Celebrating Mental health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated every May, and this year, it feels more important than ever. Whether you’re dealing with added stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic, trauma caused by the current violence being perpetrated against people of color, or you’re experiencing anxiety due to financial instability, caring for your mental health is more important than ever. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to take time for yourself and support your loved ones and community members who are taking steps to care for their mental health.
 
Why is Increased Awareness About Mental Health Important? 
Have you ever heard the saying “knowledge is power?” It absolutely is. The more awareness and understanding people have about mental health and therapy, the more likely they are to seek care for themselves, encourage others to seek appropriate therapeutic intervention, and help to change thinking about mental health. Increasing awareness about mental health can also help to keep those who do struggle with mental health concerns safer because they feel confident seeking help before their issues are very severe.

What’s the Difference Between Mental Health Awareness & Advocacy? 
While awareness months like Mental Health Awareness Month are essential to start changing the way people think about mental health, the goal should always be move beyond awareness to true advocacy. You should think of advocacy as awareness in action. When you become aware of underlying issues, you are better suited to begin advocating to make real change and further spread awareness. If you’re learning more about mental health this May or you’ve experienced the benefits of therapy, consider sharing information with others through social media outlets or by chatting with your friends and loved ones in person about your own mental health journey. 

What Kind of Thinking Needs to Change to Reduce Stigma Surrounding Mental Health? 
The stigma surrounding mental health is deep seeded, but it’s time to start changing the problematic thinking that increases stigma. Some of the incorrect thinking surrounding therapy and mental health include: 

• Going to therapy is embarrassing – you wouldn’t be embarrassed about going to the doctor for a physical injury, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of seeking mental healthcare either. 
• Going to therapy is private – if you broke your arm and found a skilled surgeon to repair it, you wouldn’t keep that to yourself. You would tell your loved ones about it. Yet, people are less likely to share the good news if they find a therapist who helps them heal because mental health issues are considered private and something we’re not supposed to talk about.
• You should be able to fix it on your own – no one would expect you to magically heal a broken bone on your own, but people still think it’s logical to assume that emotional or cognitive health disorders can be healed without help. There’s no shame in seeking support from professionals to see you through a challenging time. 

Visit the Greater Houston Counseling Services Team 
Whether you’re looking to start or restart therapy this month, the Greater Houston Counseling Services team is here to support you. Reach out any time to learn more about what we have to offer and schedule a visit with one of our knowledgeable therapists. 

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