Mental health struggles don’t always look the same. Sometimes, it’s visible in tears and isolation. Other times, it’s hidden behind a smile or a busy schedule. Mental health affects all of us, regardless of age, background, or life circumstances, but many people suffer in silence because they think they have to.
This Mental Health Month, MRHC is challenging that narrative. We’re here to say: You’re not alone. Mental health is part of your overall health, and getting support is necessary. Whether you’re navigating the pressures of daily life, facing a major life transition, or supporting someone through a hard time, mental health plays a role in how we feel, think, and interact with others. And just like physical health, it requires care and attention.
What We’re Seeing Right Now
Based on the outcomes of the latest Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), mental health is one of the main concerns of our rural communities. MRHC mental health professionals are seeing rising levels of anxiety across all age groups. Anxiety can be especially isolating. It’s not just “worrying too much”; it can cause physical symptoms like trouble sleeping, fatigue, or even frequent trips to the ER, especially in older adults. Many people express feelings of hopelessness, depression, or fear that they’ll never feel “normal” again. For people experiencing those feelings, MRHC’s Mental Health Therapist, Hollie Schechinger, LISW, shares an important reminder that “that feeling is temporary, and it will go away. However, the decisions made on that feeling could be permanent.”
In older adults, grief and loss often lead to loneliness and disconnection. Life without a long-time partner can be disorienting, especially when routines, like sharing meals or attending events, suddenly shift. Changes in physical health and independence can also lead to feelings of sadness or frustration. These emotional shifts can impact physical health too, often worsening aches, pains, or illnesses that might otherwise be manageable.
Why Talking Helps and Why It Matters Who You Talk To
The stigma around mental health often prevents people from seeking help, but starting the conversation can break down those barriers. Talking to a friend is a great start, but working with a licensed therapist can be especially beneficial. A friend may offer advice based on personal experiences, but a therapist provides professional support, tools, and a confidential space to talk openly without judgment. Therapists use evidence-based techniques to help you understand your emotions and move toward healing at your own pace.
Tips for Talking to Someone Who’s Struggling
If you know someone dealing with a mental health challenge, you don’t have to have all the answers, but your approach can make a difference. Here are some helpful ways to start the conversation:
- Choose a quiet, comfortable place free of distractions.
- Ease into the conversation gently. Sometimes just saying, “I’m here” is enough.
- Speak calmly and stick to one topic at a time.
- Listen more than you speak and make eye contact.
- Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to avoid sounding accusatory. Try saying, “I hear that you’re having a rough day. I understand.” Avoid saying, “You just need to change your attitude” or “Stop focusing on the negative”.
- Be patient. Let them open up on their terms, and don’t rush the conversation.
- Offer support through questions like, “How can I help?”. Avoid comments like “Just pray about it” or “Everyone feels that way sometimes.” These can make someone feel even more isolated.
What Parents Can Do
It is evident that kids and teenagers are struggling too. The best thing parents and caregivers can do is be present. “Talk with them, cry with them, listen to them, and teach them it is okay to not be okay and it will get better,” Schechinger advised. “Kids follow what their parents or guardians teach them, so encourage them to express what they are feeling and validate that, even if you do not like what they feel, they need to know it is okay to have different emotions.”
Break the Stigma
Mental health professionals at MRHC agree—one of the most important steps we can take is to break the stigma that still surrounds mental health. The team at Senior Life Solutions shared how vital it is to “help everyone understand that mental health is an important part of everyone’s health and needs to be nurtured/attended to regularly.”
Schechinger emphasized the importance of “breaking the stigma of mental health so people don’t feel like they will be judged for getting help. We need to work together to let people know that there are options for help, and they don’t have to let their mental health define their life.”
Need Help? MRHC Is Here for You
Whether you’re seeking individual counseling, group support, or resources for a loved one, MRHC offers mental health services designed to meet you where you are.
Counseling for All Ages: Hollie Schechinger offers in-person and telehealth counseling for ages five and up. No referral needed.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Virtual appointments and medication management are available for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. Provider referrals are recommended but not required.
Play Therapy for Children: For kids struggling to express their emotions, play therapy helps them process trauma and build coping skills through creative play.
Senior Life Solutions: Individual and group counseling for adults over 65 dealing with depression and anxiety related to aging.
Recovery Center: Integrated care for those facing addiction and mental health issues, with medical, behavioral, and social support
If you need additional mental health information, education, or would like to discuss support, please schedule an appointment with your primary care physician by calling (712) 655-8100 to discuss treatment options. For those 65 and older, call Senior Life Solutions at (712) 655-8262. Or call the Manning Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300.