Being mentally healthy is vital for our general well-being, but for many years, mental health was something people didn’t discuss. There has been a change in society’s view of mental health, but we still have much more to achieve. A lack of awareness, fear and not being able to find the right help make many people continue to experience their problems alone. Talking about mental health is crucial because conversations play a big role in preventing loss of life, helping people heal and ensuring recovery.

Sharing your concerns about stress, anxiety, depression or dealing with both mental health and substance use is very important at the start. Let’s dive into what mental health means, the reasons we should talk about it and how to make this month memorable for mental health.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health covers our emotional, psychological and social aspects. It contributes to our thought processes, control our emotional state, influences our actions, impacts stress management, affects our relationships and impacts our ability to decide. Just as physical health does, mental health belongs to all of us and it needs regular care all the time.

Just feeling happy doesn’t mean you have good mental health and vice versa. It is about being able to handle problems, keep relationships strong and live a basic life. Diseases such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance use disorders can happen if someone has poor mental health. Although the conditions may be light or serious, short-lived or long-lasting and affect anyone without regard to age, background, or lifestyle, they are common occurrences.

A variety of resources and support can be found to help people hurt by addiction. At a mental health treatment center, people can get help through therapy, medicines, various holistic therapies and structured programs called inpatient mental health treatment and mental health residential treatment.

4 Reasons to Talk About Your Mental Health

1. Reduces Stigma

Because mental health is sometimes misunderstood and seen negatively, many find it hard to get help. Messages about mental health often fail to include the ways people experience mental illness. Sharing your experiences honestly or motivating others to share theirs, normalizes having mental health issues and demonstrates that people should feel free to get support. Discussing mental health helps to challenge untrue and harmful ideas about it.

2. Encourages Early Intervention

A lot of mental health problems worsen slowly. If no steps are taken, these problems could get worse over time. Talking about mental health makes people more likely to notice warning signs early and get support right away. Taking action quickly such as speaking with a friend or joining a mental health program, is better for your health.

3. Promotes Healing and Recovery

Expressing your feelings, problems and mental health issues to someone can help you a lot. It lets you let go of tension, addresses your traumas and joins you with others who are resonating with what you’re going through. With proper care at a mental health treatment center, individuals can begin their journey toward healing, learn coping strategies, and regain a sense of control over their lives.

4. Supports Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

Lots of people dealing with mental health issues are also struggling with substance use. These co-occurring disorders require specialized care, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment. If safety is given to those who deal with addiction and mental illness, then they will have better access to effective treatment. Care programs designed this way deal with the addiction and mental health issues together, making recovery more likely to last.

Ways to Honor Mental Health Awareness Month

In May, Mental Health Awareness Month, the community is encouraged to raise awareness, stand with people who need help and support equal mental health treatment. You can honor this month in different ways, some of which are listed below.

1. Start Conversations

A simple but strong way to acknowledge mental health awareness is by talking about it with others. Check in with a buddy to see how they feel—be genuine about it. Allow others to know what you have been through or celebrate your successes. Opening yourself up can encourage others to do the same and a little chat could mean a lot to a person.

2. Work on increasing your and others’ awareness.

Knowing gives you an advantage. Find out more about the different types of mental health problems, what to look for, treatments available and the available resources. Help your family, friends and colleagues learn what you have learned. Another option is to hold information sessions, invite someone who works in mental health to talk to your group or give out educational documents.

3. Support Mental Health Treatment Centers

If you’re in a position to do so, consider supporting your local mental health treatment centers through donations, volunteer work, or advocacy. Facilities like DeLand Treatment Solutions provide life-saving services to those in need. Participating in charity care for pets helps make it possible for more individuals to gain access to supportive medical treatment.

4. Practice Self-Care

Mental Health Awareness Month helps us remember to check our own well-being. Looking after yourself is necessary, even if it means making time only for yourself. Keep mental wellness in mind by performing activities such as meditation, journaling, exercising or sleeping enough. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help from a mental health residential treatment center.

5. Support Changes in Law and Rules

Use your voice to advocate for better access to inpatient mental health treatment, stronger mental health laws, and insurance coverage for behavioral health services. Raise your voice by contacting police and elected leaders, signing petitions or collaborating with organizations helping with mental health reform.

6. Take part in or arrange awareness events.

Events like walks, seminars and art displays occur every year in communities during Mental Health Awareness Month. Get involved in neighborhood activities or put on your own. These gatherings inform people and bring people together to support those experiencing mental health issues.

Seeking Help

It is important to notice mental health all year, not just during the month that is dedicated to its awareness. However, this month is a good opportunity to encourage people to speak out, back each other up, and try to remove the stigma often attached to mental illness.

In any case, having your difficulties or offering support to someone who speaks about mental health can lead to better days ahead. At DeLand Treatment Solutions, we’re here to help. We can help with inpatient services for mental health, dual mental health and substance abuse care, and support from our caring staff.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use, don’t wait. Contact DeLand Treatment Solutions at (386) 866-8689 to learn more about our personalized, evidence-based treatment programs.