From the office from State Representative Lindsay Patterson:
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to work together to raise awareness, reduce stigma and take meaningful steps toward supporting mental wellness in Indiana.
This year’s national theme is ‘More Good Days, Together,’ focusing on community support, meeting people where they are and fostering collaboration to improve mental health.
Indiana is making real progress in mental health. In 2022, we ranked 42nd in the country for mental health access and outcomes. Thanks to the work of dedicated advocates, policy support and organizations like Mental Health America of Indiana, we’ve moved up to 24th. There is more work to do but progress is being made to support Hoosiers’ mental health.
Mental Health Resources Available to You:
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, 24/7emotional support.
• Indiana 211: Dial 211 for help finding mental health counseling and other community resources.
• National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for referrals to local mental health and substance use treatment programs.
What You Can Do:
• Take a free, anonymous mental health screening at mhascreening.org.
• Start a conversation—ask someone, “How are you, really?”
• Wear green this month to support Mental Health Awareness and be “Seen in Green.”
In 2023, I co-sponsored a new law prioritizing mental health infrastructure through the recommendations of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission to build a more responsive and accessible behavioral health system. Our new two-year state budget also prioritized mental health funding. This year, I supported a new law that increases accountability and transparency for addiction and mental health recovery centers to ensure ethical standards, prioritize patient results and reduce recidivism.
Mental illness impacts around 1 in 5 U.S. adults annually — and behind every number is a person. Hoosiers, let’s commit to building a state where everyone has access to the support they need.
