Encouraging Support for Struggling Neighbors
I stopped at a local store earlier today and as I was headed for my vehicle, I passed a man who was headed toward his. We made eye contact and he said "Hello Sheriff Groves, how are ya?" I didn't break stride, kept going, and replied, "Doing well, how are you?" To be honest, I figured we were simply exchanging pleasantries and each would go about our afternoon. Except, he didn't say "fine" back. He said, "To tell you the truth I'm not doing very good at all." His response stopped me in my tracks. I turned around and walked with him to the side of the building and asked what was going. He started exhibiting anger about struggles he was facing; lack of money for food, medical issues, an aging parent who needs him. The more he talked his anger turned to frustration and then finally sadness. He broke down and it was evident by his words and the tears he tried to hold in, he had feelings of helplessness and loneliness. I tried to offer him encouragement and a little advice as we visited a bit longer.
As I drove away (and even now) I hope that randomly running into me at the store and the words I shared, helped make some sort of positive impact on him and his situation. It most certainly had an impact on me.
It reminded me of something we have all probably heard a thousand times, that you never know the struggles anyone else is going through, you never know the burden on their shoulders and you never really know just how close anyone is to reaching their breaking point.
While it's easy to get wrapped up in the hecticness of life, it's important to check on friends, to listen to their real answer when you ask how they are doing, to give a real answer when someone asks how you are doing and to remember, it costs absolutely nothing to be kind to people.
As it turns out, May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Through having a position in our community where I have the opportunity to work with and interact with all segments of our society - wealthy and homeless, addicted and non-addicted, criminal and pillar of the community - I assure you mental health is something that touches every family in every home.
In addition to being kind, patient and understanding, another thing we can do as a society is continue to work towards de-stigmatizing mental health issues. When members of our community find themselves in crisis, they should be encouraged to seek help, just as they would if they were experiencing a medical emergency.
It's unfortunate some of our friends and neighbors do not feel they can get the help they need because of how their friends or co-workers may react if they found out. In reality, this concern is often a hurdle which results in a lack of seeking care until it's too late.
I realize this is not an upbeat topic, but I think it's important. Just as this community admirably rallies around those who are inflicted with a sudden tragedy or chronic illness, let's also support and encourage those who feel alone with the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Stay safe and God Bless,
Sheriff David Groves