Mental Health Awareness Month

There has often been a stigma attached to seeking help for mental health needs. Although the general discourse regarding mental health has changed drastically in our society, we still need to bring awareness to the importance of mental health.

The fact is - 1 in 4 people will suffer from some form of mental illness in any given year. Not all pain is physical and not all wounds are visable. Whether experiencing a season of life that has knocked you down, or dealing with a lifelong mental health condition, there is no shame in seeking help.  

Mental Health is HEALTH.

Mental Health Facts

• 1 in 5 (46.6 million) adults in the United States experience a mental health condition in a given year.
• 1 in 25 (11.2 million) adults in the United States experience a serious mental illness in a given year.
• Approximately 46.6 million adults in the United States face the reality of managing a mental illness every day.
• Half of all lifelong mental health conditions begin by age
  14 and 75% by age 24, but early intervention programs can help.
• Up to 90% of those who die by suicide have an underlying mental illness as revealed by psychological autopsy. 46% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental illness.
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. With effective care, suicidal thoughts are treatable, and suicide is preventable.
• Individuals with mental health conditions face an average 11-year delay between experiencing symptoms and
  starting treatment.
• Common barriers to treatment include the cost of mental health care and insurance, prejudice and discrimination, and structural barriers like transportation.
• Even though most people can experience relief from symptoms and support for their recovery in treatment, less than half of the adults in the United States get the help they need.

Getting Help

Here at Dr. Messina and Associates, our compassionate team of professionals are qualified to help you at our Flower Mound, Texas, and Southlake, Texas, offices. Our Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and Counselors specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychological testing, and medication management for a variety of emotional and behavioral health needs. All services are available in-person and online (telehealth). If you or a loved one are seeking help with mental health, we are here to help.

Author

Dr. Michael Messina