President's Review

by Michele DeShay, Mayor, Moline Acres, and MML President

"As you begin 2023, I want to encourage you to take a moment to think small. Specifically, I am asking you to think of ways your seemingly minor gestures could make a big impact on the mental health of those around you."

Small Gestures, Enormous Impact

It’s common to look at a new year as a fresh start, and as local officials, we often have a long list of new projects that will benefit our communities. A new calendar year is an exciting time to plan how those projects could take shape and the new opportunities we hope to incorporate.

As you begin 2023, I want to encourage you to take a moment to think small. Specifically, I am asking you to think of ways your seemingly minor gestures could make a big impact on the mental health of those around you.

We see the impact of poor mental health in our communities. What can we do?

First, it is so important to make sure your citizens are aware of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Keep in mind that suicide affects everyone, with no regard for gender, race or economic status. Take some time to bring awareness to 988 – this could be dedicated promotion at your community events or meetings but could also be something as simple as a quick note in your newsletter or discussing it with your own family.

Second, make an individual effort to reach out to your friend, neighbor, loved one or coworker. One of the most challenging problems with addressing mental health is that the illness can seem hidden. We simply cannot know the thoughts and internal struggles of those we interact with each day. What we CAN do is realize the impact of our words, and take the time to send an encouraging text, or check in on a neighbor for a brief chat. It costs nothing to be nice and may be just the boost a struggling person needs.

Third, take time to listen more than you speak. This one is hard! Local officials often love to talk, but I believe God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Learning to listen well means you will begin to pick up the signals that might be hidden to others – you may be able to discern when someone is struggling and help guide them in a more positive direction.

Finally, I encourage you to advocate for your community’s mental health needs to state legislators. MML, along with the Missouri Association of Counties and the Missouri School Boards Association, has been able to successfully advocate for increased funding to local mental health programs. The next step is to work with the Missouri Department of Mental Health to distribute those funds locally. Your individual conversations and relationships with your state legislators will go a long way to increase awareness and funding for this critical issue.

Your devoted work on street projects, parks, transportation, and so much more is widely impactful – you serve people every day more than they may ever realize. However, do not overlook the kind greeting, quick check-in or time for family and friends. Those seemingly tiny gestures can ripple out to boost your community health and overall wellness in massive ways.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Phone: 988 Website: 988lifeline.org NAMI Missouri Helpline & Parent Helpline Phone: 800-374-5636 (not a crisis line) Website: https://namimissouri.org