From staff reports
Lions International has designated the week of Oct. 4 through 12 as Mental Health and Well-Being Week. The Beaufort Lions Club will participate in this international campaign by sponsoring a social media promotion in coordination with local nonprofit mental health organizations, providing helpful resources, and offering “Thinking of You” cards and small goodie bags to those who need to know that others care.
Mental Health and Well-Being Week is a time to pause, reflect, and remind us that mental well-being is as important as physical health. All individuals face unique challenges, such as school/work-related stress, a sense of belonging, financial pressure, or the demands of everyday life, which negatively impact daily functioning.
Mental Health and Well-Being Week encourages individuals to acknowledge challenges and openly recognize that seeking support may be essential. No longer is mental well-being a prohibited topic, but it is part of human experience.
As Mental Health and Well-being Week kicks off, Lions around the world are joining forces to emphasize the critical importance of mental health. This week-long initiative aims to increase awareness, educate communities, and advocate for positive change in mental health and well-being.
Recent statistics highlight the urgency of addressing mental health issues:
- In 2023, more than 49,000 individuals died by suicide. Or one death every 11 minutes (CDC, March 2025).
- About 20.3% of adolescents (ages 12 to 17) had a diagnosed mental health condition in 2023, with anxiety and depression being the most common (CDC, March 2025).
- Approximately 15% of adults aged 60 and older experience a mental disorder, which is not a normal part of aging and can significantly impact their quality of life and physical health. This translates to millions of individuals, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reporting that about 12.5% of older adults had a mental illness in the past year, according to their 2021-2022 data.
Mental Health Services in Beaufort County include:
- Coastal Empire Mental Health — 843-364-2274
- Naval Hospital Mental (Behavioral) Health
NMRTC Beaufort: 843-228-5599
MHU Parris Island: 843-228-3869
- NAMI LowCounty — 843-636-3100.
There are many private organizations, as well.
For more information on volunteering or donating, visit Facebook at Beaufort Lions Club SC, or Next Door at Beaufort SC Lions Club. Donations are always appreciated. Visit https://beaufort-lions-club.square.site/.
