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Governor Roy Cooper proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in North Carolina. Nationally, this month is used to reduce the stigma regarding mental health and encourage individuals to seek the medical help they may need.

“This pandemic has put a spotlight on the need for more attention to mental health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health and there are newly expanded opportunities to seek telehealth during this pandemic,” said Governor Cooper.

“These past months have been really hard on so many North Carolinians. Our lives have changed in unimaginable ways and some of us may be struggling with managing our mental health. Please reach out to a provider or call our Hope4NC hotline for help coping and building resilience during this of crisis,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, NC DHHS Secretary.

A reported one in five adults struggle with mental health challenges in a given year and during this month people are encouraged to hold open conversations that support and respect individuals living with mental illness. The majority of individuals with mental illness do not receive the treatment they need, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that all North Carolinians pay attention to their physical and mental well-being. While activities many perform as part of their daily lives have been limited, people are encouraged to practice safe, socially distant outdoor exercise and meditation,” stated the release. “There are also newly expanded opportunities to safely receive mental health services through telehealth during the course of the pandemic.”

North Carolinians can call Hope4NC at 1-855-587-3463 for mental health support.

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