As the familiar hues of autumn emerge, so does a heightened awareness of the importance of mental health. In a recent release, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) highlights that one in five Americans is affected by mental health issues annually, which translates into over 40 million adults. For those in Arizona, the Arizona Department of Administration (ADOA) is stepping up with resources to support its state employees through the challenges that affect their day-to-day well-being. The ADOA’s Employee Assistance Program offers up to 12 free, confidential counseling sessions per year—accessible not just to employees, but also their spouses and dependents, as reported by AzASRS.
Addressing mental health concerns isn’t exclusive to those with direct access to the ADOA’s program. A recent blog post by the agency lists several avenues for immediate help, such as the Suicide and Crisis Hotline, reachable by simply texting or calling 988. Observing a surge in stress levels and mental health issues is not unusual as the seasons transition, and these services could be lifelines for those grappling with personal crises, loss, or anxiety.
The Blog post from ADOA also points toward the Crisis Text Line, where individuals can text HOME to 741741 and communicate with a crisis counselor. Furthermore, resources like the National Institute of Mental Health and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) are recommended for those seeking comprehensive information and support…