Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Although we have made great strides in making mental health care more accessible and more acceptable, we still have a long way to go.

Currently, one in five Americans live with a mental health condition. Many are reluctant to reach out for help or talk about what they are experiencing. Just because mental health issues aren’t visible doesn’t mean they aren’t real.

Unfortunately, there is still a lot of misunderstanding and stigma associated with mental health conditions. We need to change the way we view mental health issues and make it okay to speak up about them.

The Importance of Talking

Mental health care has been tremendously important in my own life and in the life of my family.  If you have received care from a mental health professional, I encourage you to be open with friends and family about this. We can help overcome the misunderstanding and stigma by talking about our own experiences with mental health issues.

Maybe you aren’t sure if a mental health professional could help you with your current struggle. Mental health professionals work with people dealing with a broad range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting issues, family issues, marital problems, addiction, work stress, adjustment to retirement,  and issues related to aging, loss, and grief. They also can offer support during major life transitions such as going to college, changing careers, or entering retirement.

If you are struggling right now, I would encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional. At Seattle Christian Counseling, we work to provide Biblical support and faith-based guidance for people of all ages and stages of life.

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” – 3 John 1:2