For the past few months, New Yorkers in need of mental health services have been able to access support easily, thanks to the state’s ‘Be Well’ campaign, which aims to help individuals struggling with trauma, stress, and anxiety. The campaign offers valuable resources to assist people in managing their mental well-being and seeks to reduce the stigma around mental health care.
Carmelo Hernandez, who leads Chautauqua County’s Department of Mental Hygiene, expressed his support for the initiative. He highlighted the importance of self-care and reaching out to others to foster a sense of community. “Checking in on yourself, checking in on your neighbor. Knowledge is power. And there’s a lot of lack of knowledge when it comes to behavioral health and mental health,” Hernandez said.
The campaign, which has received nearly $2 million in funding, strives to raise awareness and offer access to resources that help manage daily stress, which can lead to emotional distress and affect decision-making. The campaign is centered on a newly launched website that allows individuals to explore information at their own pace, helping them decide if they want to seek help.
According to Dr. Audrey Erazo-Trivino, associate commissioner of the Office of Prevention and Health Initiatives at the New York State Office of Mental Health, the campaign is designed to improve individual wellness. “We really want folks to create wellness plans in a way that feel comfortable for them,” said Dr. Erazo-Trivino. “Whatever that may look like… for some people, it’s one-on-one counseling, group counseling, working with a peer, or knowing where to go to receive help.”
Since its launch in November, the campaign has already garnered over 200,000 visits. The website is accessible on mobile devices and offers resources in multiple languages. Dr. Erazo-Trivino pointed out the importance of focusing on one’s mental health, especially when caring for others can make it easy to neglect personal well-being.
“Hopefully, it’ll plant seeds that would someday become steady trees,” said Hernandez. The initiative has reached the public through billboards, public transportation, and social media, and includes links to other statewide resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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