May Recognized As Mental Health Awareness Month

May is a special month that is recognized worldwide as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we focus on the importance of mental health and the role it plays in our lives.
Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health, and to educate people about the importance of seeking help when they need it. Mental health is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, and yet it is often overlooked or ignored. We need to create an environment in which people feel comfortable talking about their mental health and seeking support when they need it.
One of the goals of Mental Health Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the different types of mental health conditions and the impact they can have on a person’s life. Mental health conditions are not uncommon, and they can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background. Some of the most common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders.
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24 Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
CareSouth Carolina is home to a nationally recognized Integrated Behavioral Health program, where patients receive quality care by some of the best, most caring professionals in the field of mental health. At least one licensed behavioral health counselor is co-located at each of our medical centers where we provide:
• Mental Health Counseling services to individuals and families
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Problem-Solving Therapy
• Substance use disorder prevention and treatment
Our counselors are master’s prepared and licensed clinical social workers and professional counselors who specialize in providing both immediate and long–term assistance to individuals who may experience depression, PTSD, anxiety, grief, family issues or substance dependency and other psychosocial needs.
CareSouth Carolina’s Behavioral Health Providers work in collaboration with the health care delivery system which includes all offices within CareSouth, long term care facilities, school-based counseling services, Tele-Psychiatry services, and our local Drug and Alcohol treatment facilities (Trinity, Alpha, and Rubicon) for Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Behavioral Health Providers develop and provide plans of care and clinical counseling services aimed at improving the patient’s mental and physical health. The BHP assesses psychosocial factors of individuals and families to diagnose and treat complex mental health disorders and addresses any co-morbid alcohol and drug use. “We utilize a wide range of evidence-based treatments that focuses on the “whole person”. We treat the patients’ physical, mental, and social health TOGETHER. Practicing Integrated Behavioral Health Care allows for our medical and behavioral health providers to collaborate care and enhance the health and wellbeing of all our patients.” Amy Cook, Director of Behavioral Health, said.”
In addition to counseling, CareSouth Carolina provides testing for ADHD, learning disorders, Autism Spectrum, Asperger’s and other academic functional testing as done by a Ph.D. Psychologist.
CareSouth Carolina has been instrumental in forming the Rural Opioid Community Response Consortium, which works to de-stigmatize treatment for opiate or other substance use disorders.
The consortium has three main objectives: Prevention of opiate use disorders, Treatment of opiate and other substance use disorders and Sustained Recovery for people of all ages who are struggling with an opiate use disorder or dependency.
It is important to recognize that mental health conditions are real, and that they can be just as debilitating as physical illnesses. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma attached to mental health conditions, and many people who suffer from them are afraid to seek help because they fear being judged or misunderstood. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to break down these barriers and to encourage people to seek the support they need.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, there are many things you can do to show your support for mental health.
You can participate in events and activities that raise awareness about mental health, such as walks, runs, and fundraising events. You can also use social media to spread the word about Mental Health Awareness Month and to share resources and information about mental health.
If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to know that help is available. There are many resources available, including hotlines, support groups, and counseling services. You can also talk to your doctor or a mental health professional about your concerns and explore different treatment options.

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