Mental health professionals encourage Kentuckians to seek help
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- “If you’re still breathing, there’s hope.”
That’s the message Erica Hanner, director of adult mental health services at LifeSkills, wants people to remember as Kentucky continues to face growing mental health challenges.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 813,000 Kentuckians were living with a mental health condition as of 2025.
“We’re looking at intensity,” Hanner said. “Feeling sad from time to time is normal, but when someone is so overwhelmed they can’t get out of bed, that’s when it becomes more serious.”
NAMI also reports that one in five adults experiences mental illness each year. In Kentucky, an estimated 227,000 adults needed treatment but did not receive care, often because of cost.
“A lot of people believe mental health care is expensive or inaccessible,” Hanner said. “That can prevent them from reaching out for help.”
Hanner encourages people to take advantage of resources such as employee assistance programs, which may offer free counseling or therapy services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends several ways to manage stress and improve mental health, including:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating healthy meals
- Prioritizing sleep
- Trying relaxing activities
- Setting goals and priorities
- Staying connected with family and friends
Hanner says changes in behavior can also be warning signs that someone may be struggling.
“If people begin isolating themselves or stop attending social events like they used to, those can be signs that something may be going on,” she said.
She says symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, trouble concentrating, loss of interest or an inability to complete everyday tasks may be signs it’s time to seek professional help.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text the national mental health hotline at 988.
