Someone You Know  

Our mission is to  serve as an advocate and a community resource by promoting positive mental health in Aiken County. The needs are many and I am reminded daily that many are affected by mental illness, depression and suicide. In fact, it may be "Someone You Know".  I recently had the opportunity to join Donna Moore-Wesby at SHOUT radio for an Education Matters on-air discussion about depression and the myths that are prevalent in the African American community. Donna and I discussed the important truth that depression and other mental health conditions are medical conditions. We reminded the listeners that just as you may be diagnosed diabetic as a result of problems with the functioning of your pancreas, you may also experience problems with your mental health as a result of your brain functioning. After all, the pancreas and the brain are both vital organs. We had an interactive discussion with callers who shared their own stories and how they had acknowledged the need for help and had learned to survive by caring for their mental health.  MHA Aiken provides many valuable resources on our website, www.mha-aiken.org. I encourage you to visit the Education and Advocacy page of the website listed under Our Programs. Here, you will find a confidential tool, the On-line Depression Screen. This vital tool can be used to determine whether you, a friend or family member may need  to see a medical professional. If so, you'll find a list of local resources as well as other support groups and resources. Remember, someone you know may be struggling. Our website and our services are available to help you start the conversation towards positive mental health.