Those who serve as caregivers for family members dealing with mental illness often go above and beyond. A study published by the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) found that on average, they give more of themselves and their resources than caregivers as a whole nationwide. We celebrate all that these family caregivers sacrifice to help their loved ones pursue recovery. Continue reading
Category Archives: Facts
How Faith Undergirds Good Mental Health
Faith can provide multifaceted benefits for those who live with the daily struggles of mental illness. In the midst of these challenges, cultivating spiritual health can lead to better mental health. Continue reading
Four Barriers to Minority Mental Health
Mental illnesses impact people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. While treatment can make these conditions more manageable, many minority populations face challenges that make it more difficult for them to get the care they need. When left untreated, mental health issues can become more severe and can make life with them increasingly difficult to navigate. Continue reading
Debunking Six Myths About PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impacts 3.5 percent of Americans according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. While the symptoms of this mental health issue, such as hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares and trouble concentrating, are relatively well-known, many myths about PTSD are also prevalent. These misconceptions contribute to stigma, and can prevent those who are suffering from seeking help. Continue reading
Homelessness: A Roadblock to Recovery
Well member PT knows the challenges of both mental illness and homelessness well. Although he could afford to pay rent, when the symptoms of his bipolar schizoaffective disorder became more acute, it was hard for him to find a place to stay. “I didn’t have the sense to try to figure out a place to live,” he says. Continue reading
Six Ways to Take Charge of Your Mental Health This Year
For most of us, the resolutions made on the first day of January are already beginning to fizzle out. But it isn’t too late to adopt some practical, doable steps to take charge of your mental health this year. Consider these: Continue reading
Six Must-Know Facts about Suicide Causes and Prevention
Suicide is often considered a taboo topic. But, the facts about it are too important to keep quiet. In 2014, 3,225 people in Texas lost their lives to suicide.[1] On average, that’s one every three hours.
Each life that’s cut short is one too many. But, knowing the facts about suicide is one of the first steps in breaking the stigma that surrounds it, and in helping those at risk for ending their own lives. Continue reading
Scrapping Seven Myths About Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is one of the most debilitating mental illnesses. It’s also among the most misunderstood. This serious, chronic disease can cause hallucinations, delusions and difficulty concentrating, as well as social withdrawal and emotional unresponsiveness. And, due to misunderstandings about this condition, those who are already struggling often deal with social prejudice as well. Continue reading
Seven Facts Everyone Needs to Know About Mental Illnesses
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and it’s the perfect time to learn more about the mental health conditions that affect 43.8 million Americans every year—including people you know. Learning about mental illnesses is the first step to standing up against stigma and supporting those who struggle.
1. Mental illness is common.
Mental illnesses are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease. One in five Americans experiences an episode of mental illness each year. Continue reading
