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Community Corner
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Milford Prevention Council (MPC), Community Contributor
May is Mental Health Awareness month, a time in which people across the country come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and educate others regarding mental health. Mental health affects everyone, whether directly or through the experiences of family or friends. Each year, millions of people face the challenges of mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and more. These conditions are much more common than many realize, yet stigma and lack of understanding often hinder individuals from seeking the help they need.
This year, the Mental Health Awareness month theme is, “Turn Awareness into Action,” a powerful call to not only educate communities about the importance of mental health, but to actually take meaningful steps towards change. While raising awareness is a critical first step, it is equally as important to turn conversations into tangible impact. Change can come in several forms, including advocating for accessibility to mental health services, checking in on loved ones who may be struggling, or supporting mental health initiatives in the community, work place, or school setting. Every action, big or small, helps create a more supportive environment for all.
Reducing stigma around mental health is essential for creating a community where individuals feel safe seeking help and discussing their struggles. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, about 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness. This is a significant amount, and within this group, approximately 20% of these mental health conditions are anxiety disorders. With such a high prevalence, it becomes clear that mental health issues impact everyone in some capacity. Unfortunately though, stigma can deter people from seeking help. To reduce stigma, we must start by openly talking about mental health: normalizing these conversations in everyday settings is critical. This can include talking about mental health conditions, the prevalence of mental health disorders, and ways to combat these challenges. Additionally, educating others about misconceptions versus the realities of mental health is important, as many simply lack knowledge on the topic. By taking these steps, we can create an environment in which mental health is treated with the same care and respect as physical health.
While raising awareness and reducing stigma are critical, it’s also important to highlight the resources available for those struggling with mental health challenges. Many individuals may not know where to turn for help. Milford Prevention Council is a part of Bridges Healthcare, a comprehensive mental health clinic that offers outpatient services to children and adults dealing with mental health issues, substance use disorders, and more. In addition to local resources, SAMHSA, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, offers a free, confidential 24/7 helpline for those struggling with mental health or substance abuse concerns. This helpline can be accessed by calling 1-800-662-HELP (4357).By raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting individuals with the right resources, we can create a community in which mental health is prioritized and supported. Ensuring that everyone feels empowered to seek help is paramount to fostering an environment of overall well-being for all.https://www.nami.org/about-men...
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