May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect, educate, and advocate for the well-being of ourselves and those around us. At WBC Counseling, we’re committed to spreading awareness and fostering a culture of understanding and support.
Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters
Mental health affects every area of our lives – from how we think and feel to how we interact with others and handle daily challenges. Yet, despite its importance, there’s often a stigma surrounding discussions about mental health. Mental Health Awareness Month encourages open conversations and breaking down barriers to seeking help.
As a company based in Michigan, it’s essential to recognize the significance of mental health within our state’s population, where statistics reveal the prevalence and challenges surrounding mental well-being.
Michigan Mental Health Statistics
- 22% of adults are experiencing a mental illness. 49.4% do not receive treatment.
- 16.7% of adults had a substance use disorder
- 4.8% of adults reporting serious thoughts of suicide
- 11.3 % of youths have major depressive episodes. 60.3% do not receive treatment
- 7.3% of youths have a substance abuse disorder
Michigan’s mental health workforce availability is 330.1 or one clinician for 330 people.
Source: https://mhanational.org/
Understanding Behavioral Therapy
At WBC Counseling, we specialize in behavioral therapy; we use a variety of approaches to mental health that focus on modifying unhealthy behaviors and developing coping strategies. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or other conditions, our mission is to provide our clients and their support network with exceptional clinical therapy by equipping them with the tools necessary to put the pieces of their lives together.
Breaking the Stigma
One challenge in addressing mental health concerns is the stigma attached to seeking help. Fear of judgment and misunderstanding can be why many individuals hesitate to seek help. However, promoting awareness and education can create a more supportive environment where seeking help is encouraged and celebrated.
Empowering Individuals
Through evidence-based techniques and personalized treatment plans, we empower our clients to take control of their mental health journey. Cognitive-behavioral therapy provides the tools needed for lasting change. Explore our approaches here.
Community Support
Mental health is a collective effort that requires support, understanding, and empathy from our families and communities. Community awareness and support are essential in fostering good mental health. When individuals are educated about mental health issues and challenges, stigma diminishes, creating a safe environment where people seek help without fear of judgment. Through community support networks, individuals facing mental health struggles find solace in knowing they are not alone and can access resources, whether it be therapy, support groups, or helplines. Additionally, a supportive community fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness, crucial protective factors against mental health problems. When community members rally around each other, offering empathy, understanding, and assistance, they create a safety net that promotes resilience and overall well-being for everyone.
Taking Action
As we commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to taking action. Whether checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or advocating for mental health resources in our communities, every small step contributes to a more significant movement toward wellness and acceptance.
Join Us
At WBC Counseling, we’re dedicated to supporting individuals on their mental health journey. Whether you seek guidance for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help. Let’s embrace Mental Health Awareness Month and foster a future where mental health is prioritized and celebrated.
During this Mental Health Awareness month and beyond, let’s support each other and continue the conversation around mental health. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) here.