While dealing with depression, anxiety, a dual diagnosis condition, or another issue, you may find it challenging to cope with everything happening around you. You’re not alone. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it specifically aims to draw attention to the importance of better mental health.
Many adults in America have a mental illness. Some people live with illnesses that are severe and persistent. Being made more aware of these conditions and what they are can help those people and the general public to have a different and more positive outlook on mental illnesses and disorders.
When Is Mental Health Awareness Month?
May is Mental Health Awareness Month in 2021. Each year, May has several dates that focus on specific subsets of people. Some important dates include:
- May 5: World Maternal Mental Health Day
- May 6: Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day
- May 7: Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day
The month’s programs focus on educating and building awareness about the mental health issues that affect the communities around the United States.
What Are Some Conditions That Affect Mental Health?
There are dozens of conditions that may affect mental health. Some include depression and anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and alcohol and drug addiction. Getting the proper treatment does make a difference in a person’s life. Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on teaching people about the signs of mental health disorders and how to provide help to those who are struggling.
How Can People Get Involved in Mental Health Awareness Month?
This May, people who would like to participate can send a virtual hug to friends and family with #MentalHealthMonth. Many people have struggled in the last year because of COVID-19. Some tips to help those dealing with a mental health crisis include:
- Treating them with dignity and respect
- Offering emotional support
- Giving them hope
- Having realistic expectations
- Providing practical health
- Offering more information or resources to the person in need
The National Alliance on Mental Health states that you can get involved online by using their hashtag #NotAlone and sharing graphics and messages with the community. Throughout the month of May, the organization is also featuring stories from people who want to share their mental health experiences.
Mental Health Support Is Available
It’s important to know that mental health support is available through substance abuse treatment programs and behavioral health services. Those who have a dual diagnosis benefit from rehab centers and the treatments they offer. Bayview Recovery provides care for an underlying mental illness and supports in beating the addiction or dependency on drugs or alcohol. By tackling both issues at once, it’s possible to reduce the likelihood of a relapse of a substance use disorder in the future. When that substance use disorder makes a mental health condition worse, getting it under control may also help the individual feel more stable and in control of their lives once again.
Mental health treatment is nothing to fear. There are various options, from in-person meetings to telehealth programs. Anyone who needs support should have access and be guided toward a program that suits their needs.
Contact Bayview Recovery
At Bayview Recovery, we work hard to help those who come to us. Addiction may seem like it’s in control, but you can take back your power over it. We can help you find the right treatment program so that you can get on the path to a sober lifestyle. We offer a range of mental health treatment programs, including:
Call us today at 855.478.3650 to learn more about our services and how we can help you enroll in a program during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Dr. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH (Medical Reviewer)
