Mental Health Awareness Month

Since 1949, the non-profit organization, Mental Health America, has led the nation in observing Mental Health Awareness throughout the month of May. Mental illnesses are common world-wide and treatable. Up to 50% of all Americans will be challenged with depression or anxiety at some point during their lives. Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Suicidality, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are less common but cause much suffering for individuals and families.

Mental Health is essential to well-being and functioning. Family physicians urge their patients to care for their physical health through exercise, improved nutrition, and medication compliance. Psychiatrists and other mental health professionals encourage preventive mental health practices: mindfulness, restorative sleep, meditation, humor, recreation, socialization, spending time in nature, establishing community, animal companionship, etc.

Protecting mental health through self-care and lifestyle changes can prevent or improve mental illness. Encourage those you know struggling with mental illness to seek help by making an appointment with a therapist and/or psychiatrist, sharing their suffering with family and friends, and utilizing local support groups and resources.

At The Morton Center, we observe improvements in mental health issues once an individual engages in treatment for substance use disorders. Co-occurring substance use and mental illness are common in all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our services provide invaluable treatment, support, and hope for individuals and families. Please see below for a list of trusted resources:

http://www.themortoncenter.org/

https://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/

https://www.nami.org/Local-NAMI?state=KY

http://suicidehotlines.com/kentucky.html

Thanks for reading,

Ashley Peak M.D.

Addiction Psychiatrist/ Medical Director

The Morton Center