By Payton Tholstrup
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being. Across the country, individuals, organizations, and communities are coming together to highlight the importance of mental health, advocate for better access to care, and support those who are struggling.
Melissa Petesch a licensed Clinical Social Worker and owner of Rosewood Therapeutic Services in Clay Center, said, “Mental health affects everyone, regardless of age, income, education, or profession. It doesn’t discriminate based on how many degrees you have, how tough you are, or how much compassion you give to others.”
Petesch has been a therapist for four years; three of those years she spent working in a group practice before opening her Rosewood Therapeutic Services. She has been serving clients independently for just over a year now and specializes in supporting helping professionals, such as teachers, nurses, daycare providers, social workers, and others who are constantly pouring into others. “These are individuals who are often expected to have it all together, but the truth is, carrying the emotional weight of others every day isn’t easy,” she said.
Others experience this type of pressure too. “Farmers, mechanics, electricians, welders, and all the other hard-working people in our communities often carry a quiet strength. They expect themselves to push through and get things done despite what might be weighing on them internally. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing scrubs, a suit, boots, or a hard hat. Asking for support doesn’t make you weak,” Petesch said, adding that we weren’t meant to handle everything on our own.
Petesch shared that therapy has changed a lot over the years, emphasizing that you don’t have to go to therapy for years for it to be helpful. “Therapies have come a long way in recent years. We now have more advanced therapies like Accelerated Resolutions Therapy that can treat some things in as little as 1-5 sessions. This kind of therapy also doesn’t require you to talk about past trauma in detail like some older therapies did. Mostly, I just want people to know there are options, and therapy today may not be the same as the cliché picture you’ve created in your mind.”
Talking openly about mental health helps break the stigma that it’s something to hide or be ashamed of. When people share their stories and struggles, as well as their healing journeys, they remind others they’re not alone. “Sharing our stories of success also offers hope that healing is possible.”
Raising awareness for mental health also gives individuals time to reflect on how they can continue to grow and improve these conversations. For younger generations, it lets them know it’s okay to speak up about their struggles and know they will be met with support.
“When we speak up and raise awareness, we help create a culture of compassion and understanding, and that is the kind of culture that has the power to save lives.”
