Mental Health Awareness by Lisa

Since May is National Mental Health Awareness month so I would like to provide some information on Mental Health. Mental Health Awareness Month is very important as its primary goal is to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and to ensure those struggling with a mental illness that they are not alone. There are also many support systems for families and caregivers of those living with a form of a mental illness.

Examples of mental illnesses are social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), drug addictions, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Many of these can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation therapy. Millions of Americans have some form of a mental illness. Over the course of a year, one in five adults will experience a mental illness.

There is help available for your loved one for whatever illness they are living with. There are mental health services in the community, affordable healthcare, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and professionals and organizations who specialize in Mental Health. Without help, mental illness can get worse.

Here is a list of people/places to reach out to that can assist with diagnostic and treatment services:

Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors
Religious leaders
Mental health centers and private clinics
Medical school programs
State hospital outpatient clinics
Social service agencies
Local medical or psychiatric societies

There are also clinical trials seeking participants. These can be found through NIMH.

NIMH has a mission that through understanding more about mental illnesses and doing clinical research, there may eventually be a way to prevent and cure mental illnesses. Research has shown that people with a mental illness have been known to get better and completely recover. They can live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. There is more support than ever.