The United Way of Lea County is committed to mental health – so committed that the organization is producing a series of mental health programs. Aired on Facebook, about 20 videos have been produced.
In the public service series moderators talk with real people, both those you know and some you don’t know, regarding how mental health issues have affected them personally and/or professionally. The series, also, provides information about resources that people may use when mental health issues arise.
Certainly, the restrictive lifestyles that everyone has been experiencing as a result of COVID-19 has brought the issues surrounding mental health to the forefront. Becca Titus, President and CEO of the Lea County United Way, is acutely aware that many Lea County residents are suffering during these difficult times, and the mental health series is a means of reaching out to those in need.
Recently, Titus replayed one of the series’ earlier programs. Heather Bean, pastor at Cowboy Junction Church, who is also a popular area speaker and the founder of Create Women, was her guest. According to Bean, currently almost everyone knows someone who is struggling with mental health, if not struggling with it personally.
Bean talked about social media and the negative affect that it has on mental health. Bean said about social media in the video: “We spend so much time addicted – and it is an addiction. … We’re bombarded with so much information, so much false information, that we are told to believe as truth, that our mind is in a constant state of confusion.”
About social media Titus said, “I fall into that same social media pathway. … I think right now with the election, new president, all this stuff that has happened, COVID, mask or no mask, vaccine or no vaccine, … there are so many different viewpoints. … Is there a conspiracy theory?” The point is that people are confused and do not know where to turn. The result is anxiety, loneliness and depression.
Bean goes on to say that one of the main ways to alleviate the feeling of helplessness is to talk to one another, “…being creative with sitting six feet apart in a lawn chair and having a girls’ night….” Reaching out to others is very important commented Titus: “I just feel like sometimes we get stuck in the ‘poor me’ syndrome. Why can’t they reach out to me? Why am I always the one who is reaching out?”
Well known Crosswinds Community Church connections pastor Mick Cavanaugh has also been a featured guest in the series. Cavanaugh, a recovering alcoholic, has been sober for 31 years. About his alcoholism he comments: “With that comes some mental health issues.”… “More recently I have had a lot of parents that have come in who have said that they have children who are either teen alcoholics or teen drug addicts or both….” Cavanaugh listens and tries to help. He says, “I invite anybody.…” … “You are more than welcome to reach out to me if you would like to meet with me one-to-one – free of charge….”
All programs in the United Way series are available on Facebook. Subject matter is varied. However, the message remains the same. If you are feeling anxiety, depression and /or loneliness, it is important to talk. Always remember that “it is okay not to be okay.”
