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We’re just a few short days from Christmas and after that a new year. Running up to that turn of the calendar, people are going to be making their New Year’s resolutions — whether they are serious attempts at bettering one’s self or some cheeky attempt to create some laughs.

We hope that at least one resolution is uttered this year — be better.

There’s no more running  from the fact there is a mental health crisis in this country. No more can we afford to utter things like, “It’s time to man up” or “just grow up” or even “Smile, it makes everything better.”

None of these are going to help someone who is suffering internally, afraid to talk because of the stigmas so carelessly tossed around.

The world around us contributes in so many ways to mental health struggles as to be battering; a near incessant storm that wails on us from all sides. The list, should we put them to paper, would be staggering and cause the very thing we are hoping to cast a light on.

In some ways, it is up to each and every one of us to put ourselves in a position to receive help if so needed. We need to first be willing to admit that there is a problem and then we have to be willing to seek help, of which there are so many areas to turn to.

Others will help, whether that’s professional counseling, friends and families, but we first have to be open.

Granted, we know it’s easy to say in this piece that all you have to do is ask for help, but we also know that it’s never easy because it requires a certain vulnerability when it comes time to open up to others. Especially, when some in the population see depression and anxiety as nothing more than something that can be swept away by standing tall and maybe offering a smile.

Poor mental health is a gnawing illness that works from the inside, and without proper support it can chew away a person’s will to find a better path. That’s scary, but we urge you to seek help if you feel you need to. Vulnerability is something that strong support can help.

It won’t be easy, but it will be better so as the new year rolls around, we hope you will consider starting with a talk if you feel you need to. Find help if it’s warranted and let others in to help in whatever way keeps you healthy and in this world with us.

For more information locally, visit https://www.co.mower.mn.us/245/Adult-Mental-Health-Services

If you are dealing with a mental health struggle and need someone immediately to talk to, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. More help can be found at https://namimn.org/education-and-public-awareness/suicide-prevention/.