National Recovery Month is a time to reflect on the successes of those in recovery as well as to provide support for those still struggling. It’s also a time to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues such as addiction and substance abuse and to destigmatize seeking help from a mental health professional. In recent years, there has been a rise in mental health issues, making it more important than ever to seek help if you or someone you love is struggling.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
One in five adults in the United States lives with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. That means that statistically speaking, you probably know someone who is struggling with their mental health. And yet, despite how common mental illness is, there is still a stigma surrounding seeking help from a mental health professional. Part of National Recovery Month is about changing that stigma and encouraging people to seek help if they need it.
There are many reasons why people might not seek help for their mental health issues. For some, there may be a fear of being labeled as “crazy” or “weak.” Others may not want to face their issue head-on. And still, others may not even realize that they have a problem. If you suspect that you or someone you know might be struggling with a mental illness, look for these common signs and symptoms:
- Feeling sad or down more often than usual
- Lacking energy or motivation
- Withdrawing from friends and activities that used to bring joy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Abusing substances such as alcohol or drugs
- Negative feelings such as hopeless, worthless, or excessively guilty
- Having thoughts of harming oneself or suicide
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms in yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to those struggling with mental illness, and seeking help is the first step on the road to recovery.
Getting Help: Where to Start?
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to getting help for your mental health issue, here are some resources that can help:
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
– Crisis Text Line: text “HOME” to 741-741
– SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
– NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264
– TrevorLifeline (for LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386
These helplines are staffed by trained counselors who can provide support and resources 24/7. You are not alone in this; reach out for help today.
Mental health problems are more common than most people realize, yet there is still a lot of stigma surrounding them. This makes it difficult for people who need help to seek it out. However, it’s so important to seek help if you’re struggling with your mental health. Recovery is possible, but it starts with reaching out for help. If you or someone you love is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out. There are many resources available; there is hope and there is help.
Seeking Help From Red Mountain Sedona
Red Mountain Sedona helps young adults overcome emotional and/or behavioral challenges in order to gain the skills they need to live with joy, meaning, and purpose. Our areas of specialty include trauma, depression, anxiety, recovery from substance abuse, ADHD, or any combination of these issues. We are a strengths-based, all-gender, inclusive community supporting young adults ages 18-28 who have had challenges gaining traction in life.