AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)– May marks National Mental Health awareness month.Psychologists are encouraging people to reduce the stigmas surrounding mental health disorders by seeking help.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates more than one in five adults are living with a mental illness. This comes as data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness reveals one in six kids.. ages six to 17.. experience a mental health disorder every year.
Experts recommend parents talk to their children about their feelings… and about the impact of their social media activity. If you have a loved one- a child or an adult- who is struggling… check in with them.
Kevin Tanner is the Commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health.
“People are very good at masking their true feelings so sometimes it is difficult and it’s important to be a good friend a trusted adult and that person they can count on.”
Dr. Jocelyn Bayliss is double board certified in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. She is the owner of Ivy Collaborative Healthcare at 2100 Central Avenue in Augusta. Dr. Bayliss encourages people to reduce the stigmas surrounding mental health disorders by seeking help.
“Asking for help is never a weakness. It’s never weakness, and people think that if you ask for help, if you tell someone that you’re depressed, that it might be a character flaw, or people might say, Well, your faith isn’t strong enough. And that is not it at all. And so that’s part of the reason I became a psychiatrist is to break the stigma of mental illness, because mental health is physical health, as well.”
Depression is a common mental health condition that affects more than 8% of American Adults and 15% of Youth. It is never a personal weakness, lack of faith, character flaw or a “normal” part of life
Anxiety disorders cause people to feel frightened, distressed or uneasy for no apparent reason. Affects over 20% of adults and over 30% of adolescents
Bipolar Disorder affects about 2.5% of adults at some point in their lives. It is an extreme & unusual shift in mood, thinking, energy and behaviors
Addiction/Substance Use Disorder affects 46.5 adults.
Anyone can call, text, chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers educational resources and support groups.
You can reach the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Ive Collaborative Healthcare is hosting a Summer Kickoff to get you “beach bod ready!” It’s coming up Thursday, June 4th from 5:00 – 7:00pm at their offices on Central Avenue. Details below!
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