May is here. In the United States it has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month. But shouldn’t we be concerned about mental health every day?

Mental health was already fragile when the pandemic hit. Isolating people from each other by closing schools, gyms, churches and restaurants was not a good idea. Human connection is vital for good health, physical and mental. We are wired by our Creator to be in community.

About 50,000 people take their own lives every year. Usually there are warning signs, but not always. If you have a concern about one of your friends or family members, take the time to talk with them. Listen to them. Yes, it might make you uncomfortable, but get over it. Someone might truly need you to be with them and listen.

People are holding on to things we don’t know about. They keep them inside in dark places. Help them bring their darkness into the light.

Your kindness and willingness might be someone’s last, best hope…