FINDING HELP FOR YOURSELF OR SOMEONE YOU CARE FOR IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK. IT IS ALWAYS OK TO ASK FOR HELP.
Aunt Martha’s Health Center believes that everyone deserves access to mental health support and resources, regardless of their background or financial situation. This week, we encourage people to seek help when they need it, and to celebrate every small success along the way.
Finding Help: It’s up to all of us to make it okay
Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or ethnicity. No matter who you are, it is always okay to ask for help.
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that we can all work together to support one another. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms like changes in behavior or mood, feeling sad or hopeless, or withdrawing from family and friends, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. There are resources and people out there who are willing to help, no matter what your situation is.
Here are some signs and symptoms of mental health issues to look out for:
- Changes in behavior or mood
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of death or suicide
You can ask for help.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, including:
- Your primary care physician
- A mental health specialist
- A crisis hotline, such as:
- the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- 988 – a three-digit, nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Illinois’s Medicaid Mental Health Crisis Line, CARES, at 1-800-345-9049
Finding Mental Health Resources
Aunt Martha’s Health Center offers a variety of mental health resources and services to support our patients. Our trained professionals can provide counseling, medication management, and other resources to help individuals manage their mental health. We also offer community-based services like support groups and referrals to specialized care.
But even if you’re not a patient at Aunt Martha’s, there are still resources available to you. You can start by talking to your primary care physician, who can refer you to a mental health specialist. You can also reach out to your insurance provider to find out what mental health services are covered under your plan. And if you’re in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) for immediate help.
Supporting Each Other and Celebrating Small Successes
We all have a role to play in supporting each other’s mental wellness. Whether it’s sharing resources, encouraging others to seek help, or simply being there for someone when they need us, we can all make a difference. By doing so, we instill hope and can help others reach out when they need it most.
It’s also important to celebrate every small success along the way. Recovering from mental health issues can be a challenging journey, but every step forward is worth celebrating. Whether it’s attending a therapy session or trying a new coping skill, every effort counts towards improving mental health.
Ask for Help. It’s a sign of strength.
At Aunt Martha’s Health Center, we believe that mental health is a critical component of overall wellness. By making it okay to seek help, finding mental health resources, and supporting each other along the way, we can create a community that values mental health and supports those who may be struggling. Remember, seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength, and supporting others in their journey towards mental wellness is a powerful act of kindness. Let’s work together to create a world where mental health support and resources are accessible to everyone, and where we can all celebrate every small success along the way.
Take your mental health to the next level with Aunt Martha’s
