Mental illness is often spoken about like a personal failing. 

A better way to think about mental health is to look for what are the “mental illness viruses” we need to treat right now, and prevent going forward. 

We used to throw our dirty water and bathroom waste into the streets until we realized a lot of people died.  So we came together, invented waste-water treatment and people survived.  Same idea with mental illness.  We are all part of prevention and treatment and we need all hands on deck as folks are struggling more, now, than ever.

For Sidewalk Talk’s 5th Birthday, and May’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we have been hosting live conversations in our Facebook Listener Group to improve how we listen.  Listen is both prevention and treatment.  More on that later.

This week, we are taking up suicide in our listener’s group. 

You can become a member of Sidewalk Talk listeners here and join us LIVE this Thursday in our Facebook Group.

Monday, we revisited the Sidewalk Talk training on how to lean in if someone on the sidewalk tells you they are thinking about harming themself.  It is a good time to empower yourself to feel comfortable leaning in when there is a mental health crisis.

What are the mental illness viruses we need a vaccine for?  

Mental illness viruses include; poverty and economic stress, injustice, lack of health care, lack of high quality affordable education, family leave policies, environmental impacts, gun violence, loneliness, and on and on the list goes.  Sidewalk Talk street listening tackles loneliness and helps us develop the skills to dialogue about prevention.  Sidewalk Talk is also, often, part of front line treatment.   We refer people in need to services.

Until we can get back out there to listen on the sidewalk, there are two things you can do right now, to take care of one another’s mental health.

1. Wear A Mask

I am not going to get political about this.  I am not dogmatic.  I am also not a fear driven person about sickness.  But can we just change our lense here on this mask thing?  We are still learning about this virus.  We are getting new information every day.  What if masks, in the end, don’t do a damn thing?  

I kind of don’t care if that ends up being true.  Wanna know why?  Because until we know more, what wearing a mask is for me is a big fat “I LOVE YOU, YOU MATTER, I AM GOING TO DO MY BEST TO PROTECT YOU”.  When we wear a mask, and show our care, mental stress goes down for others. When we don’t, it goes up.  It is just a damn loving thing to do.  And who doesn’t love love?

Sidewalk Talk is selling masks as a one time show of love.  Hurry and get them.  You won’t get a second chance at these really high quality three-ply cotton masks.  We priced them as low as the printer would go.

2. Learn How To Support Someone in a Mental Health Crisis

Bottom line, we catch viruses of the “mental health” kind.  Knowing how to help someone when they are too ill to help themself is just being a loving human.  But it can be a little scary if you don’t know what to do.  So, a few tips and few resources.

• Know the signs of a mental health virus. Sudden change in mood. Unable to care for self.  Abusive behavior. Paranoia. Loss of reality and psychosis. Isolation.

• Always ask “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”  Asking does not plant the seed.  Inquire if the person has a plan and a way to carry it out.  See if you can remove the means for them to carry out their plan.

• Get help. If urgent, call 911 or call one of the treatment numbers below.

• Stay present. Use a steady calm voice.  Ask how you can help. Offer options instead of taking control. Here is a great sheet from NAMI in English and Spanish.  Good to print and put on your fridge.

Here are some support numbers in the USA.

NAMI Helpline: Contact us Monday-Friday, 10am–6pm ET. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).  They are a one stop shop for figuring out the best agency to support this person.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741-741

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233)

National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673)

We all play a part in taking care of one another’s mental health just like we all play a part in taking care of one another’s physical health.  Sidewalk Talk is both treatment and prevention.  We are here to build a society that creates mental health.  Join in.  The world needs us now, more than ever.