Dear Reader,
Mental health, like physical health, is neutral. You can have poor mental health or good mental health and it’s just as important to invest in and take care of your mental health as it is your physical health.
Every Wednesday, I’ll be putting together a quick list of all things mental health impacting Buffalo and WNY. They’re often the things that didn’t make it on-air and were left on the cutting room floor. Hence, the name of the blog.
I’ll also give you a peek into the things on my mind, in my reporter’s notebook, Report for America, and some things I do to keep my own mental health in tip-top shape.
In this week’s blog, I listen to The Rising by Bruce Springsteen, a song about 9/11, discuss Suicide Prevention Month highlight how a local coalition painted Western New York landmarks like Niagara Falls and the Peace Bridge Yellow, and Spectrums first Facebook Live #IAm1in5 chat where we answer your questions about mental health.
Take a read below,
—Camalot K. Todd
In My Ears:
The Rising, Bruce Springsteen; Love & Theft, Bob Dylan; and The Next Best American Record, Lana Del Rey
Today is the 18th anniversary of 9/11.
That day exposed hundreds of thousands of people in New York City and across the country to distressing images, events, and experiences. Studies after documented that those directly and indirectly exposed to this trauma are at a greater risk of developing long-term 9/11 related mental health problems.
Monday night, I was talking to a friend and he said that more Americans than ever mark the chapters of their lives by national tragedies.
He was in gym class when he first heard of the tragedy. I was 8, sitting at my Uncle Bob’s kitchen counter watching it live on CNN.
The World Trade Center Health Program operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers mental health services for problems caused by exposure to the 9/11.
To learn more, or find help visit: www.cdc.gov/wtc/
On My Mind:
The #IAm1in5 project continues with a special Facebook Live chat next Monday, Sept. 16 at 1 p.m. Mental Health Advocates of Western New York Executive Director Kenneth Houseknecht.
One in five American adults will struggle with mental health in a given year, but six in ten people who are struggling won’t get help.
We will be discussing a slew of mental health topics including the resources available, how to talk about mental health with loved ones and we will be answering any questions you have.
Together, we can break the stigma.
In My Reporter’s Notebook:
September is National Suicide Awareness Month, and it comes after nearly every state saw an increase in suicide including New York, which suicide rate increased by 28.8 percent from 1999 to 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Men die by suicide at higher rates than women, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
On September 10, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County launched its “Be A Man” public service announcement to raise awareness about men and mental health. To share your story use the #MenGetHelp or visit:http://suicidepreventionecny.org/men-get-help/
"We were awarded the New York state anti-stigma grant that allowed us to produce a public service announcement called "Be A Man" watch for this public service announcement on T.V., radio, and social media,"said Celia Spacone, coordinator of Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County. She also relayed a story about a man who changed his mind on committing suicide after a simple hello from a neighbor (see video above).
In addition to launching a new PSA, the Coalition painted the town yellow, a color that symbolizes suicide prevention. Buffalo City Hall, the Peace Bridge, and Niagara Falls were illuminated in yellow the evening for World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline operates a 24/7 crisis hotline open to anyone looking for support at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741741 to have a conversation with a trained crisis counselor. For crisis support in Spanish call 1-888-628-9454.
On the Ground with Report for America:
I’m at Spectrum News covering mental health through a public service program called Report for America.
One of the things Report for America emphasizes is connected to the local community, noting that few people in a community have interacted with a journalist.
There’s been a depth of research that shows a greater distrust of journalists in general and a misunderstanding of what journalism entails.
On Saturday, Sept. 28 at 3 p.m. I will be at Undergrounds Coffee House and Roastery, 580 South Park Ave.
In My Belly and Out and About in WNY:
This weekend, I worked Saturday covering the 13th annual Out of Darkness Walk in Buffalo, which raised over $250,000 the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention with over 4,000 participants.
Angelo DiEnno, 13, who walked alongside his family in remembrance of his father who died by suicide in November a year ago.
“He was a hero,” DiEnno said. “He was always there for everyone when they needed him and he always made people feel better."
Practicing gratitude is linked to positive mental health, and I am grateful that it’s Fall, which is peak spooky season.
As an avid fan of the occult and take-out Indian food, I indulged in two of my favorite things this Sunday. I watched “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” at AMC on Main and got a Channa Masala at Buffalo Tikka House.
If you have any suggestions of places that I should explore, want to share how you take care of your mental health or have any questions about mental health, email me at Camalot.Todd@Charter.com.
And remember, Monday, September 16 at 1 p.m., Mental Health Advocates of WNY Executive Director Kenneth Houseknecht is answering your questions in a Facebook Live chat. See you then!
