More and more people each year are struggling with their mental health, but there is still a lack of awareness. Aside from the lack of awareness, some people are afraid to discuss their mental health because of the stigma. Because of this, there’s World Mental Health Day 2018, which is aimed at helping spread awareness about mental health. Not only that, but it’s also a day where you can learn how to improve your mental health and live a better life.
World Mental Health Day 2018 for Awareness
Unfortunately, most of our society puts a big focus on physical health rather than mental health, so people lack education on the subject. You or someone you know may be struggling with their mental health, but you don’t know what to look for. In school, many learn about eating right, exercise and more, but they don’t learn about mental health. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms so you can get the help you need or help a loved one.
Some of the most common forms of mental illness include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
By increasing awareness about the subject, you’ll begin to understand why you’re going through what you’re going through. This is extremely helpful because many people turn to toxic behaviors such as substance abuse to self-medicate. Others may sit in misery because they just feel different than everyone else, but they don’t know why. During World Mental Health Day, many people, including family members, are more aware of mental health and mental illness.
World Mental Health Day 2018 for the Stigma
Something that keeps many people from seeking the help they need is the stigma that surrounds mental illness. When you don’t have friends or family members who understand how mental illness works, it can be rough. This can make you feel embarrassed or ashamed about your mental health, which can prevent you from seeking help. By increasing awareness about mental health, it helps to educate people and decrease the stigma.
People will learn that mental illnesses, as well as substance abuse, can sometimes be genetic, which means you were born with a brain that functions differently. Some people are more prone to depression because the brain doesn’t create certain chemicals. Others struggle with anxiety because they have an overactive part of the brain responsible for the fight or flight response. There are also those who have a dependency because the brain has a problem regulating dopamine. By people understanding how mental illness works, they’re less likely to judge someone who has mental health issues.
Supporting World Mental Health Day 2018
The Willows Red Oak Recovery proudly supports World Mental Health Day 2018 because we’re a dual diagnosis treatment center. We specialize in addiction treatment services for anyone who struggles with substance abuse as well as mental illness. If you have a problem with alcohol or drugs, we’re here to help you begin a new life. Some of the programs we offer here include:
- Family therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Recreational therapy
For more information regarding World Mental Health Day 2018, please call us today at 855-773-0614.
