May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which looks to reduce the stigma and normalize conversations about mental health concerns. 

Dallas County Health Navigation Coordinator Ann Cochran explains that mental health should be treated just like any other health problem. Cochran says that normalizing mental health issues is a step in the right direction.

“People don’t seem bothered at all to share with others. Sometimes in too much detail all about their latest surgery or their, you know, their problems with their foot or whatever, or they had to get dentures. People will go on and on about those kinds of issues. But if you just mention a little bit of, well, ‘I’ve been feeling a little anxious and I think I’m going to go to see a therapist.’ Wow. All of a sudden, that’s really shameful.”

She says that older adults over the age of 65 that are struggling with mental health issues join their Senior Solutions support group at the Dallas County Hospital. 

“It is actually group therapy that is facilitated by a nurse who has special training in psychology and psychiatry.”

Cochran notes that people can also use the 24 hour 800 Crisis Lifeline which is a confidential support for people in distress.