Mental Health

If you or someone you know is in a dark place or are having Suicidal thoughts,  Talk to a Family member, A Friend, or a professional. 

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:  Dial 988   
    (Trained mental health providers assisting those with a mental health crisis of any kind)

People often don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start or are ashamed of Speaking Up.

I want to tell you, it is the bravest thing to ASK FOR HELP!

Talk to your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services.

If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help for yourself, your friends, your family, or your students.

Emergency Assistance: 911

Red Wing, MN and Surrounding Communities use these resources:

• Southeast MN Crisis Response Line: 1-844-274-7472

• United Way 2-1-1 Resource Line: Call 211

• United Way People's Pamphlet Resource Directory

• Southeast Regional Crisis Center (for adults, teens, and children)

• Goodhue County Mental Health Collaborative: Visit for links to crisis and non-crisis services and mental health resource guides.

The definition of Mental Health is 'a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being'.
"all this pressure seems to be affecting his mental health"

There are different types of Mental Health categories which include: 

• Mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder) 

• Anxiety disorders 

• Personality disorders 

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

• Psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) 

Mental Health...involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in:  

• Productive activities (such as in work, school or caregiving) 

• Healthy relationships

• Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity

Mental Illness...refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders — health conditions involving: 

• Significant changes in thinking, emotion and/or behavior or a combination of them

• Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities

Mental illness is common. In a given year: (*as of 2022)

• Nearly one in five (19%) U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness*

• One in 24 (4.1%) has a serious mental illness*

• One in 12 (8.5%) has a diagnosable substance use disorder*

Stigma

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical problem, just like heart disease or diabetes.  

More than half of people with mental illness don't receive help for their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood. That's because stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness is still very much a problem.

Stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness can be subtle or it can be obvious—but no matter the magnitude, it can lead to harm. People with mental illness are marginalized and discriminated against in various ways, but understanding what that looks like and how to address and eradicate it can help.

Types of Stigma examples:

• Public stigma involves the negative or discriminatory attitudes that others have about mental illness.

• Self-stigma refers to the negative attitudes, including internalized shame, that people with mental illness have about their own condition.

• Institutional stigma, is more systemic, involving policies of government and private organizations that intentionally or unintentionally limit opportunities for people with mental illness. Examples include lower funding for mental illness research or fewer mental health services relative to other health care.

Some of the causes of Mental Health issues can include: 

• Childhood abuse 

• Trauma

• Neglect 

• Social isolation  or  loneliness 

• Experiencing discrimination and stigma; including racism, social disadvantage, poverty or debt. 

Tips to boost your Mental Health:

• Make social connection — especially face-to-face — a priority

• Stay active

• Talk to someone

• Appeal to your senses

• Take up a relaxation practice

• Make leisure and contemplation a priority

• Eat a brain-healthy diet to support strong mental health

• Don't skimp on sleep. Find purpose and meaning Get help if you need it