your business – register here
• Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, May 19th 1p-3p Yoga Workshop; Balancing the Body Part II ($20 for Y members and $40 for non-members) Register in advance.
• Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, May 23rd 11:30a-1:30p Active Older Adult Health Fair, Free to the community, cost for vendors wanting a booth
• Hendricks Regional Health in Avon Thursday, May 23 (5-7pm) – Knowing yourself and others – at Avon Medical Center Second Floor Conference Room
• Care to Change Counseling, Mental Health Series – May 23rd, 8:30-9:30am Topic: Mental Health & Your Family (focusing on anxiety/depression) – register here
• IYI Youth Worker Cafe, May 28th at 11:30am-1:45pm, will feature a Mental Health 101 forum with multiple local experts – Avon-Washington Township Park Pavilion, Aspen Room
• Care to Change Counseling, Mental Health Series – May 30th, 8:30-9:30am Topic: Mental Health & Suicide Prevention – register here

For more information, please reach out to the Hendricks County Health Partnership at hendrickshealthpartnership.org or 317-745-9618,