Mental Health Awareness Month Now Underway

June 9, 2010

Anonymous McCreary County Record The McCreary County Record Wed Jun 09, 2010, 11:17 AM EDT

— Dear Editor:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health problems are both prevalent and painful – for adults, of course, but also for children. Children and adolescents with mental health problems (approximately 1 in 5 young people have a diagnosable mental health issue) are particularly susceptible to words that make fun of mental health problems, and attitudes reflecting a lack of understanding and compassion. These create a sense of shame, feelings of guilt, and loss of self-esteem. Children and adolescents exposed to such a negative view of themselves feel rejected, lonely and isolated, and often experience related life problems.

What can our communities do? There are many things that parents and caregivers can do to support children's emotional health and to promote a sense of positive self-esteem. You can make a commitment to help the children and adolescents in your life. The month of May has officially been recognized as "Mental Health Month" by Congress since 1949. So the month of May is the perfect time for parents and caregivers to focus on children's and adolescents' mental health. You can demonstrate your support for Mental Health Month by:

•   Learning more about mental well-being in children.

•   Celebrating the accomplishments and strengths of children.

•   Fostering self-worth and independence in children.

•   Helping children express their feelings.

•   Promoting mutual respect and trust.

•   Recognizing the strengths in all children.

•   Appreciating each child's uniqueness.

•   Encouraging individual talents.

•   Helping children set goals based on their abilities and interests.

•   Showing confidence in their ability to handle problems and tackle new experiences.

Adanta is your Region 14 Community Mental Health Center, serving the children and adults of the following counties: Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne. Kentucky has an estimated 874,000 citizens suffering such illnesses. Compared against our state's current population of 4.3 million people, you see that 20.3 percent of the people in our commonwealth are suffering from mental health issues – that’s 1 in 5 people!

We need your help to bring greater attention and concern to these issues. Adanta is happy to send representatives to local schools, businesses, and other groups for the purpose of educating our fellow citizens about these issues, and about the various treatments and supports that are available. Join us this May as we pursue greater mental health for everyone!

With sincere thanks,

Bryan Miller

Director of Children & Family Services

The Adanta Group

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