May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Fairwinds Treatment Center supports this cause through outreach and communicating the tools and resources provided by both Mental Health America and NAMI.

Both of these organizations work very hard to develop tools resources to help individuals and families struggling with mental health related issues to not only get the help they need, but to also spread the word and increase awareness.

Mental Health America:
Each year since 1949 the Mental Health America organization created a theme for the month and releases a toolkit of materials to help with outreach for activities associated with Mental Health Awareness Month. The toolkit includes screening tools, tests and other resources to help individuals identify if there is an issue that needs further examination.

The 2018 theme is Fitness #4Mind4Body. The focus of this theme is what we as individuals can do to be fit for our own futures – no matter where we happen to be on our own personal journeys to health and wellness.

Find the toolkit and other resources here:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/may

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has selected “Cure Stigma” as their 2018 theme #curestigma. Find out more at CureStigma.org. Stigma is toxic to mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won’t change unless we act to change it.

Campaign manifesto: “There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma.”

Learn more about NAMI and the #curestigma theme here:
https://www.curestigma.org/

The dual diagnosis approach we take at Fairwinds Treatment Center aligns with both of these themes established for Mental Health Awareness month. Research shows many of those who struggle with substance abuse and/or eating disorder are also diagnosed with mental disorders and vice versa. At Fairwinds Treatment Center is a psychiatric facility with a 24/7 medical staff and experienced therapists who work with our patients to get to the root of the disorders and develop customized plans for recovery.

Help us spread the word about Mental Illness not only in May, but throughout the year.