Reflections And Insights From The Team

The stigma surrounding mental health has long been a barrier to meaningful conversations about the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. But because of gender stereotypes, it’s even harder for men to talk about their mental and emotional health. From an early age, most men get taught that being masculine or a “real man” means not showing weakness. The result is generations of men who are embarrassed to display emotions such as sadness, insecurity, and fear.

About six out of 100 people will have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point of their lives, according to the National Center for PTSD; this means that in a given year, 12 million adults in the U.S. may be suffering symptoms of PTSD. Because trauma can happen at any age, children and teens can also have PTSD. Each year, the U.S. child protection services receive three million reports of traumatic events affecting children, including violent crimes, disasters, and abuse.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time when we should increase awareness of the importance of our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. By engaging in more conversations about mental health, we can battle the stigma and prejudice keeping people with mental illness from seeking the help they need. Here are some ways you can help your mental health this month and onwards:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) kicks off National Prevention Week from May 8th to May 14th, 2022 this year and we are excited to be participating. SAMHSA will be delivering interactive activities virtually through its public education platform. Let’s join the communities and organizations that raise awareness of the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. We all have a role!

May 7th is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day- a day focused on the importance of supporting every child’s mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being. ADHD, anxiety, behavioral problems, and depression are the most diagnosed mental disorders in the U.S. among children, with some of these commonly occurring together.

Not all survivors of sexual assault react the same way. There are many emotional, physical, and behavioral responses to these crimes. Therapy has been proven one of the most effective approaches to sexual assault trauma. Through therapy, survivors can reduce PTSD symptoms and psychological distress. A therapist may also help you identify triggers and positive coping strategies.

When children are born, parents aren’t immediately equipped with the skills and experience they’ll need to help their kids with all of life’s problems. It‘s a learning process and while parenting classes and advice from friends and family can help some, problems can be so challenging that parents need the support of trained professionals to guide them to what is best for the health, wellbeing, and treatment of their child.

Alcohol counseling is crucial in your journey towards an alcohol-free life. The goal of counseling is to equip you with the right attitude and confidence to resist the urge to drink and cope with the negative emotions you may feel.A counselor provides you with guidance and emotional support by understanding your history and unique recovery process.

According to AddictionCenter.com, an estimated 20-30% of the LGBTQ+ community abuse substances. Substance abuse is prevalent among members of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) community because of the social stigma and challenges they face in achieving fair and equal treatment.