One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get in shape. We join a gym and work out to look our best, and the results of a disciplined and consistent exercise regimen are physically apparent. Being fit is admired.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for taking care of one’s mental health. For many of us, there is a self-imposed stigma associated with working on mental health (as an essential component of overall health and wellness). There is a reluctance to share mental health struggles for fear of being judged. As a result, these issues remain untreated and, in some cases, result in fatal consequences.
Most recently, I was confronted with a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the vital importance of mental health care. On Monday, Jan. 27, during the Nassau County Legislature’s monthly “Top Cops” presentations, we received a sobering request from Police Benevolent Association (PBA) President Thomas Shevlin - he asked us to take a moment of silence in memory of NCPD Officer and U.S. Navy veteran Matthew Kear, who died by suicide.
Shevlin, a passionate advocate for mental health care, went on to say, “We struggle with mental health as anybody else would- especially with what we go through on a daily basis and what we see. I am tired of putting Rest in Peace on my social media – we have to start preventing it.”
I couldn’t agree more with PBA President Shevlin about the need to start doing more to prevent suicide. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are common, and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, vocation or socioeconomic background. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition. With proper treatment and care these conditions can be successfully managed.
Promoting the benefit of mental wellness can help break the stigma and save lives. A good start is through fostering supportive conversations with your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues about mental health. Let them know it’s okay to say they are not okay.
Recognize warning signs such as: expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, withdrawing from family and activities, extreme mood swings, giving away prized possessions or expressing the desire to die.
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, I urge you to utilize the resources that are available for immediate assistance such as Nassau County’s Mobile Crisis Team, which is staffed with licensed professional social workers and nurses who are specially trained to help individuals and families in moments of crisis. Contact them at 516-227-TALK (8255) for assistance.
Furthermore, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline directly at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor that can provide immediate assistance and confidential support.
And, as always, if your life or safety is ever immediate danger, I urge you to contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency room to get the care you need.
Together, let’s break the stigma of openly talking about mental health. Let’s not be afraid to have that conversation or ask, “Are you okay?” Each of us can make a greater effort to be aware of the warning signs in ourselves or others.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength - not weakness.
Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, was elected in 2023 to represent the communities of the Nassau County Legislature’s First District.