Nearly one in five Americans suffer from mental health conditions each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, yet only about half receive treatment. With all of the resources available today, help is available for those with a mental health condition. Mental Health Awareness Month aims to remove the stigma and encourage those who have a mental illness to get the treatment they need and deserve to get them on the road to recovery.
Treatment Connection, your online resource for finding a mental health treatment center near you, provides you or a loved one with the knowledge of what treatment is available in your area. Using the Treatment Connection portal is an easy way to find trusted treatment providers and programs.
Breaking Down the Stigma of Mental Illness
Mental Health Awareness Month, first celebrated in 1949, was initiated to bring attention to the high incidence of mental health conditions, the lack of compassionate treatment, and to help address the stigma against those suffering from mental illness. Some of the negative impacts associated with the stigmas of mental illnesses include:
- Discrimination when seeking employment or housing – Some people may worry that a person with mental illness presents a possible threat to themselves or others.
- Overreaction from people that are not educated about mental illness – A well-meaning person may call emergency services about a person’s “suspicious” behavior.
- A high number of untreated mental health conditions – A person with mental illness may fear being labeled or discriminated against, therefore, avoiding getting the help they need to improve their mental health.
The more people are aware of mental health conditions, the more we can break down the stigma barrier that prevents those who suffer from much-needed treatment.
How Can You Support Mental Health Awareness?
Whether or not you have a mental health condition or know someone who does, there are several ways you can show support for mental health awareness and the importance of accessible treatment for everyone:
- If you suffer from a mental health disorder, share your personal experience with others. Sharing your experiences and struggles can encourage others to feel more comfortable admitting they have a similar struggle and may prompt them to seek treatment.
- Check-in with your loved ones. Listen to what they say with their words, body language, and facial expressions. Sometimes, all it takes is having someone willing to actively listen to get a person to acknowledge that they need help.
- Educate yourself about the signs of mental health disorders. Empower yourself and others to identify signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
- Share information about mental illness on social media. We post about so many things about our daily lives. Why not share insight about recognizing mental illness?
- Participate in mental health awareness events in your local community. Reach out to your local National Alliance on Mental Illness office and volunteer to help with advocacy efforts.
Find Out How to Get Help for Mental Health Disorders
For many people, identifying if they need mental health treatment is the first step toward recovery. Finding a mental health treatment center should not be difficult or hinder anyone from seeking and receiving the help that they need. With awareness, everyone should find and access the resources needed to start on the road to recovery.
Treatment Connection is an ideal resource for those who may think that they or someone they love is experiencing a mental health crisis. Using the Treatment Connection website, you are able to find a state-vetted treatment provider near you.
