During the May 6, 2025 Statesboro City Council meeting, local mental health advocates marked the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month by sounding the alarm on rising mental health challenges in Georgia, and calling on the community to take action.
Sarah Refuss, Community Outreach Coordinator for Pineland Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, opened with a stark reminder: more than 336,000 adults in Georgia live with serious mental illness, and over 44% report experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression in recent years. The state recorded 1,659 suicide deaths in 2021, and Region 5: which includes Bulloch County, reported 217 of those deaths, the highest suicide rate among adults aged 25 to 64 in the state.
Refuss also highlighted the mental health crisis among youth. One in six children between the ages of 6 and 17 has a diagnosable mental health condition each year, and 104,000 Georgia teens have been diagnosed with depression. These challenges, she said, impact everything from school performance to employment and public safety.
Despite these figures, Refuss delivered a hopeful message. She pointed to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, launched nationally in 2022, as a game-changing tool that provides free, confidential support 24/7. “The highest usage of this service has come from our rural areas, especially South Georgia,” she said. She also praised the emergence of mental health courts in judicial circuits like Bulloch’s, which offer treatment in place of incarceration for individuals in crisis.
She formally asked the Council to proclaim May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Statesboro, urging collaboration among faith communities, elected leaders, medical providers, and residents to create safe spaces for those struggling. “Mental health care starts in the community,” Refuss said. “No one can help themselves without support.”
Councilmembers expressed their gratitude. Mayor Jonathan McCollar affirmed the city’s commitment, stating, “We all know someone who’s been affected by mental health struggles. This is something we take seriously, and we appreciate your work.”
Mental Health Resources in Statesboro & Bulloch County
1. Pineland Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD)
- Services: Outpatient counseling, crisis stabilization, substance use treatment, peer support, and case management.
- Address: 11 North College Street, Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: 1-800-746-3526
- Website: pinelandcsb.org
2. DPS Health and Wellness
- Services: Psychiatric evaluations, medication management, therapy for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more.
- Locations: Multiple offices in Statesboro; telehealth available.
- Website: myprivia.com/dpshealthandwellness
3. Bulloch Recovery Resources
- Services: Substance use recovery programs, including outpatient services and peer support.
- Address: 18 Simmons Center, 18 Proctor Street, Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (912) 489-8401
4. Bulloch Day Mental Health Day Services
- Services: Outpatient mental health services, including therapy and support groups.
- Address: 515 Denmark Street, Suite 2200, Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (912) 489-9170
5. Georgia Southern University Counseling Center
- Services: Individual therapy, crisis intervention, workshops, and wellness programs for students.
- Address: 1332 Southern Drive, Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (912) 478-5541
- Website: georgiasouthern.edu/counseling
6. Georgia Southern University Psychology Clinic
- Services: Low-cost therapy and psychological assessments provided by supervised graduate students.
- Address: Georgia Southern University Campus, Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (912) 478-1685
- Website: georgiasouthern.edu/psychology-clinic
7. Willingway Hospital
- Services: Inpatient and outpatient treatment for substance use disorders, detoxification, and family programs.
- Address: 311 Jones Mill Road, Statesboro, GA 30458
- Phone: (912) 764-6236
- Website: willingway.com
8. NAMI Statesboro (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
- Services: Support groups, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
- Website: namistatesboro.org
- Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
- Crisis Text Line: Text "NAMI" to 741741
9. Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)
- Services: 24/7 crisis intervention, access to mental health services, and referrals.
- Phone: 1-800-715-4225
- Website: dbhdd.georgia.gov
10. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Services: 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress.
- Phone: Dial 988
- Website: 988lifeline.org
10 Tips for Supporting Mental Health in Yourself and Others
Talk About It Openly
Normalize conversations about mental health. Sharing your feelings—or simply checking in with others—helps reduce stigma and shows people they’re not alone.
Stay Connected
Maintain regular contact with family, friends, and supportive communities. Strong relationships are one of the best protective factors against depression and anxiety.
Set Boundaries
It’s okay to say no. Protect your energy by setting limits with work, social obligations, or people who drain you emotionally.
Take Breaks from News and Social Media
Too much exposure to negative headlines or online comparison can increase stress and anxiety. Schedule intentional screen-free time.
Get Moving
Regular physical activity improves mood, lowers stress, and supports overall brain health—even a daily 20-minute walk can make a big difference.
Sleep Well
Aim for 7–9 hours of consistent sleep per night. Poor sleep can worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Seek Help Early
Don’t wait until you’re in crisis. Talking to a therapist, counselor, or trusted adult at the first signs of mental strain can prevent more serious issues later.
Practice Mindfulness or Meditation
Even five minutes a day of deep breathing, gratitude journaling, or guided meditation can improve focus and reduce stress levels.
Support Others Without Judgment
If someone opens up to you, listen without trying to “fix” them. Just being there and affirming their feelings can be powerful.
Know the Resources
Familiarize yourself with local and national hotlines and services like 988, your local mental health center, or support groups. You never know when you or someone else might need them.
