It has been more than a year since the start of the pandemic and the need for mental health resources has skyrocketed across the globe. In addition to the stresses of coping with COVID-19, the past year has also been filled with social unrest. This trauma can impact the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children, families and communities. In tough times like these, our mental health must be a top priority. For more than 70 years, May has been observed as National Mental Health Awareness Month. This month, especially, we would like to do our part to raise awareness about mental illnesses, behavioral health issues, treatment and recovery.
Stigmas prevent individuals from accessing care. Often times, loved ones are not encouraging those struggling to get the help they need, and instead, stigmatizing struggling from mental health issues as shameful. By raising awareness, we hope to reduce the stigma surrounding the mental illnesses that so many experience. Increasing awareness means more people are aware that they are struggling from treatable issues and more loved ones are encouraging earlier access to care.
Here are the facts:
- 1 In 5 adults in America experience a mental illness.
- Nearly 1 in 25 adults in America live with a serious mental illness.
- Approximately 10.2 million adults have co-occuring mental health and addiction disorders.
- 40 million adults are affected by anxiety disorders each year.
- Only 36.9% of those struggling with anxiety disorders are receiving treatment.
We want members of our community to get the help they deserve. At Macomb County Community Mental Health, we can now meet your mental health, substance use, medical and physical healthcare needs -- all in the same place, regardless of insurance. Historically, behavioral healthcare and medical healthcare systems provided divided care. This has resulted in adverse outcomes. By providing integrated care, we can treat the whole person by managing physical and behavioral health conditions. We will follow up with healthcare providers after appointments to assure communication and coordination.
We’d like the community to know that help is available and recovery is possible. Your support is critical to reaching those struggling with their mental health during the pandemic. Here are some ways on how you can help your loved ones:
- Stay connected with video chats, texts, phone calls or through social media.
- Look for warning signs that may indicate that your friend is struggling or needs help. This includes what they are sharing online.
- Reach out to your friend and ask how they are doing. Share MCCMH support information if they need help. Our main line is 855-99-MCCMH.
- If you or a friend feels overwhelmed with emotions or like you want to harm yourself or others, contact our crisis line at 586-307-9100. Our Crisis Line is open 24/7 and speaking with a counselor is free.
Learn more about our services at www.mccmh.net. If you or someone you know needs help, call us at 855-99-MCCMH.
Jasmine Watts is a marketing and communications cooridinator for Macomb County Community Mental Health
