DrugFree Greenville

10/17/2026

Each year on October 10, World Mental Health Day encourages communities to increase awareness, advocate for care and challenge the stigma surrounding mental illness.

We often hear someone say, “I need a mental health day.” But what does that really mean?

A mental health day is an intentional pause from work, school or daily responsibilities when stress and emotional exhaustion have become overwhelming. It is not simply a day to avoid responsibilities. It is time to recognize what your mind and body need before stress develops into a more serious concern.

A meaningful mental health day may include resting, limiting social media, spending time outdoors, praying, journaling, exercising, attending a counseling appointment or talking honestly with someone you trust. It should also include considering what needs to change when you return. One day of rest can be helpful, but it cannot replace professional care when symptoms are persistent, severe or interfering with daily life.

Mental illness can affect a person’s ability to work, learn, maintain relationships, care for family and complete ordinary tasks. Its effects also extend beyond the person experiencing the condition. Caregivers may carry tremendous emotional, physical, and financial strain while trying to support someone they love. They need compassion, education, rest, and support too.

Stigma often causes people to hide their symptoms because they fear being judged, treated differently, or defined by a diagnosis. However, receiving a mental health diagnosis does not change who someone is. A diagnosis is not a label or a life sentence—it is a roadmap.

An accurate diagnosis helps providers understand a person’s symptoms, select appropriate treatment, and reduce time spent pursuing care that may not address the underlying condition. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. When medication is recommended, taking it is no more shameful than taking medication for diabetes, high blood pressure or another medical condition.

This World Mental Health Day, we can help create a healthier community by listening without judgment, learning the facts about mental illness, supporting caregivers and encouraging people to seek professional help. We must also give ourselves and others permission to say, “I am not doing well, and I need help.”

Mental illness may be part of someone’s story, but it does not define the whole person. With understanding, appropriate treatment and continued support, recovery, and a meaningful life are possible.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24 hours a day.

Karla Meeks
Psych Pointe Texas
DrugFree Greenville Public Education Committee

10/16/2026

10/10/2026

Red Ribbon Celebration Continues

Well, as we all know October is here, ready or not.

Under the guidance of their teachers, Greenville elementary students are busy adding special drug prevention messages to brown grocery sacks provided by Brookshire’s.

Some of the sacks may include elaborate works of art showing a student’s preferred activities and other sacks may be quite simple and to-the-point with messages such as “Just Say No” or “Drugs Are Bad”.

Either way, the students’ messages will be clear – a healthy, happy, productive life is most easily achieved by avoiding any involvement with drugs.

The decorated sacks will be returned to Brookshire’s for use by their customers during October. So given the choice of paper or plastic, we hope you’ll choose paper!

Some of the DFG programs this month will be at GMS “Fumble Fingers” and “Crack Kills”, and the Tricycle Parades at LP Waters. October is a busy month for DrugFree Greenville, but there’s no time to rest! DrugFree Greenville’s Red Ribbon Celebration continues this week with some behind the scenes activities.

At the elementary and sixth grade campuses, Red Ribbon Spirit Days are happening throughout October. Students will “Join the fight against drugs” by wearing camouflage, “Put a lid on drugs” by wearing a cap, or “Team up against drugs” by wearing their favorite team jersey.

Each campus has set their own themes and calendars, so parents are encouraged to check with their children’s campus to confirm the planned activities.

Come out and enjoy our 5th Annual DrugFree Greenville Car Show!
Saturday, October 24 from 4-8p.m. Vehicle registration $20.00 all spectators are free.

All Makes and Models Welcome, categories include: Most Unique, Oldie But Goodie, Best Engine/Paint
Just to name a few. There will be food trucks on site.

Also, remember to attend the “Halloween on the Square” October 31st from 5-7pm.

There are Red Ribbon programs and events scheduled throughout the month at various Greenville schools. Keep informed of what’s happening by checking out our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

Shelly Wardlow
Executive Director DrugFree Greenville