September is National Recovery Month

One in five people are affected with a mental illness at some point in their life. Colleges and universities nationwide are experiencing increased numbers of students suffering from mental illness and surging demand for mental health services. The prevalence of serious mental health conditions is highest among young adults, yet this group is the least likely to receive help due in part to stigma associated with mental illness and the false assumption that once you have a mental illness, you will have it for life. This is not always the case. At Shiawassee County Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA), we know that recovery is possible. We encourage everyone to be supportive of family and friends who are experiencing mental illness. It is imperative that friends and family understand how to help those coping with mental illness, including students and young adults, by encouraging them to seek treatment and connecting them to mental health resources. The same as influenza affects the lungs and norovirus affects the intestinal track, mental illness such as depression, bi-polar disorder and schizophrenia are illnesses that affect one’s mental health. All of these illnesses, both physical and emotional, are treatable with proper medication, therapy and peer support. Recovery month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, appreciates the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery is possible. This month, let’s spread the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. Let’s continue to be supportive and promote recovery for ourselves, our loved ones, friends, and neighbors on their personal journey to wellness and recovery.