When family members live with mental illness, it can affect the whole household. Families may experience changes in roles, responsibilities and relationships.
In addition, stress can cause families to develop mental health problems of their own. This can include somatic symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and loss of appetite.
Communication
Mental health issues affect everyone in a family. In addition to causing emotional turmoil, it can also cause financial difficulties as the cost of treatment can place a strain on families, especially those living in poverty.
Communication is a key component to understanding and helping your family member. Encourage them to seek out help for their symptoms by recommending that they speak with a mental health professional or psychiatrist. You can even offer to go with them to their appointment to help alleviate any anxieties they may have.
Don’t forget to take care of yourself as you support your family member through their journey with mental illness. You will need your own healthy coping skills to get through this difficult time. There are many helpful resources and training courses available for people supporting loved ones with mental illness. Find out about these in your local area by speaking with a mental health professional or by searching online.
Support
When a family member has a mental illness, the entire family must work to support him. This can be done by offering a non-judgmental attitude and by attending family therapy.
It is normal to experience a flurry of emotions when a loved one is diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Guilt, fear, anger, disbelief, resentment and sadness are common reactions. It can take time to accept the diagnosis, and each person works toward acceptance at a different pace.
Educating yourself about the full spectrum of mental illnesses through reliable online and offline resources can help calm feelings of guilt, fear, resentment and anger. It can also help you learn about the types of treatment and supports that are available to your family member. Make sure your family has a list of people to call for support in the event of a crisis. This can include your mental health professional and a general physician. A list can be placed in a visible place in your home.
Therapy
It is common for family members to experience a range of emotional, social and psychological problems when coping with a mental health issue in their loved one. This can result in a variety of symptoms including somatic problems (headaches, loss of appetite and fatigue) and psychological difficulties like anxiety and depression.
The good news is that many of these issues can be addressed with the help of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is a type of treatment that can be delivered by clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses and social workers.
Some types of psychotherapy include individual therapy, which involves working with a therapist on a one-to-one basis; couples therapy, which is typically done by a licensed marriage and family therapist; and family therapy, which is a form of treatment that focuses on improving the dynamics between a patient and their family members. Other types of psychotherapy are interpersonal therapy and group therapy. These can be helpful in addressing a wide variety of symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and trouble with relationships.
Advocacy
Advocacy is a way to promote and protect the rights of people with mental health conditions. It involves speaking up to amplify their voices, taking action against discrimination and stepping up for them when needed. It can be a one-to-one effort or part of a larger movement.
Advocacy may also involve sharing your experiences with others in order to help prevent stigma and make them aware of the challenges you face. You can be an advocate for yourself, your family member or a whole community of people with mental illness.
Families of children who have mental health conditions often find themselves in unfamiliar situations, which can affect expected processes and milestones. This can lead to feelings of isolation, especially if parents are not familiar with a mental health diagnosis or the community of resources available to their child (McGinty, Worthington and Dennison 2008). They may need to seek out new areas of support such as peer-support groups or therapist and psychiatrist support groups for families.
Mental health problems affect people of every age and background. Misconceptions and stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help.
Connecting with others can be a powerful tool for emotional well-being. Whether it’s your roommates, friends or fandoms, finding your people can make all the difference. That’s why promoting connection is one of the goals of mental health awareness month.
May 1st – May 31st
The United States is facing an epidemic of mental illness, but the good news is that treatment works and recovery is possible. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate people about the ways mental illness impacts their lives, raise awareness about available services, and encourage them to seek help and support.
Wearing a mental health shirt is one of the best ways to show your support for this important cause. These shirts often feature positive messaging and can help reduce stigma around mental health. They also serve as a reminder that your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
1. Wear a Mental Health Shirt
Mental health affects everyone, and people struggle when they don’t have the support of a community. That’s why it’s important to be able to connect with others — even during difficult times.
People with mental illness often face stigma and discrimination. By increasing awareness, we can help reduce those barriers and make it easier for people to seek treatment.
This year, we’re asking you to use our graphics and messaging in your daily communications to raise awareness about mental health. Help us spread the message that treatment works, and that there’s always more than enough to go around. Click here to add the More Than Enough profile frame to your Facebook account.
2. Host a Mental Health Forum
Despite the fact that there is much stigma surrounding mental health, it’s important to understand that mental illness can affect anyone. It’s not a sign of weakness or poor character, and it can be treated with the right resources.
A community forum is a great way to start the conversation and educate people about the realities of mental health. It can also be a valuable tool for advocacy. For example, Thrive NYC is an initiative that aims to help New Yorkers navigate their mental health and substance misuse support options. It provides a comprehensive website with information on available services and resources, and it connects people to advocates.
3. Create a Mental Health Resource Page
Rather than frame mental health as a separate community from those who manage disabilities, participate in general wellness or are neurodiverse, integrating it into these communities can help reduce stigma.
This can be done by encouraging these communities to host events that promote wellness. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a great place to start. Employees can join ERGs to discuss mental health issues and share their own experiences.
There are also a variety of online resources that can provide information on where to seek treatment. For example, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a behavioral health care service locator. The Trevor Project helps lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ) young people under 25 find support.
4. Share Your Story
For those who are comfortable sharing their story, it is an effective way to break stigma and encourage others to seek help. This may include writing about your experience with mental illness in a blog post or video. Remember that some stories may be triggering for others, so it is important to include content warnings.
Non-profit human services organizations are dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and offer resources for those who need it. Support them by volunteering your time or donating to their cause. You can also add a mental health frame to your Facebook profile to show your support.
5. Host a Mental Health Event
During Mental Health Awareness Month, host a morning tea or coffee event and invite a local mental health advocate to speak. Ask them to talk about topics such as stress and anxiety management techniques.
Alternatively, make your break room into a space where employees can escape from technology. Encourage your team members to turn off their phone notifications for the duration of the month to avoid constantly pinging and distracting themselves.
Hosting virtual team building activities like hula hoop contests and egg races can generate laughs and encourage physical movement. Games that require more thought can help open up windows to discussions on mental health.
Mental health is not an all or nothing concept. It exists on a continuum that can go up and down with life’s twists and turns.
WHO defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes their own abilities, can cope with normal stresses and strains, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community”. Mental disorders are common and contribute significantly to the global burden of disease.
Definition of Mental Health
A person’s mental health is a combination of emotional well-being, psychological functioning and social connections that influence their ability to adapt to everyday stressors. It is reflected in how they cope with and manage their lives, whether through self-care, interacting with family members or friends or utilising medical treatment. It is also influenced by the ability to engage in work and play, enjoy leisure time and have good relationships.
According to the WHO, peak mental health means being able to deal effectively with life stresses and challenges. It is about achieving a balance between work and leisure activities, and having a sense of achievement and accomplishment in your daily life. It also refers to your ability to interact with others in a positive and productive way and to contribute to your community.
Mental illness can affect people from all walks of life and can be a result of many factors, including genetics, biological processes, environmental stresses and cultural or societal pressures. It can cause a range of symptoms that can impact a person’s cognitive and behavioural function. It can interfere with a person’s ability to interact with others, to make decisions and to work or study. It is important to seek help if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression. Talk therapy and medicines can be used to treat them.
Although a lot of the underlying causes of mental illnesses are not fully understood, it is known that they can be managed and that most people recover to live a happy and fulfilling life. It is important to recognise the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, as early intervention can be key to recovery. The majority of mental disorders have a strong biological basis, but there is no doubt that social circumstances can contribute to the onset and severity of a disorder. Specifically, living in an economically disadvantageous country and being from a marginalised or persecuted ethnic group can increase the risk of mental health issues.
Definition of Mental Illness
Mental health is a state of well-being characterized by emotional and behavioral functioning that allows individuals to realize their own strengths, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully, and make a positive contribution to society. Mental illness is a medical condition characterized by abnormal emotions, thinking or behavior that affects a person’s ability to function in their daily lives, including the ability to work and maintain relationships.
Mental illnesses can affect people of any age, race or religion and are not related to a person’s intelligence or character. They are the result of a combination of genes and environmental factors such as stress, abuse or traumatic events.
It is possible to recover from a mental health disorder and most people do so. Treatment varies according to the individual needs of each person and may include psychotherapy or other forms of talk therapy, medications, lifestyle changes and social support services. It is important to recognize the warning signs of mental illness and seek professional help when they occur. These include uncharacteristic anger or irritability, despondency or withdrawal from friends and family, and avoiding or canceling regular social activities.
Some disorders have an early onset and others develop over time. The earlier a person begins treatment, the greater the chance of recovery. Serious mental illness is defined as a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder that causes serious functional impairment and substantially interferes with or limits major life activities.
Mental health is one of the most under-taught topics in school. It impacts how students think, feel and behave.
The CDC estimates that 1 in 6 US children and adolescents experience a mental health condition during their lifetimes. Additionally, half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14.
1. Increased Awareness
Mental health is an important aspect of education that students should be taught about. This is because it helps students recognize a problem when they see one, and how to get help if they are struggling with their mental health.
A student’s mental health should be a priority, just as much as their physical health. This is because mental health issues affect learning and achievement.
Children with poor mental health have trouble learning and concentration, lower grades and are more likely to drop out of school.
Teaching mental health in schools can help reduce the stigma that surrounds these issues, which can lead to fewer young people turning to drugs and alcohol as an escape. This can be especially true for low-income youth.
2. Increased Self-Awareness
Students who receive mental health support in school tend to exhibit better academic performance and social relationships. They also have higher self-esteem and fewer behavioral problems.
However, despite the fact that these factors contribute to a positive sense of wellbeing, mental health can be impacted by a variety of situations. It is important to know your triggers and emotions so you can manage them in a healthy way.
Self-awareness is the ability to identify and understand your thoughts, emotions, values, beliefs, and behaviors. It can also help you to identify any areas you need to work on.
3. Increased Communication Skills
One of the main reasons mental health should be taught in schools is to help children understand that it is a normal part of life. This can prevent them from feeling ashamed or afraid to seek support when they need it.
Students have lots of stress in school; academic pressure, dealing with bullying and social isolation, friendship issues and more. All these things can affect a student’s mental health and wellbeing.
Staff in all three schools recognised the importance of culture and a proactive stance on leading and shaping it (including having senior leaders responsible for it). Their stated reasons for prioritising it included to reflect the needs of a diverse student intake (especially across ethnicity and socioeconomic status); mitigate the impact of COVID19 pandemic mitigation measures on students’ wellbeing; and responding to the UK Government’s push for better mental health provision in schools.
4. Increased Awareness of Mental Health Issues
Mental health education is a vital component of education, just as physical and nutritional education are. It gives young people the tools they need to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders and know where to go for help when they’re struggling.
Getting mental health education in schools is also essential for combating the stigma of mental illness. It helps normalize the conversation about mental health and gives students confidence to talk openly about their struggles.
Educating young people about mental health can make a big difference for them and their families, helping them feel more comfortable asking for help and finding the right treatment when they need it. This can save lives and improve their academic performance in the long run.
5. Increased Awareness of Suicide
One of the biggest reasons why mental health should be taught in schools is to raise awareness about suicide. This can help individuals recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts and seek out appropriate care to prevent the situation from getting worse.
In addition to increasing awareness about suicide, mental health education can also decrease the stigma that surrounds this issue. By starting these conversations earlier, students can be more likely to seek help when they need it and have more productive conversations about their mental health.
During National Suicide Prevention Month, schools and communities can take part in campaigns to raise awareness about suicide. These campaigns can involve messaging about the impact of depression and other mental illnesses, reducing access to lethal means, and increasing social support for those who may be struggling with a mental illness or substance use disorder.
Mental health is a key factor in how you think, feel and function. It’s vital to your relationships, personal and emotional well-being and to contributing to society.
Hospitals are sometimes the best place for people who are suffering from mental health problems to get the help they need. Here’s what you need to know about which hospital is right for you.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They complete four years of training after completing medical school and are then licensed to practice medicine.
Psychiatrists prescribe medications and use psychotherapy to treat patients with a wide range of mental illnesses. Some are specially trained in the treatment of severe depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. They may also use electroconvulsive therapy or ECT.
Psychiatric nurses
Psychiatric nurses assess, diagnose, and treat people with mental health problems. They work in hospitals and community clinics and may specialize in treating patients with certain illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
They also provide care for geriatrics, addiction, and eating disorders. Psychiatric nurses must be detail-oriented, conscientious, and able to manage multiple priorities at once. They also need to have good self-care practices.
Psychiatric social workers
Psychiatric social workers are clinically trained professionals who work in a wide range of mental health settings. They provide essential case management services and support clients with emotional and behavioral problems, including substance abuse and eating disorders.
These professionals need communication and listening skills to understand clients’ challenges, explain treatment options, and refer them to resources and services. They also need compassion and patience under stress.
Psychiatric psychologists
A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who diagnoses and treats emotional, behavioral and mental illnesses. They can work directly with patients or conduct research.
They can use psychological testing and interviews to help patients identify problems and develop treatment plans. They cannot prescribe medications, but they can provide counseling and psychotherapy.
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. They can diagnose and treat all types of psychiatric conditions, including substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.
Psychiatric occupational therapists
Occupational therapists are trained to improve an individual’s ability to function in their daily life. They specialize in addressing mental illness, physical disabilities, and developmental challenges.
OTs work to help individuals return to meaningful activities, such as going to school, working, or spending time with their family and friends. They focus on enabling their clients to re-engage in useful occupations through skills development, positive habits and routines, setting therapy goals, using cognitive-behavioral techniques (CBT), and understanding underlying physiological influences.
Psychiatric speech therapists
Mental health is a state of well-being that can be affected by biological, individual and social influences. It also affects how a person deals with stress, interpersonal relationships and decision-making.
Speech pathologists (SPs) are often involved in the assessment, diagnosis and management of communication and swallowing disorders that are comorbid with a range of mental health conditions. Despite this, research suggests that SPs are not routinely included in interprofessional mental health teams in Australia.
Psychiatric physical therapists
Psychiatric physical therapists work to improve the patient’s mental and physical well-being. They help patients develop skills that are not only physical but also social and cognitive.
Physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat complex mental health problems. They provide psychosocial and behavioural support for those with schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, drug abuse and intellectual disabilities.
Psychiatric physiotherapists
Physiotherapists have an established role in assessing and treating musculoskeletal, orthopaedic and respiratory conditions, as well as mental health disorders. They are also able to advise on a range of aspects of wellbeing such as exercise, healthy eating, weight management, smoking cessation and psychological approaches.
Physiotherapists are often involved in the treatment and care of people who suffer from psychiatric problems as part of an integrated mental health team. This integration needs to be optimised.
Psychiatric therapists
Psychiatric therapists are mental health professionals who treat a wide range of psychological disorders and emotional problems. They may work with patients in a variety of settings, including private offices, hospitals, and schools.
Psychiatric therapists provide psychotherapy, or “talk therapy,” and help patients change their thoughts and behaviors. They can also refer patients to other medical specialists, such as psychiatrists or psychologists.
Taking a mental health day can be a great way to help relieve some of the stress that can build up in the long run. But it can also be a difficult thing to do, especially if you work in an office setting and are worried that you’ll miss too much work.
How many days a year do I need to take a mental health day?
There are many reasons why you might need to take a mental health day. If you’re working on a tight deadline, feeling overextended at home or experiencing panic attacks, you might need to take time off to relax and recharge.
Aside from the fact that mental health days can help you refocus, they can also improve your overall well-being. They can give you a much-needed break from a busy life and refuel your energy for the coming week.
Taking one mental health day per quarter is a good place to start, says Michele Nealon, clinical psychologist and president of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
Then, plan to spend the remainder of your day doing what you enjoy doing – whether that means catching up on reading or going for a walk. In addition to helping you feel more refreshed, these activities will give you a sense of accomplishment.
If you’re struggling with a mental health issue or simply need some support, consider finding a therapist. Often, these professionals can offer free or low-cost sessions.
How many days a year should I take a mental health day?
A mental health day is a break from normal work responsibilities that can help you recharge and rejuvenate. It can be anything from spending time outdoors or enjoying the natural elements to a relaxing massage or meditating.
Taking a mental health day can be helpful to combat workplace stress, which can lead to reduced productivity, poor morale and increased risk of work-related injury. This is why it’s important for employers to make mental health a priority and encourage employees to take mental health days when necessary.
If you’re new to taking a mental health day, start by scheduling it far enough in advance that you won’t feel stressed out about it. It’s also a good idea to communicate your reasons for the day to your employer.
How many days a year should my child take a mental health day?
When children are feeling overwhelmed and struggling at school, taking a mental health day is often an effective tool to help them cope.
A day away from school can help kids feel rejuvenated, re-energized and more ready to face their challenges again. It can also give them time to see a mental health professional, which could lead to lasting recovery.
During a mental health day, it’s important to make sure that your child spends the day focusing on their mental, emotional, and physical health. That means making sure they’re eating, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water.
It can also mean incorporating fun activities into their mental health day. For instance, if they’re feeling particularly stressed, taking a trip to the park might be just the thing to boost their mood and bring it back to normal.
How many days a year should my employer allow me to take a mental health day?
There are many reasons why an employee might need to take a mental health day. From personal health issues like a bad case of the flu to family or child-related concerns, a mental health day may help you recover from emotional or physical stress.
The number of days your employer should allow you to take a mental health day depends on several factors. Some companies offer designated mental health days, while others include mental health time in sick leave.
Generally, employees should have at least two days off a year to deal with their mental health needs. However, this can vary depending on the size of your company and how you set up your mental health day policy.
It’s also important to ensure that your policies are effective and that you regularly check in with employees to see how they’re using their mental health days. If you’re concerned about your company’s policy, consider implementing an employee feedback survey to get ideas from your staff on ways to improve it.
Mental health professionals work in a variety of settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities. They can help you find the right treatment for your needs.
Mental health professionals can include psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists. They typically require at least a bachelor’s degree. These professionals help people develop the skills they need to improve their mental health and stay healthy.
Psychiatrists
As the country’s demand for mental health services has grown, so has the need for psychiatric professionals. However, the supply of psychiatrists isn’t keeping up.
As a result, the United States is facing shortages in the mental health care workforce, especially in rural and underserved areas. Several factors are contributing to the shortage, including an aging population and insurance restrictions.
Increasing the number of psychiatry residency spots and loan forgiveness programs for those who practice in underserved communities can help to fill this gap. And, more collaboration between psychiatrists and other professionals is essential, experts say.
Psychologists
In the United States, there are currently about half a million mental health professionals. That includes psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors and social workers.
Psychologists help people improve their overall well-being and emotional health by assessing and treating behavioral problems, including depression, anxiety, addictions, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. They also perform research and work with school children, adults, families, and groups.
There are several reasons for the shortage of mental health professionals in the US. For one, the average age of psychologists and psychiatrists is aging; many are retiring at an older age, leaving the job market without young graduates to replace them.
Counselors
Mental health counselors help people with emotional or behavioral problems. They work in a variety of settings, including private practice, community organizations and hospitals.
There are over half a million mental health professionals working in the us, including counselors. Most of these professionals require a bachelor’s degree and some need advanced degrees.
They often use evidence-based practices and therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Some have training in other types of treatment, like art or music therapists.
One major factor contributing to the shortage is the aging of the mental health workforce. Many of these professionals are retiring, and too few young graduates are entering the field.
Social Workers
Mental health professionals provide therapy, diagnose and prescribe medications for mental illnesses and other disorders. These include psychiatric nurses and psychologists, as well as social workers.
These specialists have lived experience with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. They are trained and certified to assist clients with their recovery by helping them set goals and develop strengths.
There are more than half a million people in the us working in roles like these. Most require a bachelor’s degree, but some need a master’s or doctorate.
Marriage & Family Therapists
Thousands of marriage and family therapists help people overcome mental health challenges and relationship issues. They often work in hospitals, clinics, private practices and social work centers.
Many marriage and family therapists are self-employed, but they also work for government agencies and non-profit organizations. The profession is growing faster than the average for all occupations.
To become a marriage and family therapist, you need a master’s degree and supervised clinical hours. Depending on your state, you may also need to pass a licensure exam and complete a post-graduate clinical training program.
The length of time that psychologists keep clinical records varies by setting and practice type. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides guidelines to guide record-keeping practices.
Psychologists who provide services in institutional settings such as hospitals or university counseling centers need to follow any record retention requirements of the institution. They also should be aware of the conflicts that may arise between these requirements and their own ethical principles.
Federal Requirements
APA ethical and legal standards as well as state, federal, and organizational requirements require psychologists to maintain appropriate records of their services. The record may vary in scope, but it typically identifies the client, the date of service, and the psychologist’s name.
In some settings, including community agencies and disaster relief programs, the psychologist’s role is limited to the creation of a brief record, with less detail than would be required in a more comprehensive setting. In such cases, the psychologist has to determine what is necessary to ensure that the client’s needs are met.
Psychologists also have to make decisions about how long to keep records. These decisions often involve balancing competing considerations, such as legal and ethical standards, state law, and the demands of the psychologist’s particular professional context.
State Requirements
Depending on the state in which you practice, your records may be subject to different requirements. APA’s Record Keeping Guidelines and your state psychology licensing board or psychological association may be able to provide you with guidance about the minimum requirements in your area.
In addition to HIPAA regulations and federal statutes, many states have their own laws that govern mental health medical records privacy and confidentiality. In some cases, these laws are more restrictive than the HIPAA requirements.
For example, New Mexico law allows the disclosure of information from a client’s mental health record to another facility or provider only when the request is made by a responsible professional and the request is for treatment purposes. Similarly, Iowa law permits disclosure of patient information to other providers when the client requests it in an emergency or when the transfer is requested by the legal representative.
Retention Schedules
When developing a records retention schedule, organizations and providers should look at federal record retention requirements as well as state-specific retention requirements. They also should review accreditation agency standards.
Mental health facilities should have a retention policy that outlines how long records are kept, which should be in line with the applicable state and federal requirements. This policy should be reviewed with legal counsel.
The first step in creating a retention schedule is to determine what types of records need to be maintained. This includes determining the types of records that are active and inactive.
Active records are those that are used for routine functions, such as release of information requests, revenue integrity audits or quality reviews. Inactive records are those that are not consulted or rarely accessed.
Legal Requirements
Psychologists need to be aware of the legal requirements for how long mental health records are kept. These laws may differ from state to state, but they usually require psychologists to maintain records until seven years after the last date of service for adult clients or three years after a minor reaches the age of majority.
Some states, however, have laws that allow mental health professionals to share their client’s records with other facilities and agencies. This may happen in the case of a medical emergency or when a patient’s legal representative requests it.
It’s important to keep in mind that psychologists should be careful not to disclose any information that might be relevant to a court case or other legal action, or that might result in a loss of confidential information.
APA’s Record Keeping Guidelines provide guidance on this important topic. They help psychologists balance competing considerations, such as client confidentiality and the professional demands of their particular practice context.
There are many days, weeks, and months that are dedicated to raising awareness for different mental health topics. These events often happen to help educate people about certain issues, promote ways to get screened for specific concerns, or provide resources that can be helpful to individuals.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, or Movember, is one of these events. It’s a charity event that encourages men to grow mustaches for the month of November in order to raise awareness and promote male health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health.
What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental health awareness month is an annual event that celebrates mental illness and encourages people to seek help if they need it. It also helps reduce stigmas associated with mental illness and promotes a conversation about it in our communities.
Some of the most common mental illnesses are anxiety, depression, PTSD, and ADHD. These conditions disrupt a person’s thinking, mood, feelings, ability to relate, and daily functioning.
It is important to recognize that mental health issues affect people from all walks of life, races, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. It is also important to understand that we can all improve our own mental health and that it is OK to ask for help.
Many hospitals and health systems are working to provide behavioral health care in unique ways that increase patient satisfaction and quality of care. They are also integrating mental health into their physical health programs and developing community partnerships.
What Is Mental Health Stigma?
Stigma is a negative label or stereotype that people with mental illness are often subjected to. It can be a form of ignorance, prejudice or discrimination, and can make it difficult for people with mental health conditions to get help or fit into society.
Examples of stigma include being called ‘dangerous’, ‘crazy’ or ‘incompetent’. It can also be a result of inaccurate stereotypical images that people have about mental health conditions.
Despite the progress that has been made, mental health stigma still exists. This can be a barrier to getting help and leading a full and happy life, as well as a source of fear and isolation.
There are a number of ways to reduce stigma, including public education and changing the way people think about mental illness. This can be done by highlighting the positive aspects of mental health and the people who are affected.
What Can I Do to Help?
If you know someone who is struggling with mental health issues, you can help them. This could include offering to make appointments with their primary care provider or therapist, helping them set up their own support network, or encouraging them to take medication.
A helpful way to start is to educate yourself about mental health. Read articles, watch documentaries, and learn about different mental illnesses and treatment methods.
You may also find it useful to develop self-care habits that can improve your overall well-being. These might include getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly.
In addition to learning about mental health, you can also help others by volunteering your time or donating money to a non-profit human services organization. These organizations work hard to promote mental health awareness and help break down stigmas surrounding mental illness.
How Can I Help Myself?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s an opportunity to re-prioritize self-care, healing, and wellness. It’s also a time to perform a mental health check-in and reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or need support.
During the month of May, many different organizations and nonprofits strive to increase awareness around mental health issues and educate people about the causes, symptoms, treatments and resources available for mental health conditions. By making these resources widely accessible, we can help to break the stigma surrounding mental health and make it easier for those suffering to get the help they need.
There are many ways to help oneself through the month of May and beyond, including getting connected with supportive friends, family and community. You can also do your own personal research on a variety of mental health topics to help you understand your own emotions and how to practice good self-care habits.
