Carol Rivest Memorial Foundation

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. On this last day of May, let’s take a moment to not only check in on our own mental well-being, but also check in on others.

Many people struggle in silence, feeling as though no one will understand their pain. Society often pushes mental health struggles into the background, much like it has done with domestic violence. Both can exist behind closed doors, hidden from view, while individuals and families suffer in silence.

I know this because I lived in one of those homes. There was chaos, instability, and fear. The effects leave lifelong scars and pain.

Some people may not understand. Others may minimize those experiences by saying, “That’s just how it was back then,” or, “He was upset and just needed time to cool off.” Or in response to depression, “ snap out of it.” Thankfully, there are also people who recognize the signs of mental health struggles and domestic violence and ask, “How can I help?” or “What do you need?”

Those simple questions can make all the difference.

Whether you have experienced mental health challenges, domestic violence, both, or neither, checking in on someone can go a long way. A kind word, a phone call, a text message, or simply listening can remind someone they are not alone.

So today, I ask you:

How are you?

If you or someone you know needs support:

• Call or text 988 for the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.

• Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available 24/7.

You do not have to face difficult times alone. Help is available.