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Posts Tagged ‘Mental Health Awareness Month’

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. By Our Student Pharmacist, Kelly Usakoski.

As the last week of April is coming to an end, it’s time to get ready for May and Mental Health Awareness Month. This occurrence was established by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization back in 1946 to help decrease the stigma that surrounds mental health.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has a very specific message this year to raise awareness, which is that you are not alone.

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Being able to feel comfortable with seeking the help you need is something to strive for and will take a lot of work. The NAMI has established the “you are not alone” campaign so that you can share your own story and struggle with mental illness and inspire others to do the same and seek help.

One in five adults will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.

Mental illnesses are common and treatable if you’re willing to take the first step.

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My experience with the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness:

As a student pharmacist, I’ve come across a different stigma in relation to mental health that is pervasive. It’s the idea that being on medication for your mental illness means you weren’t strong enough to overcome it on your own. The way I like to tackle this type of thinking is to think about any other condition. If your cholesterol is high because your body is storing too much, you may take medication to decrease your cholesterol so that you can be healthier. You can also decrease your cholesterol by reducing your fat intake and exercising, but there can be barriers to making these lifestyle changes.

Mental illnesses are the same as physical ailments. They are due to a combination of social stressors and a chemical imbalance occurring in your brain. Sometimes people need that little extra bit of help (medications) to correct that imbalance. Medications do come with certain drawbacks and side effects. If one option doesn’t work, it may be beneficial to try something new.

Most people try many different options before they find the best treatment for them. The most effective treatment for mental illnesses is therapy and medication combined. Getting care for mental health will be a unique process for each individual, so make sure to talk to your healthcare providers about what’s best for you.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy is a first-line treatment for mental illnesses, and there are many different types.

CBT is an evidence-based psychological treatment that works to reinforce positive thinking patterns. Depression and anxiety can come with intruding thoughts such as “I’m not worth it” or “I’m a failure”. Even if you tell yourself that those thoughts aren’t true, it can be hard to convince your brain.

CBT tries to retrain your brain so that you can have more confidence in yourself and recognize your self-worth. CBT provides you with the tools to better cope with difficult situations and helps you foster a more positive outlook on life.

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Resources:

With covid-19 forcing everyone to make sacrifices to protect loved ones, jeopardizing job security, and causing a tense political climate, your mental health is more important than ever. If you don’t have insurance, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) can provide you with mental health services. If cost is a barrier to getting the care you need, check out the resources below:

Mental Health America of Franklin County:

The Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Board of Franklin County:

National Alliance on Mental Illness- Franklin County:

Netcare Access Crisis Resources

References:

  1. Adult Mental Health Services. ADAMH Board of Franklin County. Accessed April 27, 2021.https://adamhfranklin.org/providers/category/adult-mental-health-services/
  2. Mental Health – Mental Health America of Franklin County. Accessed April 27, 2021.https://mhafc.org/category/health-and-medical/mental-health/
  3. NAMI Franklin County | A family-based, grassroots support and advocacy organization. Accessed April 27, 2021. https://www.namifranklincounty.org/
  4. Providers | ADAMH Board of Franklin County. Accessed April 27, 2021. https://adamhfranklin.org/providers/
  5. Psychological Services Center Referrals.pdf. Accessed April 26, 2021. https://psychology.osu.edu/sites/psychology.osu.edu/files/Psychological%20Services%20Center%20Referrals.pdf
  6. What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? https://www.apa.org. Accessed April 26, 2021. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
  7. Lukin DK. The History of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Accessed April 27, 2021.http://info.lukincenter.com/blog/the-history-of-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-cbt