Commissioner's update for offenders and their families: October 6, 2025
This week is Mental Illness Awareness Week, and this Friday we are also marking World Mental Health Day.
Both events serve to remind us that talking openly about our mental health and learning about ways to take care of our minds is important.
I want to take this opportunity to remind you that there is no shame in feeling sad, angry, confused, or stressed, and needing someone to talk to. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help – your Health Services team is trained to listen and support you.
This week, and every week, let us support each other. If you are struggling with your mental health, please do not hesitate to ask for help. Seeking help is a sign of strength. If you see someone else who is struggling, encourage them to reach out, too.
There is hope. No matter where we are today, tomorrow can be different. Every day is a chance to learn, grow, and take steps toward a better future.
"Emotional pain is not something that should be hidden away and never spoken about. There is truth in your pain, there is growth in your pain, but only if it’s first brought out into the open."