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With the death of an 11-year-old Albert Lea girl this week, it has been a challenging time in our community.

As with any death of a child, there are many strong emotions, questions and what ifs, and many are mourning.

We hope everyone will remember the feelings in their hearts this week and move forward into the future to advocate for being part of a solution for mental health awareness, not only for our youth but for the whole community.

There have been multiple reports of people struggling with their mental health in recent weeks throughout the community, and those are only the situations where first responders are called in to help. Unfortunately, we’re sure there are many others.

While it has become easier to talk about mental health than it was in the past, it still is not where it should be.

Some may still be afraid to seek help. Others may feel shame or embarrassment.

We remind everyone that mental health is just as important as physical health to talk about, and there should be no shame in seeking help for it if you are facing challenges.

Next week in this newspaper as part of our youth mental health series, we plan to address some of the mental health resources in the community, and where people can go to seek help.

Some additional awareness events will be happening during the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we encourage you to check them out as well.

On May 2 is the Mental Health Awareness 5K Glow Walk, Run, Stroll or Roll starting at 8 p.m. at the Hammer Sports Complex. Registration will start at 7 p.m.

The cost to participate is $15 for students and $25 for adults with a free T-shirt provided for the first 100 participants.

All proceeds will help support mental health needs for Albert Lea Area Schools students.

A few weeks later, in mid-May, there will be a mental health awareness event at Central Park, likely with information tables, handouts and free lunch planned. Look to the Tribune for more information on this event as it becomes available.

If you’re struggling and don’t know where to turn, remember there is help out there.

We hope we can all come together to educate ourselves on these issues and to strengthen those who need support.

Each person is important in our community.