Mental health conditions affect the lives of many people, directly and indirectly. Yet, only a few admit that they have a problem and seek help. This issue is mainly due to the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses. To learn more about Mental Illness Awareness Week and how Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida can help you recover from mental conditions and drug abuse, contact our team today at 866.294.5306.
What is Mental Illness Awareness Week?
Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place every year in the first week of October. It aims at teaching about mental health, how it affects victims, and how they can get help. Congress established this week to encourage the efforts of organizations that advocate for mental health. During the awareness week, organizers host events that attract people and create awareness about the challenges of mental health conditions. Some people hold activities at health fairs, advertising campaigns, and prayer services. Additionally, the activities can include entertainment, such as movie nights and art shows. This week also coincides with other activities that have a similar purpose. Examples of these events are the National Depression Screening Day and National Mental Health Day.
The Importance of Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week includes activities that encourage healthy discussions. For example, those who have these conditions or similar experiences can share their stories. These talks help the individuals and their loved ones feel less lonely, supported, and understood. Besides, teaching about mental health assists society in understanding and helping the victims. This knowledge can also reduce and end the judgment that makes them feel isolated.
The stigma against mental illnesses is the primary reason why victims find it hard to seek help. This discrimination can also cause embarrassment, shame, fear, and loneliness. So, talking about the conditions makes it easier to acknowledge that one needs treatment. Seeking professional treatment will help manage the illness and prevent adverse effects. Such effects include abusing drugs, having suicidal thoughts, and developing chronic diseases.
The Relationship Between Mental Illnesses and Drug Abuse
Most mental health conditions have symptoms that cause discomfort and affect lifestyle. As a result, patients may use drugs to avoid the effects they find uncomfortable. For instance, they may use marijuana to reduce the emotional pain caused by depression. Furthermore, those that feel anxious when they are in public gatherings may use alcohol to relax. Another common situation is the use of benzos like Valium to control panic attacks.
Sometimes, drug abuse can cause problems that trigger mental health conditions. For example, drug use increases the chances of being a victim of rape and assault. Also, some of the decisions a person makes under drug influence can lead to anxiety and depression, such as engaging in criminal activities like stealing and trespassing.
Treating drug addiction when there is a coexisting condition requires a unique approach to prevent relapse. So, if you need this type of help, you should enroll in a dual diagnosis program. This plan is comprehensive and addresses both the addiction and the mental condition. During treatment, patients may undergo therapy to help them live a sober life. Some of the therapies used in dual diagnosis treatment are;
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Individual therapy
- Meditation Therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Mental Illness Awareness Week educates people on the treatments that are available for mental health issues. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we offer a personalized dual diagnosis program to help you fight drug addiction and mental health conditions. The plan also treats conditions like bipolar, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression. We make sure to check a patient’s mental and physical health before treatment. This process helps us identify specific needs and create the most suitable plan. On top of that, the medics educate clients on managing the effects of mental health conditions. You do not have to struggle with drug addiction; call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306 to enroll for treatment.
