May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. This effort’s main goals are to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce the stigma associated with it. Organizations work together to advocate for policies that support those who have mental illness and highlight the availability of mental health treatment programs like those offered at Harmony Hills.
Research indicates that each year, almost 20% of adults in the United States will experience a serious mental health illness, but less than half of those affected will seek treatment. Discrimination and negative stigmas attached to mental illness are the main factors that prevent people from seeking treatment. Harmony Hills is dedicated to helping reduce these while assisting individuals and their families to recover from the effects of mental illness. Contact us today at 855.494.0357 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs.
What Is Mental Illness or a Mental Health Condition?
Mental illness refers to a broad range of health conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, mood, and behavior to the degree that it negatively impacts their daily functioning. It can be acute, coming on suddenly and lasting for a short amount of time, or chronic, where symptoms are persistent and long-lasting.
Mental Health Awareness Month plays an important role in educating the general public about how common mental illness is. More than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in their life. Anyone can have a mental illness, regardless of identity factors such as age, race, religion, income, education, gender, or sexual orientation. A key part of mental health awareness is breaking down the social stigma and reinforcing that you are not alone and treatment is available if you have a mental illness.
Categories of Mental Health Conditions
Mental illness can take on many forms that are generally grouped into a few common categories:
- Anxiety disorders like panic disorder or phobias
- Mood disorders like bipolar disorder or depression
- Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
- Eating disorders
It is possible to have more than one diagnosed mental illness. A common occurrence is for an individual to suffer from a mental illness and a substance use disorder at the same time, which is referred to as having a co-occurring disorder. Sometimes, a substance use disorder can cause a mental illness. However, it is often the case that individuals develop a substance use disorder because they try to escape the pain of their mental illness.
At Harmony Hills, our highly trained staff understands this complex relationship. Our mental health and addiction treatment programs are designed to treat the whole person.
What Is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to educate and inform the public about mental health, reduce stigma, and highlight the importance of seeking treatment. It is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together to raise awareness and promote mental wellness.
Throughout the month of May, various activities and events focus on educating the public about mental illness. These can include seminars, workshops, fundraisers, art exhibits, and more. It is also a time for individuals to reflect on their own mental health and take steps towards improving it.
How Can You Get Involved?
There are many ways to get involved in Mental Health Awareness Month. Here are a few ideas:
- Volunteer at a local mental health organization or event
- Attend a mental health seminar or workshop
- Share information about mental health on social media
- Reach out to someone you know who may be struggling with their mental health and offer support and resources
- Take steps towards improving your own mental wellness, such as practicing self-care or seeking therapy if needed.
Whatever you choose to do, remember that every action counts in the fight against stigma and promoting mental health awareness. Together, we can create a more understanding and supportive society for those living with mental illness.
Learn More About Mental Health Treatment at Harmony Hills
Admitting that you or a loved one needs mental health treatment can be very difficult. Unfortunately, our society has openly discriminated against people with mental illness for much of our history. This, combined with misinformation about mental illness causes, has created a long-lasting social stigma that often prevents people from reaching out for help. Fortunately, in recent years, the medical, scientific, and clinical communities have made great advances in understanding mental illness. They are working to educate the general public through initiatives like Mental Health Awareness Month.
At Harmony Hills, our team of experienced mental health and addiction specialists provide the highest quality of care using science-based advances in the areas of mental health treatment and substance use disorder treatment. We understand that mental health issues don’t pop up overnight and cannot be treated overnight, either. So, we are dedicated to being at your side throughout your journey of recovery. Our mental health treatment programs treat mental illnesses, including:
- Anxiety treatment program
- Bipolar disorder treatment program
- PTSD treatment program
- Depression treatment program
- Schizoaffective disorder treatment program
- Trauma therapy program
- Substance use disorder
Our private, rural campus offers a resort-like setting with amenities to meet all of your needs. If you are ready to seek help, contact us now to learn about the mental health and substance abuse treatment programs available to you or your loved one.
Contact Harmony Hills for Treatment Today
You don’t have to continue struggling with mental health concerns. With the right treatment, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Harmony Hills offers individualized mental health and substance abuse treatment programs in a supportive and compassionate environment. Call us at 855.494.0357 or use the online form.
