WV Department of Human Services – January is Mental Wellness Month

The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) in a press release, says it is joining the national effort to recognize January as “Mental Wellness Month.” They said the intent is to promote mental health awareness, emotional well-being and to encourage West Virginians to seek help when needed.

They point out the importance of maintaining good mental health through the following: by raising awareness, by reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, by sharing practical strategies for self-care and by encouraging people to support those who may be struggling with mental illness.

The press release pointed out that mental wellness involves the following: recognizing the state of your own emotional health, building strong relationships, and learning how to develop resilience to face life’s challenges.

Nicholas Stuchell, the Interim Commissioner of the DoHS’s Bureau for Behavioral Health (or BBH) said “As we observe Mental Wellness Month, we encourage all West Virginians to take active steps toward prioritizing their mental health and overall well-being,” said Stuchell. “Mental wellness is just as vital as physical health, and reaching out for help is a powerful act of self-care and strength.”

The DoHS funds and promotes several programs to assist individuals and families in maintaining mental wellness. These include:

1. HELP4WV, which is a 24/7 helpline that provides support for people who are struggling with either mental health or addiction. This helpline connects callers to treatment options and community resources that are tailored to their individual needs. Those include referrals to crisis counseling services. HELP4WV can be reached by either calling or texting 1-844-HELP4WV (1-844-435-7498.) or by visiting them at “help4wv.com.”
2. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who will assist individuals who are in emotional distress or are facing mental health or substance use crises. This can be reached by calling or texting 988 or by visiting “wv988.org” for online chat support. Veterans who find themselves in need of these services can press option #1 for specialized assistance.
3. Community Behavioral Health Resources, which include numerous local initiatives and programs to support mental wellness across the state, all funded by the DoHS’s Bureau for Behavioral Health. To learn about these, visit www.dhhr.wv,gov/bbh.

“Our mental health is a cornerstone of overall wellness,” said Christina Mullins, the DoHS Deputy Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. “We are committed to ensuring that every West Virginian has access to the tools and resources they need to navigate life’s challenges and thrive.”