Why Mental Health Awareness Is Important

May has been designated as mental health awareness month since 1949 and was founded by the National Association for Mental Health, which is now known as Mental Health America https://mhanational.org/arc/about-mha-affiliates). It raises awareness and educates the public about the many types of mental illnesses that exist, such as depression, schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder. Mental Health Month aims to raise awareness regarding the trauma and societal impact that mental illness can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities as a whole.

We are late to the game this month in getting this message out, but we certainly didn’t want the month to end until we had spoken to the importance of mental health awareness among our followers and our client community. So, the burning question that remains  is why is mental health awareness so important? It is for the purpose of understanding, openness, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues.

Understanding. Although we have come so far in the United States about understanding the various mental health issues that can exist, we encourage our clients and their families to read and seek out information if they or family members receive a diagnosis, it is important to ask questions and seek out resources from your treatment team (e.g., your psychotherapist, your psychiatrist, and your psychiatric nurse practitioner). 

Openness. Connected to understanding the importance of being open to getting help  for your or a family member’s mental health diagnoses is not to avoid discussing with someone close to you your fears and concerns about the symptoms and fears for the future.  Not discussing your issues will create a growing sense of shame that will prevent any support you can receive from those close to you and perhaps even prevent you from receiving needed treatment. 

Treatment. Finding the right treatment providers and regimen is crucial for you to minimize the length of treatment and to create optimal communication between your mental and health and medical providers. The optimal treatment for your mental health issues is the coordination of all of your providers. Further, the most efficacious treatment for mental health diagnoses is a mix of both medication and psychotherapy.

Prevention. Educating individuals through blogs  such as this and articles in pop psychology magazines such as Psychology Today, is important in creating understanding, openness, and increased likelihood of successful treatment for mental health diagnoses. Lastly, one of the most critical ways of preventing mental health crises is to reduce suicide. If you or someone close to you are suicidal, do not hesitate to call  or text 988. you’ll be able to speak with a trained crisis counselor any time of day or night.

Reach out anytime for more discussion on the purpose of understanding, openness, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues. 

Blessings to you all, 

Dr. Pam

ppaterennis@hudsonrivercareandcounseling.com

201-541-8600