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Mental Health Awareness Month – Part One

Mental Health Awareness Month – Part One

This Is Part One in a Multi-Part Blog Series About Mental Health.

May is Mental Health Awareness month and there is no time like the present to learn more about overlooked and undertreated illnesses.

Chances are, you know someone with a mental illness – or, you may be experiencing it first-hand. The topic remains taboo and difficult to discuss. Often times people with mental health-related issues will avoid seeking treatment for their symptoms due to shame, embarrassment or lack of available resources.

According to NAMI.org ,“on average it takes 11 years of experiencing mental health related issues before people seek treatment and roughly only half of the people in the U.S. with symptoms will seek treatment in a given year.” That means 44 million U.S. adults, roughly 18% of the population, are dealing with a mental illness each year with only half seeking treatment. (mhanational.org)

These facts alone are particularly concerning. Couple that with new barriers due to COVID-19, and you can see why it’s more important than ever to take time to care for our mental health.

As we continue to navigate these uncertain times it is our hope that as a healthcare community we are all able to band together to support one another not only physically but emotionally. Remember that not all illnesses are visible to the naked eye. Take time to check in with those in your life. A simple phone call can go a long way. If you or someone you know is struggling, we’re here to help.

You can contact Valley Health Behavioral Health Outpatient Services at 540-536-4881. Learn more about the care we provide on this page.

If this is an emergency, or if you are in crisis, please dial 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

For more information on the facts presented in this post, visit: