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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Writer: Niq JonesNiq Jones

Welcome to My World



If we are being honest, I struggled with whether or not I would use my platform to address this issue. Mental Health has always been sort of a taboo subject. As a military member, I know this struggle all too well. In Air Force Basic Training, one of the first things we are taught is the core values: Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do, and Integrity First. No matter your duty description these core values are drilled into you from the first day that you arrive at Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio, Texas). As a military member there is a certain amount of pride that comes with wearing the uniform. However, many have become very good at masking and hiding when problems arise. As a whole I feel we could really improve in the areas of Mental Health. No one should feel ashamed or fear the perception that people will have of them for seeking help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. My husband says all the time that the world is already beating us up on a day-to-day basis (And he is 100% right). COVID came and lots of people lost their jobs, the economy still hasn't recovered, and food prices are at an all-time high. It's becoming harder and harder to practice that resilience that the military teaches us. We must be more vigilant when it comes to the ones we love. No one should go through life and feel like they have no one to lean on or turn to. Whether you or military or not life in general is hard. I read a quote that said, "Everyone is fighting a silent battle that we know nothing about." Thats a very true statement. If you are reading this know that you are loved, you are worthy, and you are ENOUGH! If you feel you need to talk to someone, please feel free to reach out. You can also speak to someone at the U.S National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. They offer 24-hour services. They also offer a crisis text line that provides free 24/7 confidential support via text message (Dial 741741).





 
 
 

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