As we step into Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to acknowledge the significance of mental well-being in our lives. This month serves as a reminder to prioritize mental health, break the stigma surrounding it, and encourage constructive conversations. With the theme of empowerment in mind, let's delve into how awareness and action can pave the way for better mental health outcomes.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, affecting every aspect of our lives. From everyday challenges to significant life events, our mental health plays a pivotal role in how we navigate through various situations.
Why is this month important?
In 2021 the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration conducted a survey that revealed that 57.8 million U.S. adults experienced mental illness that year ¹. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI),
stigma prevents 8 out of 10 people from seeking help for mental health problems. ²
Stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions remain pervasive, hindering access to treatment and support.
What are ways to promote mental health awareness and be an advocate?
Awareness serves as the cornerstone of mental health advocacy. By fostering understanding and empathy, we can dismantle the misconceptions and stigma surrounding mental health issues. When we openly discuss mental health, we create a supportive environment where individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment.
However, awareness alone is not enough; action is imperative for tangible change. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, taking proactive steps is crucial. This may include seeking professional help, practicing self-care, or reaching out to support networks.
Where can I get mental health treatment?
Therapy or Counseling :
Therapy involves talking to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, licensed social worker or therapist, to explore and address mental health concerns. Sessions may be one-on-one, with a partner (couples therapy), with family members (family therapy), or in a group setting.
Medication Management :
Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatry Physician Assistants, and other medical professionals, are medical providers that specialize in mental health, can prescribe medications to manage mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and so much more.
Support Groups :
Support groups bring together individuals with similar experiences or conditions to share insights, coping strategies, and emotional support. These groups may be led by peers or facilitated by mental health professionals.
Online Therapy :
Many platforms offer online therapy services, providing access to licensed therapists via video calls, phone calls, or messaging. Online therapy can be convenient, flexible, and accessible for those who may face barriers to in-person care.
Community Mental Health Centers :
Community mental health centers offer a range of services, including therapy, medication management, case management, and support groups. These centers often serve individuals regardless of their ability to pay and may offer sliding-scale fees.
Employee Assistance Programs aka EAP :
EAPs are workplace-based programs that provide confidential counseling and referral services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. Many employers offer EAPs as part of their benefits package.
University Counseling Centers :
Colleges and universities typically have counseling centers that offer free or low-cost mental health services to students, including individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops.
County Mental Health Programs :
A valuable resource for individuals who may not have private insurance or the financial means to access mental health treatment through other avenues. These programs are typically run by county governments or local health departments and offer a range of services aimed at promoting mental wellness and providing support for those with mental health concerns.
Primary Care Providers :
Many individuals initially seek mental health treatment through their primary care physician. Primary care providers can assess symptoms, provide initial treatment, and refer patients to mental health specialists as needed.
Telehealth Services :
Telehealth platforms allow individuals to access mental health care remotely, connecting with therapists, medication management providers, and other professionals from the comfort of their homes via video conferencing or phone calls.
Self Help Resources :
Books, online resources, apps, and self-help workbooks can provide guidance, information, and tools for managing mental health concerns, practicing self-care, and developing coping skills.
It's essential to explore these options and find the approach that aligns best with your needs, preferences, and circumstances. Additionally, reaching out to trusted individuals, such as friends, family members, or healthcare providers, can offer valuable support and guidance in accessing mental health treatment.
Need Guidance?
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we urge you to prioritize your well-being and take the first step towards positive change. Whether it's scheduling a free consultation or psychiatry appointment with TeleNP Health â„¢ or initiating a conversation about mental health with a loved one, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a healthier, more supportive community.
You are not alone. And TeleNP Health â„¢ is here to support you on your journey.
Take care of your health and happiness with us.
Let's all commit to fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and action. Together, we can break down barriers, support those in need, and pave the way for a brighter, more mentally healthy future. Remember, your mental health matters, and seeking help is a courageous step towards healing and empowerment.
Citations:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP22-07-01-005, NSDUH Series H-57). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report
StigmaFree company. NAMI. (2024, April 29). https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Pledge-to-Be-StigmaFree/StigmaFree-Company/#:~:text=Eight%20in%20ten%20workers%20say,in%20lost%20earnings%20each%20year.
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