Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness month.  Although most people don’t realize it, almost everyone knows someone who has a mental illness, even if not formally diagnosed.  It is currently estimated that one in five adults has a mental illness.

People often think of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder when they think of mental illness.  However, depression, anxiety, and trauma also have significant effects of mental health.  In fact, depression, anxiety, and trauma are each more common than schizophrenia and bipolar disorder combined.  Furthermore, depression, anxiety, and trauma can have several impacts on people’s lives.  Eating disorders, cognitive disorders, and behavior disorders are also common mental health concerns.  Fortunately, there are several effective therapies for various mental health conditions.

Unfortunately, many people do not seek therapy due to the stigma and shame that can be associated with mental illness.  One goal of Mental Health Awareness month is to help dispel several myths and misconceptions about mental health.  Most importantly, it is important to understand that having a mental illness does not mean that there is something ‘wrong’ with you, or that you are somehow ‘weak’ or ‘defective.’

In many regards having a mental illness is no different than having a medical illness such as diabetes or high blood pressure.  It does not mean that you are weak, lazy, or defective.  Like diabetes and high blood pressure, most mental illnesses can be treated or controlled with proper therapy and care.

The staff at North Star Mental Health, LLC are experienced in working with a wide variety of mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.  Our therapists utilize a wide variety of clinical theories and techniques to tailor your treatment to your individual needs and life situation.  They can help you understand your mental health, and learn how in many ways your emotions and behaviors are understandable and adaptive.  Most importantly, you can learn that you are not alone and that there is help for your mental health concerns.