Dear HCCUA Members:
Millions of Americans live on a daily basis with various types of mental illness and mental health problems, such as social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit/ hyperactive disorder, eating disorders and personality disorders. There are so many layers of mental illnesses, it is difficult to simply scratch the surface on each.
A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Making the ordinary demands of life such as working, shopping, cooking, or going outside difficult to cope with. Some serious mental illnesses include major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and Tourette’s syndrome.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. As people become familiar with their illness, they recognize their own unique patterns of behavior which in turn can make life manageable. However, because mental illnesses have no cure, treatment must be continuous.
The recovery journey is unique for each individual. One important thing to keep in mind is that recovery is a process, not an event. The uniqueness and individual nature of recovery must be honored. While serious mental illness impacts individuals in many ways, the concept that all individuals can move towards wellness is paramount.
Numerous treatments and services for mental illnesses are available. The choice and combination of treatment and services selected depends in most cases on the type of mental illness, the severity of symptoms, the availability of options and decisions determined by the individual, often in consultation with their provider and others.
The first step is to recognize an issue is present, then seeking help for that issue. Studies have shown that only one out of every three people actually seek help and suggests that the people who need help the most are typically the least likely to get it.
As a valued HCCUA member we have chosen LifeEvents to provide you and your family members with free access to health experts anytime. Licensed clinical staff are always available by phone to help you with any problems or stresses that may pop up. A counselor can assist you with issues such as marriage, children, parenting, alcohol and drug abuse, legal & financial difficulties and other emotional or personal challenges or stresses.
Furthermore, included with the e-Newsletter is an article on The Top 10 Benefits of Exercise to Help with Mental Illnesses, to motivate you to exercise for your health! Along with a light recipe by Delish, Cashew Chicken with Cauliflower Rice, to help everyone in the habit of eating right and being healthiest you can be!
Sincerely,
Kristine Eckardt, Director of Member Communications
HCCUA