LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County Board of Commissioners recently recognized May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to increase public understanding of the importance of mental healthcare and to promote early identification and treatment of mental illness.

According to data from the CDC and the National Institute of Mental Health, half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75% by age 24. Suicide remains the 12th leading cause of death in the United States, with 46% of those who die by suicide having a diagnosed mental health condition.

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 14, and the third leading cause of death among those ages 15 to 24 in the United States,” said Commissioner Angela Harding. “A lack of mental health awareness leads to devastating impacts on the well-being of individuals and communities.”

Early warning signs often appear with the onset or worsening of mental health symptoms and can include thoughts, feelings or behaviors that significantly impair daily functioning.

“Early identification and treatment can make a profound difference in the successful management of mental illness and long-term recovery,” Harding said.

She noted that individuals in rural communities often face unique challenges in accessing and managing their mental healthcare. Many must travel twice as far for treatment and are twice as likely to have limited access to broadband internet, restricting their ability to use virtual care services. They are also more likely to live in areas with mental health provider shortages, where the number of professionals is insufficient to meet growing demand.

Stacy Clarke, a psychotherapist in Avis and volunteer with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), thanked the commissioners for the proclamation on behalf of the NAMI North Central Pennsylvania Board of Directors.

The local chapter serves residents throughout the region with free mental health support, online groups, resources and educational programming.

“With your support, we at NAMI can continue to provide advocacy, education, resources and peer support for those who are impacted by mental health,” said Clarke. “By reducing the stigma, we remove the isolation for those who struggle and create a community of help, awareness, acceptance and support.”

Clarke, who has both personal and professional experience with mental health conditions, also offered practical advice to those listening.

“Ask those who are struggling, ‘how can I help?'” she said. “They may not even know what they need, but offer to go for a walk, go for coffee together and be a support, so they know they aren’t alone.”

She shared that NAMI has recently reestablished its quarterly suicide prevention committee with local stakeholders and is working to develop a collaborative task force. The organization also launched a monthly peer support group in Clinton County, held at Brite Laundry Center. Additional groups are offered in Lycoming County, including a survivors of suicide loss group and a support group for mental health professionals.

Clarke also encouraged residents in mental health crisis to use the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling 988, and highlighted NAMI’s HelpLine services, which are available by calling 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), texting “HELPLINE” to 62640 or visiting NAMI.org/help to chat with a specialist.