Mental Health Month Inspires Change

Mental health is of vital importance to living a stable, productive, and fulfilling life. Those who neglect their psychological well-being are at considerable risk of experiencing significant problems. Fortunately, there are small acts people can do each day that can pay off in the long run. It’s not always simple, but a little bit of effort towards prioritizing mental health is essential.

On the heels of Alcohol Awareness Month, millions of people are focusing on mental well-being. May is Mental Health Month: a national observance that is now 70 years strong. There are many facets to the annual awareness campaign, including educating, speaking out, and encouraging people to share their successes.

In the rooms of addiction recovery, those with lengths of sobriety share what works with the newcomer. The hope is that those with less time will incorporate what they learn into everyday practice. Those who can take suggestions, follow direction, and be honest with themselves can achieve long-term recovery. In doing so, individuals carry these message into the future, and the cycle of recovery continues.

Since use disorders are a form of mental illness, it stands to reason that the same model applies to other conditions. Millions of Americans take steps each day to manage and cope with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Such people accomplish this through various methods. Different techniques work for each person. Still, there is power in sharing about how to make progress; each success is an opportunity to help others.

Mental Health America is asking people who live with mental illness to share their strategies for maintaining overall health. During Mental Health Month, individuals can provide hope and affect change in people who are struggling.

Mental Health Month 2019: Helping Others

Physical and mental well-being depends on taking the time to prioritize eating healthy, exercise, and balance between work and play. The theme of MHM2019 is #4Body4Mind; all month, men and women are speaking out via social media. Mental Health America offers several tools to help guide those who have an interest in sharing their personal experience. Individuals who take part in the annual observance can help others:

• Understand how lifestyle factors impact the health of the mind and body.
• Start talking about mental health before Stage 4.
• Assess their mental health through the use of screening tools.
• Share their strategies for maintaining overall health by tagging social media posts with #4Mind4Body.

It is worth mentioning that untold millions of people are struggling with mental illness. Many of those who suffer have found it challenging to seek assistance. The stigma of psychiatric issues persists, and the shame that results from it bars people for reaching out for support.

Evidence-based screening tools and treatments exist—recovery is possible. Men and women can benefit significantly from hearing from those who have learned how to thrive in recovery. Sharing about your experience may result in a person finding the courage to seek treatment, recover and lead full, productive lives.

Inadequate social support makes it harder to recover from mental illnesses, while a strong social support system improves overall outcomes, according to research published in Psychiatry (2007). When those who are struggling with mental health find people to relate to, they are more likely to take steps to improve their mental health.

The sense of fellowship is one reason why persons in mutual help groups can break the cycle of self-destructive and self-defeating behaviors. If you’d like to get involved with MHM2019, please click here.

SLO County Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment

The majority of men and women living with addiction have a co-occurring mental health disorder. When a client arrives at a rehab center, concurrent treatment for each form of mental illness is paramount to a successful outcome.

We provide a continuum of care for clients with co-occurring chemical dependency and mental illnesses. Please contact The Haven at Pismo today to learn more about our Central Coast treatment center.

Mental Health Month is an excellent time to reach out for support and begin the journey of recovery. Our dedicated team of professionals is standing by to answer any of your questions. 805.202.3440