Homes and businesses in Lincoln will shine green in the month of May, spotlighting Mental Health Awareness Month.
The Mental Health Association of Nebraska (MHA), Lancaster County Prevention Coalition and Tobacco Free Lancaster County are teaming up again this year for ‘Green Light Project NE,’ an public initiative aiming to increase awareness around mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations.
Homes and businesses are encouraged to light up in the color green, displaying yard signs, and sharing resources through social media with #GreenLightProjectNE.
Light bulbs and yard signs in English and Spanish are available at no cost at each of these partner locations while supplies last:
- LLCHD, 3131 “O” St., first floor
- Region V Systems, 1645 “N” Street
“We must normalize having conversations about mental health, just as we do with physical health,” said Teri Effle, a Prevention Specialist with Region V and the Lancaster County Prevention Coalition. “By providing equal support, referral, and hope for recovery to those facing mental health challenges as we would for physical illnesses or injuries, we combat the isolation and stigma that often accompany mental health issues.”
One in five Americans experiences a mental health condition each year, and almost half of the population will face a diagnosable disorder in their lifetime, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Sadie Jensen, Health Educator with LLCHD and the Tobacco Free Lancaster County Coalition, said certain vices like nicotine can create a feed back loop for poor mental health.
“Nicotine tricks the brain into releasing feel-good chemicals. As nicotine levels drop, cravings begin and withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, depression, and stress intensify. Using nicotine provides temporary relief, and the cycle repeats. This is addiction. What feels like relief from mental health conditions is truly temporary relief from symptoms caused by nicotine withdrawal. Over time the addiction cycle worsens stress, anxiety, and depression so quitting tobacco is beneficial for physical health and mental well-being,” Jensen said.
Resources
The Nebraska Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW and TobaccoFreeLancasterCounty.org offer support in quitting tobacco.
The MHA has variety of peer-support resources, and two warmlines available – the Keya Warmline at 402-261-5959 and the Honu Warmline at 402-975-2032.
- Warmlines are for people not in immediate crisis but seeking support or someone to talk to. Anyone in Nebraska needing support can call and talk to an Intentional Peer Support Specialist 24/7, 365 days a year. To talk with an Intentional Peer Support Specialist in-person or to learn more about programs and services available, call the main office at 402-441-4371 weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For more information on heart-to-heart conversations and other tools and resources, visit talkheart2heart.org.
To learn more about the Green Light Project NE and access mental health resources, please visit mha-ne.org.