“It’s OK to not be OK. You are not alone.”

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Carbon County is hoping to raise awareness through a green light campaign.

On Thursday, the county commissioners announced that from May 4-10, the courthouse and administration building will have green lights in the windows in support of those battling mental health issues.

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein also urged people to wear green as part of the campaign, which is sponsored by Carbon Monroe Pike System of Care and Carbon Monroe Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services.

Nothstein said that one in four people are affected by mental illness, while one in 30 experience PTSD.

In addition, 8.6 million adults have suicidal thoughts.

In Carbon County, there have been 10 suicides so far this year, which is above last year’s total of 14 for the year.

“The rate is high,” he said.

Nothstein said that treatment for mental illness is possible and people should learn the signs because the earlier it is caught, the more treatable it can be.

“Ask a friend or loved one or stranger if they are OK,” he said.

If someone is in crisis, call New Perspectives at 800-849-1868 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255; seek help by texting HELLO to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or call Carbon Monroe Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services at 800-338-6467.

“There is help out there,” Nothstein said, adding that this awareness month couldn’t have come at a better time when the pandemic is testing many people’s mental health.