OPINION: Don't be afraid; We all need help sometimes

Oct. 27—October is a month when we are encouraged to focus on taking care of our mental health.

Whether the concern is depression, addiction, bullying prevention, mental health disorders, spousal abuse or a myriad of other concerns, there is a week or sequence of days devoted to focusing on these issues.

It's enough to bring on depression just thinking about the conditions as we awaken every morning to a world filled with conflict and strife, whether across the street or across the globe.

What's a parent, spouse, child, teacher, pastor or anyone who is experiencing symptoms, or recognizing someone exhibiting, the symptoms to do?

First, accept that we are talking about an illness that needs treatment. Don't wait, thinking the problem may clear up like a cold.

Second, don't be afraid to ask for information or help. If it turns out your concerns are exaggerated, whether about you or someone else, don't be embarrassed. Be relieved and learn from the experience.

If it turns out your concerns are valid and need to be addressed, accept the help.

The Kaiser Family Foundation in a recent report found "from February 1 to 13, 2023, 32.9% of adults in Indiana reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared to 32.3% of adults in the U.S."

While the pandemic drove the mental health concerns up, so has the drug epidemic, especially the use of fentanyl.

Add to that the increasing numbers of people who are struggling to find homes they can afford, and, in some cases take care of their adult children and their grandchildren, which can help to bring on anxiety and depression as well as other health issues.

Clark and Floyd counties so far this year have recorded 17 deaths attributable to any drug — 13 in Clark and four in Floyd — according to the state's Next Level Recovery data. There's no accounting for whether the drugs were willing taken or an accident, but regardless it's 17 too many.

In this National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, Health Literacy Month, ADHD Awareness Month, Bullying Prevention Month, Mental Illness Awareness Week, OCD Awareness Week, National Health Education Week, National Depression Screening Day, and World Mental Health Day, where do you turn?

For the Southeastern Indiana area, LifeSpring Health Services serves many area counties including Clark and Floyd.

It provides a comprehensive array of mental health and primary care services including education, prevention, information, assessment, intervention, and treatment.

Its personnel include physicians, nurses, psychologists, therapists, social workers and it is prepared to refer those who need help to multiple other providers in the area.

Its administrative headquarters at 460 Spring Street in Jeffersonville put it in an easily available location for a first stop. Or, its phone is 812-280-2080 or its extensive website of information is at https://www.lifespringhealthsystems.org/

But, don't stop there. Continue to educate yourself through Indiana's NextLevel Recovery program at https://www.in.gov/recovery/

Staying healthy is a lifetime challenge for all of us. And, helping others to navigate troubled waters often presents itself to us as well.

Be prepared. Don't be afraid.