May is mental health awareness month, Dr. Shannon Farris reminds us of it’s everyday importance

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, mental health first responder for the Cape Girardeau Police department,  Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris, is encouraging people to recognize the role mental health plays in their daily life.

“We use it every single day to survive, live, react, respond, or thrive,” Farris said. “And we take it for granted.”

Farris reminds everyone that supporting someone struggling with mental health doesn’t always require the perfect words. “It’s not about having the right response or phrase,” he said. “It’s simply about being present in their space at a comfortable distance.”

As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, mental health first responder Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris is encouraging people to pause, reflect, and ask meaningful questions not just of others, but of themselves.

“This month is really about taking a moment,” Dr. Farris said. “If I were to be so bold, it’s about looking in the mirror not to fix your hair or clothes, but to actually see yourself. Ask: When was the last time I was proud of me? And how long ago was that?”

While many often associate mental health awareness with treatment and therapy, Dr. Farris believes the heart of the message is much simpler and more personal to everyone’s heart.

“It takes a moment to say, ‘Am I doing well? Am I getting to where I need to be?’ And if not, what’s in the way? Can I address it myself or do I need help?” he said.

Dr. Farris says that self reflection isn’t about blame or guilt. “It’s not about pointing fingers or feeling shame,” he said. “We’re all a mix of things we love and don’t love about ourselves. Awareness is about acknowledging that and choosing care over criticism.”

Along with encouraging seld reflection, Dr. Farris stressed the importance of reaching out to others, reminding the community that anyone can make a difference.

“It doesn’t take a therapist or first responder to show compassion. It just takes a human being who shows up every day,” he said. “Ask different questions. Not ‘What’s wrong with you?’ because people will say ‘I’m fine,’ and we know that usually means they’re not. Instead ask, ‘What’s happening to you? How are you mentally?’ And then pause. Let the silence hold space for their truth.”

Dr. Farris says that small acts of listening can have powerful impacts with your friends, family, coworkers or strangers.

“If there’s any magic, it’s in sitting with someone, truly seeing them, hearing them, and showing them you care. You don’t need a license to do that. You just have to be human.”

As people across the country spread the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Farris’s message is a helpful reminder that care and compassion start with the simplest of actions of asking, listening, and showing up for others.

The reminder comes as communities nationwide highlight mental health education, resources, and awareness throughout the month of May.