May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in our lives. To honor this very important part of healthcare, I’ll offer mental health resources available to all of our communities.

If you need it, help is out there. You are not alone.


Did you know that according to the National Institute of Mental Health it is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021).
Reference: Mental illness

That’s a hard number to digest! It’s no wonder we’re feeling out-of-sorts with all the lunacy (my word) for the current state of events: threats to democracy, dignity, and human rights around the world; and the lack of ethical and moral leadership in our country!

How trauma can be passed down
Mental health is known to begin with our family of origin. That’s right! Our parents, grandparents, and on up the line of our lineage may be a source of our mental health.
It’s no secret that trauma can change us. What’s less understood is how it impacts the next generation.
Research from 2019 found that stress during pregnancy is one way intergenerational trauma can be passed down.

Want to know more about the above?
Reference: How can trauma be passed down

My experience with trauma began as an infant as I described in my book “Unwinding”. For nineteen years I lived in a mental and emotional battle zone with my parents and my sister. I live with post-traumatic stress that began with abuse brought on by my father. No one in our household was immune to his trauma-induced rages which he most likely inherited from his parents. My mother’s family of origin also suffered from mental health issues.

And on it goes from generation to generation to generation.
It’s a vicious downward spiral.
But, one that can change, and that begins with you (and me).

Ask yourself, ‘what have I noticed in my life that may be informed by trauma or my family history of mental health’?

Perhaps someone you know lives with trauma, post-traumatic stress, anxiety or other mental health challenges.

Remember, it is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021).
That one person could be in your family, or could be a friend, or a neighbor.

How can you help?
Sometimes the need is immediate. If you or someone you know needs to speak with a mental health professional immediately, contact the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline any time of day or night by calling or texting 9-8-8. The call or text is free and confidential. If you prefer, you can also chat with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.

All chat and text centers in the 988 Lifeline network are accredited by either the American Association of Suicidology or the International Council for Helplines. 988 Lifeline Chat and Text is available 24/7 across the U.S. and certain territories.

You can make a difference in someone’s life.
Simply smiling at everyone you see can start a pay it forward rave.
Connect from your heart to the person you are talking with.
The Heartmath Institute has a ton of resources to learn more and to empower you. I’m a fan!


And, now for something completely different:

Yesterday was my beloved’s birthday.
Happy birthday, Ashara! We met 34 years ago and it’s been a wonderful journey. Looking forward to more decades with you as we become two cute little old people.
Still holding hands.
Still making each other laugh.
Still totally in love.

Check out Ashara’s wonderful and heartfelt stories (blogs).

One more thing to lighten the mood this month:
Dee Gees - You Should Be Dancing


Thanks for the read!

Glenn