Mental Health Month Being Observed

Breaking Silence=
Breaking Stigma
Most of us have no problem talking about our health. We share details about our allergies, back and body pains, headaches, diabetes, blood pressure, and even our struggles with weight. We go to the doctor when we’re sick or hurting. We talk to our friends, family, and our co-workers. When we don’t feel well physically, we let someone know about it and we ask for help. But what about when we don’t feel well emotionally or mentally?
It is estimated that 1 in 5 American adults experiences some type of mental health issue, and 1 in 25 Americans lives with a serious mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
With numbers that high, you’d think we’d be a little noisier and have more conversations about how we’re feeling mentally and emotionally.
But we aren’t as comfortable talking about our mental health and unfortunately, we don’t always ask for the help we need.
Sometimes, we don’t even realize we are struggling-we are too busy taking care of others and getting through each day as best we can.
May is a busy month, with graduations, end of school activities, weddings, Mother’s Day, family vacations, etc. These are all happy, exciting events, right? Not always. For some, this may be a time of increased anxiety and stress. Others may struggle with sadness and feelings of loss or loneliness.
The symptoms associated with many mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety can often be ignored or misunderstood. Sometimes, they may look like something else-bad moods/anger outbursts, sleep problems, changes in appetite, or physical symptoms.
We don’t always trust that it’s “ok” to let others know when we’re having a hard time. Help is available, but we must get more comfortable talking honestly and openly about our mental and emotional health.
May is a month filled with both endings and new beginnings. Let’s end the stigma around mental health and begin the conversations that will lead us toward healthier, happier lives.
—Teresa Meakins-Linn, M.S., LPC Executive Director, Tri-County Community Mental Health Center

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