STIGMA OFTEN PREVENTS MENTAL HEALTH AID, BUT HELP IS AVAILABLE

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that mental health is how you think, feel and act as you cope with life.  It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make choices.  Like physical health, mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four people is affected by mental health issues and that nearly fifty percent of U.S. adults will develop at least one mental illness at some point in their life.  Medications and counseling may help if treatment is sought; however, more than 75 percent of people with mental illness receive no treatment.  Mental illness covers a wide range of disorders, including:  anxiety disorders, bipolar disorders, depression, personality disorders, thought disorders, including schizophrenia, and organic disorders, including dementia.  Autism and Asperger’s are developmental disorders. A number of recent media reports have suggested a link between Asperger’s syndrome (a high functioning form of autism spectrum disorders) and violent behavior.  According to the Autism Alliance of Michigan, there is no evidence that suggests persons with Asperger’s are any more likely to engage in planned, violent attacks on others than those from the general population without this disorder.  In fact, persons with autism tend to be victims of bullying and victimization due to their social awkwardness and inability to understand and appropriately respond to social cues.  For more information about Autism, contact the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

It is extremely unfortunate that some people do not seek the necessary treatment.  Many times because they are embarrassed or ashamed.  Negative attitudes about mental illness often underlie stigma, which can cause affected persons to deny symptoms; delay treatment; be excluded from employment, housing, or relationships; and interfere with mental health recovery.  Stigma refers to attitudes and beliefs that lead people to reject, avoid, or fear those perceived as being different. Stigma about mental illness is a major reason people do not seek treatment.  Furthermore, there are many misconceptions about mental illness and mental health treatment.  Mental illness, like many other illnesses, IS treatable.  We can help those we care about by encouraging them to seek mental health treatment.  If you are a family member or friend, show support for your loved one by assisting with the initial call to a mental health provider, getting them to and from the scheduled appointment, become a part of the treatment plan, and most important, accept them as a person, just as they are.

The Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Board and staff offers deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims, and the entire community of Newtown, Connecticut.  Tragedies such as this, especially involving children, take an immeasurable emotional toll on the citizens throughout the nation.  Scott Gilman, CEO states “It is normal to grieve following a traumatic event and I encourage you to talk about your feelings and responses with loved ones, friends, and if necessary, to seek professional help.”  Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority is here for you because you matter to us.  For services and crisis intervention, please call 989.723.6791 or 1.800.622.4514.  Counseling is available 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a week.  You will be connected to trained and caring professionals who will provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.