May is National Mental Health Awareness Month

 How Aware Are You?

Talin Yesaie, MFT

With the Month of May comes the opportunity to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with the Mental Health challenges that affect millions of people around the world.   Several organizations have designated times in May to provide information, education and advocacy for improvements in research, prevention, and treatment of specific mental health challenges.   The media often portrays those with mental illness as "crazies," "lunatics," or "psychos," and the stigma associated with mental illness prevents many people from seeking support and treatment.  Sometimes, the best a loved one can do is help create a comfortable environment that invites those with mental health concerns to recognize that they are significant and can contribute in meaningful ways.  Those struggling with depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, and other symptoms are not "crazy" and there are many things they can do to reduce the symptoms impacting their lives every day.  Many are ashamed to admit mental illness because it is not an illness you can see, but none the less, it is an illness that needs and deserves treatment.

For more information on how you or a loved one can get needed mental health resources and support, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness online www.nami.org .  San Diego county locals can call the San Diego Access and Crisis Line (1.800.479.3339) 24/7 for emergency support and routine referrals to services available in our community.  Roots and Wings Consulting also has therapists skilled at helping individuals and families navigate the many challenges that come with mental illness.  For more information visit us at www.RootsAndWingsConsulting.com  or email info@contactRAW.com.  If you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, childcare provider, or other caregiver who has children with special needs in your life, there is now a Positive Discipline book that speaks directly to you!  Positive Discipline for Children With Special Needs by Jane Nelsen, Steven Foster, and Arlene Raphael focuses on "raising and teaching all children to become resilient, responsible and respectful" members of society.   Visit www.PositiveDiscipline.com to purchase your copy today!