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Community Issues

Mental Health in the Pandemic

How should I potentially help someone I care about who is struggling with a mental health issue?
It can be scary to watch someone you care about struggle with mental health. The most important thing you can do is to be a friend: listen, offer support, and don't pass judgment. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a great summary of steps you can take:
Original Infographic available at www.nami.org

However, if someone you care about is expressing they will hurt themselves or someone else, contact a professional immediately. Professionals are highly trained to deal with these situations. There are many hotlines available to someone in crisis, but if you believe the person is in immediate danger call 911.

  • The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line can be reached at 1-855-NMCRISIS (or 1-855-662-7474).
  • The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (or 1-800-273-8255).
Resources
What are some of the ways mental health affects our community, and what can I do to help?

Two important resources to help mental health resources in our community thrive are time and money.

Many organizations hold fundraising events, such as the NAMIWalks Your Way New Mexico event, where you can donate your time by walking or doing another activity and reaching out to friends and family to join you or donate to the cause. This also helps to raise awareness amongst your friends and family about resources they might not have known about.

Homelessness can be an effect of mental health issues. There are many organizations in New Mexico dedicated to aiding those affected by homelessness, and there are several ways you can help. Consider volunteering for or donating items to groups such as Haven House.

Remember: we're all in this together.Sponsored by: Institute of Museum and Library Services, PNM, New Mexico EPSCoR