Mental Health Matters:

Understanding the Signs and Finding Support

Mental health affects every part of life—how we think, feel, relate to others, and cope with challenges. At Butler First Step™, we believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you’re struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, or supporting a loved one, this page offers guidance, resources, and hope for anyone seeking support in Butler County.

Butler First Step:

Programs That Make a Difference

Explore Butler First Step’s full range of prevention programs designed to support individuals, families, and communities. Whether you’re seeking education, resources, or ways to get involved, our programs offer something for everyone.

Destigmatizing Mental Health

It’s Okay to Talk About It:

Mental health challenges are common and treatable. Talking about your experience or checking in with someone else is a sign of strength—not weakness.

It Can Affect Anyone:

Mental health struggles don’t discriminate. Children, teens, adults, and older adults may all experience challenges at different points in life.

You’re Not Alone:

Many people in our community are working to break the stigma around mental health and make it easier to reach out for help.

Why Mental Health Support Matters

Early Support Makes a Difference:

Like physical illness, mental health conditions respond best to early care. Recognizing the signs and connecting to resources can prevent things from getting worse.

Stress Can Show Up in Unexpected Ways:

Headaches, fatigue, irritability, or withdrawing from others may be signs that mental health support is needed—even if no one’s talking about it.

Help Is Closer Than You Think:

There are providers, peer programs, and community organizations in Butler County ready to help—no matter what you’re facing.

Mental Health and Substance Use Are Often Connected:

It’s common for people experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma to turn to substances. That’s why whole-person care and support matter.

Resources We Use and Recommend:

Marijuana Prevention Resources

These are the marijuana prevention resources our team trusts most. From lesson plans to awareness campaigns, each one is designed to support healthy decision-making and open conversations with students, families, and communities. Check out our staff picks:

Mental Health & Wellness Support

Helping students, families, and communities build resilience and find balance.

At Butler First Step, we offer programs that promote emotional well-being, stress management, and healthy coping—because mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you’re a student facing daily pressures, a parent supporting a child, or an educator seeking resources, our evidence-based programs are here to help you understand, respond to, and care for mental health at every stage.

Plugged Into Mindfulness (Youth and Professionals)

Plugged Into Mindfulness can be offered as a professional development program to providers in settings such as health care, education, and social services and also as a workshop for students in college or high school. Eight 1-hour sessions for trainees focus on personal techniques to manage their own stress, improve concentration, self-awareness and awareness of their surroundings. In these sessions, professionals will also learn how to apply/teach techniques to those they serve to help them regulate emotions, improve focus, manage stress and develop healthy coping techniques. Joni Sturgill facilitates Plugged Into Mindfulness. Learn more at www.insightwithjoni.com.

Women in Resilience (10-Session Wellness Series)

This free, 10-session wellness series is designed for women seeking practical, uplifting approaches to managing life’s stresses. You’ll feel empowered by the connections built and in discovering a foundation of well-being through yoga, mindfulness, expressive arts, and nature-inspired practices. Each session offers a unique, supportive environment for learning skills that nurture growth, emotional strength, and a sense of community. Space is limited and women who participate must be able to commit to at least 8 of the 10 sessions. Joni Sturgill facilitates Women in Resilience. Learn more at www.insightwithjoni.com.

School Programs for Mental Health

Butler First Step partners with schools across Butler County to deliver free, evidence-based prevention programs for K–12 students. These programs teach essential life skills like goal setting, decision-making, stress management, peer resistance, and substance use prevention. From early education through high school, our classroom programs are designed to meet students where they are and help them build healthy habits that last.

View our mental programing and more here.

Help Is Nearby

Where to Find Mental Health Resources in Butler County

Butler First Step
Start here. We can guide you toward local counseling services, support groups, and community programs that meet you where you are.
Crisis Lines & Hotlines
If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text a 24/7 mental health hotline for immediate support. 1-800-292-3866
Peer & Community Programs
Connect with people who’ve been there. Peer support specialists and recovery communities can help you feel seen and supported.
Primary Care & Therapy Providers
Talk to your doctor or a licensed mental health professional about what you’re experiencing. Many offer in-person or telehealth appointments.

FAQ

Wondering About Mental Health? Start Here.

How do I know if I or someone else needs help?
Changes in mood, energy, sleep, eating, or behavior can all be signs. Feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or disconnected for more than a few days is a good reason to reach out.
Can mental health challenges go away on their own?
Sometimes symptoms improve with time, but professional support often makes recovery faster, safer, and more lasting.
What kind of help is available?
Therapy, support groups, medication, wellness coaching, crisis support, and more. There’s no one-size-fits-all path—support can be personalized.
Is therapy only for people in crisis?
Not at all. Many people go to therapy for stress management, relationship support, life transitions, or personal growth.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Licensed professionals are legally and ethically required to protect your privacy, with few exceptions (like immediate safety concerns).

Local Support in
Butler County

Butler First Step™ is committed to providing families with access to local resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery.

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