Sometimes the best way to address a serious problem is to have a little fun, and the Mental Health Association hit the sweet spot with its 68th birthday celebration at BigShots Golf.
The organization’s annual “Par-Tee” brought supporters together for an evening of golf, food, drinks and friendly competition, with every swing helping to drive the mission of providing immediate, barrier-free mental health services to people throughout Indian River County.
Participants teed off from the second-story landing, sending their golf balls toward the green while raising money for a cause that has never been more important.
Mental health needs continue to grow as people cope with an increasingly uncertain world.
Political unrest, conflicts overseas, climate concerns, job insecurity and housing shortages often create a steady undercurrent of stress and anxiety. While everyone feels the pressure, not everyone has the tools or support needed to cope with it.
And increasingly, children are feeling those and other pressures.
“It’s not only adults who are feeling stressed, but we are seeing more children in need of counseling than ever,” said Phil Kromer, Ph.D., CEO of the Mental Health Association.
“Everything going on in the world trickles down and affects kids.”
Kromer noted that even local changes have added a layer of uncertainty for some children as they prepare to return to school.
“Many are going to different schools due to the downsizing of our schools here in Indian River County,” he said.
“Kids are being thrust into different environments and forced to make new friends, and for some of them that is stressful.”
He also expressed concerns about children who are homeschooled, and may have fewer opportunities to develop the sorts of social and executive-function skills others gain through regular interaction with their peers.
Substance use among young people and adults presents another challenge for the community.
Kromer said marijuana has become considerably more potent over the past several decades and warned that its use can pose significant risks, particularly for adolescents.
There is a misconception that marijuana is a safe treatment for depression, anxiety and trauma, he said, while emerging research suggests otherwise.
“People think it’s safe, but it’s not,” said Kromer.
He added that regular marijuana use during adolescence has been associated with an increased risk of psychotic disorders.
The need for mental health services is particularly concerning in our county, where suicide rates have historically exceeded the state average. Older adults are among those at greatest risk, as suicide is often associated with a combination of factors such as financial difficulties, declining health, isolation and other major life changes.
But there is an encouraging side to the story. Help is available.
The Mental Health Association offers immediate assistance Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. without an appointment.
Its services include support groups for depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, crisis assistance, community outreach programs in local schools and an active veterans support program. Services are available on a sliding-fee scale, with or without insurance.
For a few hours, however, none of those challenges were front and center, as Par-Tee participants put their worries aside and concentrated instead on sinking shots, cheering one another on and enjoying good food and conversation. Unlimited hot appetizers, soft drinks and even a few adult beverages from the 19th hole helped make the evening a celebration worth raising a glass and a golf club to.
After all, when it comes to supporting mental health, everyone deserves a chance to get back on course.
For more information, visit MHAIRC.org or call 772-569-9788.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
