Mental Illness, Mental Health Support in Laytonville
May is Mental Health Month. It’s a time to “fight stigma, provide support, educate the public, and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.” If you are affected by mental illness, You Are Not Alone.
According to NAMI, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, but less than half get treatment. These numbers indicate that not only is mental illness common, but because of many reasons, nearly half of all people who could benefit from treatment don’t receive it.
Talk with Someone
Are you afraid to talk about mental illness? Read one woman’s story about her struggle and how opening up to a trusted counselor helped her cope with her life struggles. Long Valley Health Center has licensed clinical social workers that you can talk to. LVHC also provides support groups for people in Laytonville and surrounding communities as talking with other individuals with similar struggles can be helpful.
The struggles we face, the fears we live with, our life challenges — sharing stories is important to both destigmatize mental illness and to help others learn that they are not alone.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Mental Illness?
According to NAMI, “each illness has its own symptoms,” but there are common symptoms:
Excessive worrying or fear
Feeling excessively sad or low
Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning
Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria
Prolonged or strong feelings of irritability or anger
Avoiding friends and social activities
Read on for more Warning Signs and Symptoms of mental illness.
Poor sleep can be a sign of mental illness and can also make symptoms of mental illness worse. Find information on sleep disorders.
Mental Health Resources In Laytonville
Long Valley Health Center has Licensed Clinical Social Workers on staff who can make assessments and provide cognitive behavioral therapy. LVHC also provides psychiatric care through telemedicine. Psychiatrists prescribe medications that are used to treat mental illness.
Managing Mental Stress
How do you manage stress? During COVID-19 many life stressors were added to our plates. This added to our already existing personal struggles, life challenges, relationship difficulties, and work stress. What are some ways to manage mental stress?
Find Gratitude
Be grateful for what you have and what you are given. Do you have good friends or family? Do you have a roof over your head and running water?
Concentrate On The Positive Things
Take a social media break. While some degree of global awareness is a good thing, sometimes national or global events can get overwhelming. It’s ok to tune things out to take care of yourself.
Take Care Of Your Body
Exercise regularly. Get a good night's sleep. Eat healthfully. When your body is taken care of, it’s easier to regulate your moods.
For more tips to manage stress check out our health center’s article.