I see you! You may be re-emerging into society with a new sense of freedom or perhaps you are fearful of what's to come as our communities return to "normal". Maybe the smile we see is hiding the pain of your struggles. Once again, we are in a state of transition.

Let's honor Mental Health Awareness month by showing others empathy and kindness, while accepting where you and your loved ones (and not-so-loved ones!) are in the process.

We are all in this together.

All my best,

We might be a little biased being mental health professionals and all, but May is our favorite month at McCaskill: Mental Health Awareness! We proudly live, breathe, learn and preach mental health! This month, we've provided you with all of our favorite resources to help strengthen your brain!

We don't have all the data yet, but if you have been tuned-in over the last year, it's pretty obvious to assume that mental health statistics are not looking so good thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Want to hear our thoughts? Read Dr. Pam's blog below!

Anxiety and depression rates have likely increased in our communities given the chronic instability, separation and loneliness, ongoing grief, lack of coping mechanisms, and financial stressors we've been experiencing. Now, more than ever, addressing and managing our mental health has become a necessity. We can no longer ignore our need for stress management, validation, and support with processing the past year, while preparing ourselves for what's to come.

If you have been on the fence about speaking with a mental health professional for yourself or for someone you love.. May is the month! When left untreated, difficulties with depression and anxiety can potentially lead to other issues such as substance misuse, interpersonal difficulties, cardiovascular problems, eating disorders, insomnia, and OCD. Now is the time. You deserve support.

At McCaskill Family Services, we specialize in working with adults, children, teenagers and families with various presenting issues. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please contact us. Our clinicians are trained in empirically-based techniques, and would be happy to promptly schedule an appointment in person or via tele-health. We can be reached by phone at 734-416-9098 or by email at office@mccaskillfamilyservices.com.

Reserve your spot now!

These amazing groups fill up quickly in the summer!

Tuesday's 4:30-6pm, Ages 13-17

Monday's 4:30-6pm, Ages 9-12

Monday's 10:30am-12pm

When we look at some statistics according to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), we learn that 44.8% of people who struggled with mental illness in 2019 sought treatment in the United States, and that 50.4% of our youth (ages 6-17) received treatment.

That's half.

Half of us that need help are getting help. The rest of us, well.. what's going on?

One of the most common things I hear from my patients upon meeting them goes something like this, "There are people that have it way worse than I do. I have nothing to be sad about." Sometimes I hear parents use statements like, "She's not depressed, she's just being a moody teenager. Aren't they all depressed nowadays?"

Why is it that we downplay our emotional struggles and needs? I urge you to reflect personally on this statement. Is it fear of being judged? Fear of taking action? Low self-esteem? Difficulties managing priorities? Fear of accepting your reality?

How might things start to look differently in our world if we started talking openly with each other, and addressing our emotions in a proactive (instead of reactionary) fashion? Our honesty would help push us in the direction of proper care sooner, "I guess it is more serious than we thought" and would likely gain us more support and connection from one another, "You feel that way, too?! Phew. I thought I was crazy."

Your emotional experience, no matter how big, small, tidy, messy or deeply rooted it is, deserves attention. Whatever you are feeling is valid, and needs to be addressed. Emotions serve as our communicators, and want to be felt, heard and acknowledged. When we attempt to ignore them...they just sit there... waiting.. growing.. causing other issues.

It can always be scary to take a step forward in improving your mental health, but as this positive little snake plant says, "I see a new beginning." It's never too late, and you are always worth it.