Note: This issue contains discussions of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, suicide, self-harm and trauma. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted support system or seek professional help. If you are in crisis, dial 988 or click here for immediate assistance.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the struggles so many face yet often feel pressured to hide. This issue of Discovering Bulloch is dedicated to shedding a light on the importance of mental health, breaking down stigmas and offering tangible ways to support ourselves and those we love.

In “Minding Your Mind,” we explore the fundamental practices that contribute to mental well-being. From setting healthy boundaries to prioritizing sleep, exercise and nutrition, these strategies emphasize the power of self-awareness and intentionality in daily life. Small, simple steps — like taking deep breaths, shutting off work emails after hours and speaking openly about your emotions — can make a profound difference.

For many, like Christy Kennedy, understanding their own mental health is a long and complex journey. In “More to Me Than a Diagnosis,” Christy shares her experience with borderline personality disorder, a diagnosis that has shaped her life but does not define her. Her willingness to share her story — raw, honest and, ultimately, hopeful — is a testament to the importance of conversation and connection in the face of mental health challenges.

Featured on the cover this month, local therapist Chelsea Weaver also believes in the power of conversation, particularly within communities where mental health discussions have traditionally been discouraged. In “Healing Is Possible, Even in the Darkest of Places,” she discusses her mission to break cultural stigmas and provide a safe space for those seeking help. Her journey from Spelman College to Columbia University and back home to Statesboro, where she’s founded Bloom House Therapy and Wellness, reflects her deep commitment to making therapy accessible to all.

Still, access to mental health care is a privilege many do not enjoy. “Serving the Underserved” highlights the work of The Camilla Foundation, which is committed to providing therapy and resources for children and families in need. The brainchild of longtime counselor April Miller, the foundation aims to remove financial and logistical barriers so that every child has the opportunity to receive care.

Each of these stories serves as a crucial reminder: Mental health is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you are someone who struggles with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma or simply the daily stressors of life, you are not alone. We hope this issue encourages open conversations, challenges misconceptions and, most importantly, serves as a reminder that seeking help is an act of strength, not weakness.

Let’s continue to break the silence together.