You Matter: Mental Health Reflections from Rich Bennett

[00:00:00] Rich Bennett: Hey everyone. It's Rich Bennett. Can you believe it? This show is turning 10 this year. I am so grateful for each and every one of you who've tuned in, shared an episode, or even joined the conversation over the years. You are the reason that this podcast has grown into what it is today. Together, we shared laughs.

Tears and moments that truly matter. So I want to thank you for being part of this journey. Let's make the next 10 years even better. 

[00:00:34] Rich & Wendy: Coming to you from the Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios. Hartford County Living Presents conversations with Rich Bennett.

Today

answer. That's okay. No, no, no. It's fine. The truth is 

[00:01:00] Rich Bennett: welcome to Conversations with Rich Bennett. I am your host, rich Bennett, and today's episode is a little different because it's just me and you having a heart to heart as me unfolds around us. I wanted to dedicate this time, this space to something incredibly important.

Something that touches all our lives in profound ways, yet often remains in the shadows. Mental health you see, may is not about blooming flowers, warmer weather bees and hummingbirds. It is mental health awareness month, and I truly felt it was vital to use this platform to talk openly, honestly, and with genuine compassion about what that really signifies.

For each of us as individuals for the intricate dynamics of our families, the pulse of our businesses, and the very fabric of communities everywhere. Think about this for a moment. Mental Health Awareness Month has been recognized since way back in 1949, as decades of dedicated effort spearheaded by the incredible organization, mental Health America.

Their mission then, as it remains now, is to raise widespread awareness to empower the public with crucial education, and most importantly, to dismantle the persistent stigma that unfortunately still surrounds mental illness. Let us consider some stark realities for a moment. Did you know that in the United States alone, approximately one in five adults.

Experience some form of mental illness every year. That's a huge portion of our population, and tragically, over half of those individuals do not receive the treatment and support they desperately need. Furthermore, and this is a statistic that truly underscores the urgency of this conversation. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 10 to 34.

You heard me right, 10 to 34. It is crucial for us to internalize this truth. Mental health is not a character flaw. It is not a sign of weakness. It is an essential part of human experience. Just as we prioritize our physical wellbeing. Scheduling those checkups, trying to eat nourishing foods, we absolutely, absolutely must extend that same care and attention to our minds and our emotional landscape.

Now, let me be clear, I'm not a licensed therapist and I don't have a medical degree. I never even graduated high school. Well, I got my GED. My perspective comes from a place of shared humanity, from observing the world around me and from my own journey through life. But I've witnessed firsthand a profound impact mental health can have on individuals, on families, and yes, even my own life and through the incredible conversations I have had with guests right here on this show, for example, Laura Renner.

A former NICU nurse opened up about her battles with anxiety in the aftermath of emergency brain surgery. Justine Rhodes detailed her experiences with bullying and how they shaped her mental health journey. And as a mental health advocate and host of the Mentally A Badass podcast, she shared her mission to empower others facing similar challenges.

Eric Darosa, another guest founder of from Survivor to Thriver, shared his personal experiences with mental health and his mission to destigmatize mental health conversations. Through candid discussions and community engagement, I have been honored to speak of individuals who have bravely shared their own battles of trauma with addiction, with profound loss, and who have demonstrated incredible resilience in their journey toward healing.

Their stories have been a powerful reminder of the strength that can be found, even amid vulnerability. Sometimes I believe the most courageous act we can undertake is simply admitting that we are struggling. And so to anyone listening right now who might be carrying a heavy burden, I wanted to say this directly and clearly it is okay to not be okay.

Again, it is okay to not be okay. You're not alone in those feelings. Making a positive difference in the realm of mental health does not always require grand gestures. It often starts with small, meaningful actions. And I've mentioned some things on this, not on this episode. I've mentioned some things on the podcast several times.

Simply taking the time to generally ask someone, how are you really doing? Then truly listening to their response can be incredibly powerful. Smile. Just smile at somebody that can change somebody's life. Extend kindness. Sometimes just showing up for someone. Offering your presence without judgment can be a lifeline.

Take the initiative to educate yourself on various mental health topics. Strive to be a safe and supportive space for the people in your life. Into digital sphere, consider sharing vital resources on your social media platforms. Instead of posting all the negative stuff, post stuff to help others. This could include local or national hotline numbers.

Information about support groups or insightful articles that help normalize conversations around mental wellbeing. Let us actively work to dismantle the stigma surrounding therapy and counseling, particularly within communities where those biases may still hold strong. And if you are struggling, please, I urge you to seek help.

Therapy is not reserved for some extreme circumstance. It's a valuable tool for anyone who desires personal growth, healing, and a deeper understanding of themselves. Prioritizing your mental health is not an act of selfishness. It is one of the most profoundly strong and loving things you can do both for yourself and for everyone around you.

Here in Hartford County alone, we are fortunate to have some incredible organizations dedicated to supporting mental wellbeing groups such as Maryland Wellness serves the broader state with a focus on promoting overall wellbeing, including mental health support and information. Ashley Behavioral Health and Wellness offers specialized mental health services as part of their comprehensive approach to care, and of course, Hartford County Health Department also plays a vital role by offering a range of public health services, which often include mental health resources and support.

I encourage you to explore these resources and see how they might be able to offer support or guidance. Consider getting involved. You can volunteer your time at a local hotline or a mental health focus organization. Keep an eye out for community mental health walks or fundraisers and lend your support and please share information about local support groups.

Again, every little bit of connection and awareness helps whether you are someone who has been navigating the complexities of mental health and silence for years. Or whether you are a stead face supporter of a loved one on their journey. Please know this. You are not alone. Your experiences, your feelings, they are valid.

It is okay to reach out and ask for help. It is okay to prioritize rest and self-care, and it is undeniably okay to speak your truth, to share your struggles, and to advocate for your own wellbeing. If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, please, please, I beg of you, please reach out. You can call or text nine eight eight in the United States.

That is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. I also encourage you to visit the websites of Mental Health America or nami, the National Alliance on Mental Illness for a wealth of information and resources. Please consider sharing this episode with someone in your life who might need to hear this message today.

And if anything I have shared has resonated with you, please feel free to leave a comment or send me a message. Let us commit to keeping the vital conversation going, not just during the month of May, but throughout the entire year. Thank you so much for spending this time with me today. Talking about mental health is not always easy.

It is always, always worth it. Please remember this more than anything else, you matter and I am genuinely proud of you. Whether you are navigating a challenging day or celebrating in a moment of triumph again, it is okay to not be okay. Be kind to your mind. Take care of yourselves. And take care of each other.

[00:10:47] Justine Rodes: Hey, I'm Justine Rhodes, host of Mentally A Badass, the podcast where we have the kind of conversation most people are too scared to have. We talk about mental health, identity healing, and what it means to actually take care of yourself without the fluff. Our guests share stories that are wild, raw, sometimes hilarious, and sometimes heartbreakingly real.

We dive into the stuff no one wants to say out loud. Grief, trauma, shame, and even the awkward things like feeling like you're too much. Or not enough, but we don't just sit in the heavy. Every episode leaves you with something useful, real actionable advice to help you move through your own stuff. If you're tired of surface level talk and ready for something deeper.

Check out mentally a badass, wherever you get your podcast.