Can we talk about mental health issues? May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to remember the importance of mental health. I am surprised because I am reminded of the importance of mental health every day. My brother died of gun suicide 31 years ago. Sometimes it seems like a long time ago, and sometimes it seems more recent. It always seems preventable to me. One of the painful things for my mother, living in the same community as my brother, was that people would cross to the other side of the street so they did not have to speak with her. Was this because they did not know what to say? Maybe this explains why May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

I wonder about the things that can help prevent suicide, such as building community, allowing people to talk about life’s challenging questions, promoting hope for tomorrow and better mental health treatment. We have been living through difficult times, and for many, this has caused new mental health challenges or has worsened existing challenges. When facing a mental health concern, it is common to feel like no one will understand what you’re going through. You aren’t alone. Help is available. Reach out and talk to someone. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It seems like we should talk about the importance of mental health every day, not just in the month of May.

Elizabeth Klein, Portland