Mental Health
We've long been a catalyst for creating a better Milwaukee. Fulfilling that mission requires more than providing music and opportunities to connect with the city, as well as each other. It also involves confronting the challenges in front of us.
Mental health is something we need to prioritize as individuals and as an entire community. Thankfully, it's become more acceptable to talk about in recent years, which is why our Uniquely Milwaukee podcast is in the process of creating an entire month of episodes devoted to the topic. The four-part series will include interviews with experts and organizations trying to make a difference, as well as stories from people in the community.
If you'd like to be part of the podcast, you can share your experience of loss, survival and resilience by sending an audio file (no longer than 5 minutes) to storysubmission@radiomilwaukee.org.
For those not ready to share quite yet, we also included a variety of mental-health resources on this page. From general information to help lines to activities, these links were chosen by professionals in the field and individuals on their own mental-health journeys.
Uniquely Milwaukee: September episodes
Sept. 3: Overview and Understanding — In this opening episode, we dive into the complexities of suicide and death by despair. Experts in mental health provide insights to the underlying issues that can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This episode will lay the foundation for a month of deep exploration, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of suicide and why it remains a critical public health issue.
Sept. 10: Community and Connection — We explore the role of community and connection in suicide prevention by hearing from local organizations, support groups and individuals working to create safe spaces and strong support networks for those at risk.
Sept. 17: Personal Stories — This episode takes a deeply personal turn, featuring the voices of individuals directly affected by suicide. Through intimate interviews and audio stories, listeners will hear stories of loss, survival, and resilience.
Sept. 24: Grief, Healing and Recovery — Experts in grief counseling and mental health share strategies for coping with loss and finding a path to recovery. This episode also addresses the ongoing nature of grief and how individuals can find ways to honor their loved ones while moving forward. Listeners will gain insights to the delicate balance between mourning and healing, and the importance of self-care in this process.
Content Creators
Resources
For Immediate Help:
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention — A voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death.
- SAMHSA Helpline — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
- Help for Mental Illness — From the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a list of ways to get immediate help if you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally or has concerns about their mental health.
- The Trevor Project — The leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people, providing information and support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.
- Veterans Crisis Line — Confidential crisis support for veterans and their families, available 24/7. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Moms/Families:
- Sojourner Family Peace Center — A Milwaukee-based provider of domestic violence prevention and intervention services whose goals are to ensure the safety of victims of family violence and provide a pathway out of violence for victims and abusers.
- Moms Mental Health Initiative — For those experiencing postpartum depression and/or anxiety, MMHI works to ensure every mom, birthing person and family has access to equitable, quality care as they navigate their perinatal mental health journey.
- Postpartum Support International — A helpline and other resources for those experiencing mental health issues related to childbearing.
General Resources:
- Seize the Awkward — Starting a conversation about mental health does not need to be uncomfortable, and it can make all the difference. Here, you’ll find resources to learn how to support a friend or get help for yourself.
- Talking About Suicide — From The Trevor Project, steps you can take to help if you recognize some of the warning signs of suicide in someone you know or feel that someone you know is at risk for suicide.
- Self-Compassion Exercises — Recorded practices from Dr. Kristin Neff designed to help you be with yourself in a healthy and supportive way. Please note these practices are not a substitute for therapy.
- Harm Reduction — From the National Institute on Drug Abuse, learn about approaches that help reduce certain health and safety issues associated with drug use.
- The ADHD Project — Practical support and guidance for individuals with ADHD to help them navigate life's challenges with confidence, lead more fulfilling lives and embrace their neurotype.
- Adult Autism/ADHD Resources — Dr. Christine Henry enlisted the help of two neurodivergent colleagues to collect a list of resources they found helpful in their journeys and that others might use for clarity and insight.
- ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources — Compiled by neurodivergent therapists, these resources available to the neurodivergent community include everything from books to legal help.
Milwaukee-area practice owners: