Tom Ross

Combatting concerns around mental health in the Minot community starts with each one of us, according to Minot Mayor Tom Ross.

Ross has proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Minot, having worked with mental health advocates to draft language in a proclamation.

Ross said the City of Minot has been dealing with the mental health issue, particularly with the stresses on public safety and first responders.

“There is still a stigma out there, that I’ve got to keep these things to myself and nobody can help me,” Ross said, noting government can’t legislate to address that.

“But we can lead by example. I can do some things. I can reach out to somebody. And I put it into practice,” he said. “If I can do it, anybody else can do it, and then it also, I think, puts you in a position to where, if I’m asking people if they need help, or if they want to talk, then it must be OK for me if I need help.”

“I also want to encourage everyone to be always mindful about how we treat members of our community,” mental health advocate Lisa Hermosillo told the Minot City Council Monday. “Beyond educating ourselves on mental health conditions, it’s important for us to remember that something that significantly affects people’s mental health is how we treat them. Specifically, our vulnerable populations, such as those struggling with mental illnesses and addiction, those with disabilities and our LGBTQIA community in town and at Minot Air Force Base. Each and every encounter we have with those around us will either promote and encourage the items in that proclamation or it will work against it. I hope this highlight on mental health for the city of Minot will foster a positive shift and acceptance for those who are struggling.”

The National Suicide and Crisis Line includes a Veterans Crisis Line, Maternal Crisis Line and LGBTQI+ Line. Anyone in crisis can call or text 988 and receive immediate, confidential help.

The Minot proclamation notes two in five adults report anxiety and depression, two in five teens describe experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness, drug overdose deaths are at near record highs, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.

“Despite its prevalence, mental health remains shrouded in stigma, preventing many from seeking help despite early intervention and access to quality care being crucial for managing mental health conditions and improving quality of life,” it states. “As residents of Minot, we can work together to create a community where everyone feels supported and empowered to prioritize their mental well-being and is encouraged to seek help from family, friends, and mental health professionals when recommended or needed.”

The proclamation encourages residents to “educate themselves and others about mental health conditions, challenge stigma by speaking respectfully and inclusively about mental health, seek help if they are struggling with their mental health, support organizations that provide mental health services and advocacy, and work to create safe and supportive environments where all residents can have open conversations about mental health.”