Tag Archive for: Depression

It’s Okay to Ask for Help: Embracing Mental Health Awareness Month

, , , ,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and breaking down the stigma that often surrounds mental illness. It’s an opportunity to remind ourselves and others that mental health is as important as physical health. Not paying attention to our mental health can hurt us on so many levels and debilitate our physical health and all other facets of life.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in daily activities. It also influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and influence our choices. Mental health issues can affect anyone, irrespective of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Often, people hesitate to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma, fear of judgment, or simply not recognizing the signs in themselves. Acknowledging that you might need help is a significant first step. Getting treatment can provide the tools needed to help manage mental health effectively. Utilizing the tools and keeping the conversation open allows you to get the support you need and help the recovery process.

How to Get Help

1. Talk to Someone: Whether it’s a friend, family member, or a professional, sharing how you feel is the starting point.

2. Consult a Professional: A mental health professional can provide a diagnosis and provide a treatment plan that suits your needs.

3. Use Online Resources: Many organizations offer online resources and support groups that can provide guidance and connect you to others facing similar challenges. Please note that CalCPA Health medical subscribers can access LiveHealth Online and visit a therapist or psychologist from anywhere with access to a laptop, tablet, or mobile device and internet connection.

4. Emergency Help: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, reaching out to emergency services can provide support and intervention right away. For information on emergency services for those in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call the suicide prevention hotline 988 or visit online for resources or chat function.

Ending the Stigma

Being open about mental health can normalize these conversations and encourage more people to seek help. Sharing personal experiences and supporting those who are dealing with mental health issues are powerful ways to fight the stigma.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s pledge to be open about our mental health, to support others without judgment, and to seek help when needed. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s more than okay to ask for help.

/0 Comments

May 2023 – Mental Health Awareness Month

, ,

Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual observance that takes place in May. It’s a time to raise awareness of mental health issues facing our nation, be able to recognize warning signs, and encourage people to seek treatment if they need it. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States since 1949, with the goal to erase the stigma around mental health and to provide support, awareness, and education on the topic.

The theme for Mental Health Awareness Month for 2023 is “Take Some Time to Look Around, Look Within” which encourages everyone–from individuals, families, employers, and policymakers to talk about this topic that touches all of us in one way or another.

Mental Health America (MHA) was founded in 1909 to help address the needs of those suffering from mental illness. Each year MHA releases a report on the state of mental health in America. In the 2023 report, studies show that in 2019-2020, 20.78% of adults were experiencing a mental illness – this is equal to over 50 million Americans. Along with the number of Americans suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse, there is a severe shortage of mental health providers. When people are desperate for help, having to wait weeks or months to be seen by a mental health professional can be a life-threatening situation. According to MHA, in the U.S., there are 350 individuals for every one mental health care professional.

Read more

/0 Comments

What is Mental Health Month

, , , , ,

Since 1949, the month of May has been recognized as “Mental Health Month”. It was established to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. At that time, many people didn’t talk about how they were feeling and suffered alone. Help wasn’t readily available due to the lack of knowledge about such illnesses. Over the decades, mental health doctors and researchers have learned about the many faces of mental illness and how to help those struggling.

Stats show that in 2019, nearly 50 million or 19.86% of adults in America experience a mental illness. (Source) The past two years of the pandemic resulted in a new level of stress and anxiety into our lives, creating a growing number of both adults and youth suffering from major depression. Read more

/0 Comments

Mental Health and Young Children

, , , , ,

Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Today, doctors and researchers have gained knowledge of the many layers of mental illness conditions and have developed different methods to help those suffering. Many of the conditions will not improve without the proper channel of help from a medical professional and with the help of family and friends.

The pandemic has taken a toll on people of all ages, but one age group of concern is young children. Many children are developing mental health conditions, and since they are young, it may be difficult for them to express their feelings. Knowing the symptoms of mental health conditions will help us to identify the issue(s) and seek out the right help: Read more

/0 Comments

HealthyCPA – January 2021 :: What is Contact Tracing?

,

The eMagazine dedicated to improving members’ well-being

  • Flu, COVID-19 and Cold Symptoms Compared
  • Have You Got Your Back?
  • 5 Exercise Missteps
  • What is contact tracing?
  • Liquid Meal Replacements: Pros and Cons
  • How do I know if I have depression?
  • 8 Safety Habits

In each issue you will find information and inspiration to help you with your health and wellness goals.

Download

/0 Comments