CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI)— As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, Dr. Shannon Cubria Farris, a mental health first responder with the Cape Girardeau Police Department, emphasizes the profound role mental health plays in our everyday lives. “We use it every single day to survive, live, react, respond, or thrive,” he states, highlighting how often mental wellbeing is overlooked in daily routines.
Understanding mental health isn’t just about seeking professional help; it also involves the simple act of being present for others. “Supporting someone doesn’t always require the perfect words,” Dr. Farris explains. Instead, it’s about “being present in their space at a comfortable distance.” This straightforward approach encourages connection without the pressure of having the right responses, which can often block meaningful dialogue.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Farris invites everyone to pause and reflect, urging individuals to ask not just others but themselves critical questions regarding their mental wellbeing. “This month is really about taking a moment,” he reflects. He encourages self-inquiry: “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.” Questions like “When was the last time I was proud of me?” serve as a gateway for deeper self-reflection.
Dr. Farris notes that while mental health discussions often revolve around therapy and treatment, the heart of the matter is much simpler. It’s about checking in with oneself: “Am I doing well? Am I getting to where I need to be? If not, what’s in the way?” Such inquiries can lead to insights and the acknowledgment that it’s okay to seek help when needed. “It’s not about pointing fingers or feeling shame,” he adds, framing awareness as a tool for personal growth rather than self-criticism.
In addition to personal reflection, Dr. Farris underscores the importance of reaching out to others. Compassion isn’t reserved for mental health professionals; it’s a human quality accessible to everyone. “It doesn’t take a therapist or first responder to show compassion,” he emphasizes. Rather than asking, “What’s wrong with you?” which often yields a guarded “I’m fine,” he suggests a more open-ended inquiry: “What’s happening to you? How are you mentally?” This subtle shift promotes a more genuine exchange and allows space for honest responses.
Dr. Farris highlights that even small acts of listening can create powerful impacts. “If there’s any magic, it’s in sitting with someone, truly seeing them, hearing them, and showing them you care.” He points out that genuine presence requires no formal training—just a willingness to connect and support one another through life’s ups and downs.
As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, Dr. Farris’s message resonates strongly, reminding us that care and compassion can start with simple actions. Through asking questions, listening, and showing up for those in our lives, we can collectively create a supportive community that values mental health as much as physical health. The month serves as an opportunity to promote mental health education, resources, and awareness, encouraging a culture where everyone feels empowered to prioritize their wellbeing.
