Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? For the entire month, the focus is on increasing awareness, promoting early intervention, and debunking common myths about mental health. You would be surprised at how many myths are still out there about mental health, despite increased awareness about how working with an experienced therapist can improve mental health and overall well-being.
Recovery Ranch TN is a full-service mental health treatment center that helps Tennessee residents with their depression, anxiety, and other treatable conditions. Our mental health treatment program focuses on identifying the underlying condition and developing a tailored treatment program. This program includes behavioral therapy, holistic therapy, and medication to ease depressive or anxiety symptoms, along with any addiction withdrawals and cravings.
Mental Health Awareness Month
The month of May is dedicated to mental health awareness, and it runs from Thursday, May 1st, through Saturday, May 31st. Its goal is to educate the public about common mental health issues and raise awareness about research and treatment. Learning about mental health can reduce the stigma surrounding it and teach people about the benefits of improving their mental health.
Mental Health America, now known as the National Association for Mental Health, established Mental Health Awareness Month in 1949. Each year, the organization focuses on a new theme, this year’s theme being “Turn Awareness into Action.” The theme celebrates the progress we’ve made in recognizing the importance of mental health and challenges us to turn what we know into meaningful steps toward change.
Ways you can celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month
There are many ways that you can participate in mental health awareness this month and any other month throughout the year. Here are some suggestions:
- Practice self-care by participating in activities like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, which can ease stress and boost mental clarity.
- Engage in activities you enjoy regularly and invite friends who enjoy the same things.
- Get plenty of sleep each night to improve your physical and mental health.
- Spend time in nature by going on a nature walk or hike with some friends.
- Connect with loved ones and spend time with friends and family who are important to you.
- Keep a daily journal and write about the day’s experiences.
You can also volunteer at local events, donate to a mental healthcare center, and raise awareness by starting a social media page and hosting events. If you’re concerned about a friend’s mental health, talk to them about any struggles they may be going through and encourage them to enroll in a treatment program.
Debunking common myths about mental health
There are many myths about mental health, and many of them can keep people away from seeking out help. For instance, many people still believe that mental health is a sign of weakness and that you shouldn’t talk about your feelings.
Here are other common myths about mental health:
Mental health is a sign of weakness.
Myth: Having a mental health issue means you are weak or have serious character flaws.
Fact: This is entirely false. Having a mental health condition is not about strength of character and can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, or belief system.
Mental health problems are rare.
Myth: Mental health issues are uncommon and won’t affect your daily life or those around you.
Fact: Mental health conditions are prevalent. In fact, one in three teens and adults will experience a mental health concern at some point in their lives. This can be very dangerous as it can keep people from getting the help they need before it’s too late.
People with mental health conditions are violent.
Myth: Those with a mental health condition are more likely to be violent or dangerous.
Fact: People with mental health conditions are your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers, your loved ones, and quite possibly yourself. This misconception can cause prejudice toward mental health treatment and make people think therapy is no good.
Mental health conditions are caused by bad parenting.
Myth: Mental issues result from bad parenting and not being raised right.
Fact: Mental health conditions are complex and can come from genetics, biology, and the environment. This myth misplaces blame and can lead to miscommunication, broken relationships, and substance abuse.
Therapy is for severe mental health conditions only.
Myth: Mental health therapy can only help those with a serious mental health condition.
Fact: Therapy programs can help anyone with moderate to severe mental health conditions. This means you can start talking with a therapist about any issues that cause problems.
Visit the mental health treatment program at Recovery Ranch TN
The Ranch supports Nashville residents who struggle with their mental health due to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other treatable mental health conditions. When you first arrive for treatment, we’ll run a full health assessment to determine which of our programs can support you the most. Our programs utilize the top therapeutic methods for improving mental health, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, medication-assisted treatment, mindfulness practices, equine therapy, and other supportive therapies.
To learn more about improving your mental health, send us a message using our convenient online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today. We will schedule a consultation and tour of our treatment center.