Mental Health Awareness Month
For generations, mental health has been neglected, misunderstood and stigmatized, despite its vital nature. Today, conversations surrounding mental health are happening, growing louder than ever before. These important conversations have led to Mental Health Awareness Month, which is observed every May. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness, continuing the fight in breaking the stigma, and promoting overall mental wellness. This month serves to educate and remind nationwide that mental health is an essential part of one’s overall health.
What Is Mental Health?
Mental health refers to one’s psychological and emotional state of well-being. This can influence how we think, feel, act, and relate to others. One’s mental well-being exists on a spectrum; it can fluctuate throughout one’s lifetime. Mental well-being can be impacted by a diverse set of factors, such as individual, family, social, and structural. These factors can both positively and negatively impact one’s mental health. Despite the resilient nature of human beings, individuals exposed to conditions such as poverty, violence, disability and inequality can be at higher risk for developing mental health conditions.
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common and treatable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, 970 million individuals were living with a mental disorder. Despite the data, many individuals still suffer in silence.
Mental Health Signs & Symptoms
Mental health struggles and symptoms look different for everyone; however it is important to recognize some of the common signs. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) shares some of the common signs as: persistent sadness or irritability, withdrawal from family, friends and social gatherings, changes in one’s sleep patterns or appetite, difficulty making decisions or concentrating, or feelings of hopelessness. It is important to seek help early if you know someone experiencing these symptoms or if you yourself are experiencing these symptoms. Remember that seeking health is a strength. Therapists and counselors are available to provide talk therapy, psychiatrists can assess and treat with medication, if necessary, support groups provide comfort and community, and hotlines are available for immediate support. Remember that recovery is possible and using these supports can aid in achieving recovery.
The Effects of Stigma
Despite the progress that’s been made, stigma creates a barrier in individuals seeking help and promotes discrimination. Due to the misunderstanding of mental health, it has led to harmful stereotypes. These stereotypes create the belief that seeking help is weak, preventing individuals from accessing the help they need. Additionally, we’ve seen the spread of discrimination in schools, workplaces, and communities. Breaking this cycle begins with education and awareness. The more conversations that are had, the more we will see it normalized in our society.
Serenity Zone’s Mission in Mental Health Awareness
Serenity Zone Therapy joins in the fight to break the stigma surrounding mental health, spread awareness and provide individuals seeking help with quality care. Serenity Zone’s mission is to aid people in becoming their best self, by providing them with goal-oriented approaches to help them succeed. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, therefore, our team will utilize methodologies that work for you. Our team provides care to all individuals of all ages for conditions and symptoms such as addiction, adhd, anger, anxiety, autism, depression, focus, headaches and migraines, insomnia, memory, ocd, pain, performance, ptsd, seizures, stress, and tbi and head trauma. How we help is through methodologies and approaches such as anger management, cognitive behavioral therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, play therapy, stress management and much more. We strive to continue advocating, aiding, and spreading awareness around the importance of mental health awareness.
Let’s Change the Narrative
Raising awareness sheds light on the areas that were once dark. It tells people they are not alone. Let’s continue to remind people that help exists and healing is possible. Keeping the conversation going is necessary and advocating for better access, more compassion, and stronger support systems is essential. Providing resources and sharing our stories will aid in breaking the stigma. Remember mental health matters, and so do you. -Megan Kessler :)
Resources
● 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (USA): Call or text 988
● 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-273-8255)
● Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to reach Veterans Crisis Line
● For LBTQ+ Youth: 24/7 TrevorLifelife: 1-866-488-7386 or TrevorText: Text “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200
● Rainn’s National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
Please check out Serenity Zone’s website for additional information on these hotlines and more.
References
Warning signs and symptoms. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2024, November 18). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/warning-signs-and-symptoms/
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental health. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2
