Mental Health & Well-Being

Updates:

JULY 2026 -- Rebecca Harrigal, District Mental Health Co-Chair (with Co-Chair Winnie McDermott) -- Below are some mental health questions and answers to address common misunderstandings.

1. I'm feeling sad; am I depressed? The CDC provides that "usually, the sadness goes away. But if sadness lasts for 2 weeks or more and interferes with everyday functioning, you may be depressed." CDC sad or depressed

2. Are mental health issues a sign of weakness?  "Mental health struggles aren’t about weakness or character flaws. Environmental factors, genetics, and other stressors play a role. Just as we don’t see someone with the flu as weak, mental health challenges don’t define a person. Seeking help when struggling is a sign of resilience and strength.  In general, pushing negative emotions aside only prolongs the time someone may deal with an undiagnosed mental illness. Seeking help and resources may instead be a powerful step toward healing." Psychiatry.org

3. Is therapy only for people with serious mental illness? "Therapy benefits anyone, not just those with mental illness. While therapy is an essential tool for treating conditions such as depression and anxiety, many people find that it is also useful for navigating the daily stressors of life, including work and relationships. Therapy can be compared in some ways to the gym – if you exercise and lift weights frequently, your muscles will strengthen. With mental health, therapy helps the brain remold and shape new pathways and ideas – a powerful phenomenon known as neuronal plasticity that explains our mind’s ability to evolve continuously and increases the brain’s capacity to adapt and grow." Psychiatry.org

4. If I’ve managed my emotions alone before, why do I need help now? "Many people often point to challenging times in their childhood when they overcame incredible adversity without needing therapy or help from a doctor. However, evidence shows that experiencing numerous stressful situations early in life increases the likelihood that someone may experience mental health challenges. It is important to recognize that mental health, much like physical health, is not static. Instead, we should think of seeking mental health care in the same way that we see a doctor for a sprained ankle or painful back – the sooner we address the problem, the faster we will be able to return to action and, importantly, understand how to avoid injury in the future." Psychiatry.org

5. Does talking about mental health makes things worse? "Having an open conversation about mental health has multiple benefits – not just for the people who may struggle with mental health challenges but also for the community. Hearing others, such as parents or mentors, talking about mental health can serve to reduce stigma7. On the other hand, ignoring concerns seldom makes them disappear. Whether checking in with a friend or visiting a mental health clinician, verbalizing emotions is often the first step in the journey of healing." Psychiatry.org

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