May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Winona, Minn.  – Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans' lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Now, more than ever, it is a time to raise awareness of and end the discrimination surrounding mental illness.   

"By raising your voice, prioritizing your self-care, celebrating mental well-being and being the difference for others, you can positively impact your mental health and the community," said Erik Sievers, Executive Director of Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC). Sievers continued "In our society today, due to technology and lingering effects of the pandemic, true social connection is not as prevalent as it used to be. People thrive when feeling socially connected to other people.  Both casual connections, like waving to a neighbor, and close intimate relationships, help us thrive and feel connected to others and our community." 

"When your mental health is off, it is important to find those that support you and find the help that is right for you. Where you go for help will depend on what is happening within your life. Often the best place to start is to talk with those that you already have connections with, including your friends and family, your primary care doctor, spiritual advisor, or local mental health organizations," said Sievers. 

Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) has been a trusted provider of mental health and substance use services in Southeastern Minnesota since 1965. HVMHC is a regional leader in providing exceptional, responsive, consumer focused behavioral health services.  Today, HVMHC provides a diverse array of services and support designed to meet people where they are at in their recovery journey.   

HVMHC's combination of housing programming for adults, clinic-based services including therapy, psychiatry, counseling, as well as community-based services including case management, skills services, and school based mental health services are uniquely provided by HVMHC across the region.   

If you would like additional information on HVMHC and the services they provide, please go to www.hvmhc.org or call 1-800-657-6777.  If you or someone you care for is struggling with their mental health and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available 24/7 through the 988 National Crisis Line or by dialing 1-844-274-7427.