‘Turn Awareness Into Action': What Indiana is doing for mental health
Every May, Mental Health America leads the state and nation in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May throughout the United States since 1949. The month is often observed with media, local events, proclamations, and even film screenings. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental wellness and mental illness, to reduce the stigma around the disorder. Individuals oftentimes feel alone with their illness — when in fact, one in four are at lifetime risk.
But we need to do more. This year, we are not just raising awareness — we are turning that awareness into action!
The national theme for 2025 is: 'Turn Awareness Into Action.' This is a call to go beyond the conversation and take real steps to improve mental well-being — whether that means checking in on a friend, calling your legislator, or reaching out for help yourself.
In Indiana, this movement is already underway.
Just a few years ago, our state ranked 42nd in the nation for mental health care access and outcomes. Mental Health Advocates, stakeholders, and legislators turned awareness into action in 2023 and made mental health a priority via SEA 1. SB 1 was the work product of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission and authored by Senator Mike Crider.
Today, thanks to targeted funding and legislative action, Indiana has climbed to 26th in the national ranking for behavioral health. This improvement has not been by chance, but rather the result of the strategic efforts of the Commission and the Indiana General Assembly. Legislators included a $50 million annual investment in behavioral health in HEA 1001-2023 as well as the building of the behavioral health infrastructure of crisis response, treatment access, and community care in SEA 1. While more is still needed, we have begun to take action.
Behavioral Health Commission wraps up two-year study with $50M ask
One of the most transformative examples is Indiana's 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline. This program ensures that Hoosiers can speak to trained crisis counselors 24/7 — people who live here and understand the unique needs of our state. Mental Health America of Indiana is proud to operate one of these call centers, and we've seen call volume grow by 184% in the last year alone.
And behind every statistic is a story. One man called our 988 line literally with a gun to his head. Because of the assistance from the trained crisis counselor who answered, he put the gun down and agreed to safety planning. 'You've literally saved my life,' he said.
He was one — of many. This is the power of action.
Every Hoosier can take action! In May 2025, this Mental Health Month, please take the first step:
Check your own mental health by taking a free, anonymous screening at https://mhascreening.org. It is totally anonymous.
Start conversations with those around you — ask, 'How are you, really?'
Join the movement by advocating for continued state support of Indiana's mental health system, including funding for 988 and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).
Wear green in support of Mental Health Month and join us in being 'Seen in Green' this May.
Support Mental Health America of Indiana, which provides direct care and statewide advocacy every day. To be part of MHAI, go to: https://www.mhai.net.
The truth is, every Hoosier has the power to turn awareness into action. Whether it's through a phone call, a conversation, or a policy change — you can help build a mentally healthier Indiana.
Please join us to keep moving Indiana forward. Turn your own awareness into action.
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Credit - Photo-Illustration by TIME (Source Images: NiseriN/Getty Images, BraunS/Getty Images) When you have social anxiety, walking into a room full of people can make you feel like every eyeball in the place is boring directly into your soul, and that nothing you say will possibly be smart or funny or coherent enough. That can trigger an array of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. 'For some people, it might mean a racing heart and dizziness and feeling flushed,' says Kirsten Hall-Baldwin, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Chicago. 'Others might be in these thought spirals, or feel like their mind is going blank or freezing.' Hall-Baldwin coaches her anxious clients to create a coping plan: a proactive list of strategies and techniques that can help temper their unease. Here, experts share nine tips on how to carry a conversation when you have social anxiety. 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'You can keep it going without having to freeze and leave to go to the bathroom.' Read More: The Worst Thing to Say to Someone Who's Depressed One of her favorites, for example: 'That's really interesting—tell me more about that.' If you love traveling, ask people if they've gone on any recent vacations, or if you're a foodie, find out if your conversation partner has tried any great new restaurants. Fenkel suggests practicing your collection of phrases in front of a mirror, and then, when you become more comfortable, in front of a trusted family member or friend. Start with shared context This isn't the conversation Olympics; you don't need to wow anyone with never-before-asked questions or laugh-till-they-pee jokes. Instead, especially when you first enter a room, begin with low-stakes comments, like observations about the environment or the event you're attending, Fenkel advises: 'This line is moving slowly, huh?' 'Another hot day!' 'The birthday cake looks so good.' These types of remarks can help break the ice and build rapport in a breezy way, she says. Think of questions as a bridge Social anxiety often stems from fear of saying the 'wrong' thing. Questions can help shift the focus outward and invite connection without demanding vulnerability right away, Fenkel says. Open-ended questions that don't require a 'yes' or 'no' response are an ideal way to connect with the other person—and allow them to do most of the talking. Use the echo technique One of the best habits for someone with social anxiety is paraphrasing what the other person said—which demonstrates active listening—and then encouraging them to elaborate. For example, if they mention they're struggling at work, repeat back their words with a question in your voice: 'Struggling?' They'll most likely launch into an explanation of what's giving them a hard time. Read More: How to Reconnect With People You Care About 'People want to feel heard,' Hall-Baldwin says. 'A lot of the time, just showing attentiveness can encourage the other person to keep sharing—and that takes some of the pressure off you to feel like you have to come up with original responses.' Hold something Holding a cold drink, touching an object like a fidget toy, or simply pressing your feet into the floor can give your nervous system something to anchor to when you're feeling anxious. 'It helps signal to your brain: I'm safe,' Fenkel says. When she does public speaking engagements, she puts a worry stone into her pocket, which is a smooth, oval-shaped gem with a thumbprint-like indentation. 'Every time I get nervous, I just touch it,' she says. Doing so creates a physical sensation of security that propels her to the finish line. Acknowledge your anxiety Depending on what kind of situation you're in—a work event vs. a low-key social gathering—acknowledging that you're anxious can come across as relatable. 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You might feel better if you let your friends know from the get-go that you have an early morning and will only be able to stay until a certain time, or make it clear that you have an afternoon appointment that will keep brunch from turning into dinner. It's also a good idea to brainstorm a few ways to politely wrap up conversations, Hall-Baldwin says. For example: 'It was really nice talking to you—I'm going to check in with Jane.' Doing so can help reduce anxiety about feeling trapped in a conversation, she says. Give yourself permission to pause People with social anxiety tend to be 'really, really hard on themselves,' Fenkel says. 'They feel like they're defective in some way, because everybody else is easily socializing and they're not.' That means that if your conversation hits a lull, you might interpret it as a sign of failure or rejection. Read More: What It Really Means to Have Intrusive Thoughts While silence can feel awkward, it's a natural part of any conversation. Use it as an opportunity to take a deep breath. 'Pauses allow both parties to process what's been said, gather their thoughts, and decide how they want to respond,' Hall-Baldwin says. 'Conversation is like a rhythm—silence is just part of that rhythm and that music. We don't get the full song at the end if the silence is taken away.' Contact us at letters@ Solve the daily Crossword
