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You are not alone: Mental Health Awareness Month

Author, lecturer and activist Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”  

In the United States, millions of youth and adults face mental health challenges every year, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other behavioral health conditions, but there is no reason to suffer alone or in silence – help is available. 

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May since 1949, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is proud to serve as a nationally recognized leader in the evolving field of behavioral healthcare, providing innovative specialty mental health programs/services for youth and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders. 

“As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, we cannot stress enough the importance of informing and educating others about why mental health matters and drawing attention to this critical topic that is all too often ignored or stigmatized,” said Devereux President and CEO Carl E. Clark II. “Even if you are not personally affected by mental illness, it is highly likely that you know someone – a family member or friend – who is struggling with mental health issues. The most important thing you can do is show your compassion and support, and let them know that you are there – and you care.”   

Know the warning signs

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health conditions are more common than cancer, diabetes or heart disease. Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. – 43.8 million, or 18.5 percent – experience a mental health challenge in a given year. Similarly, NAMI states that 1 in 5 youth, ages 13 to 18, have, or will have, a serious mental illness in their lifetime.  

Although each behavioral health condition has its own symptoms, common warning signs in youth and adults can include:

• Excessive sadness or worrying
• Extreme changes in mood, thought, energy or behavior
• Difficulty concentrating
• Inability to carry out daily activities or handle stress
• Avoiding friends or social activities
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Delusions or hallucinations
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

Devereux’s specialty mental health services

For those facing a mental health challenge, Devereux wants you (and your family) to know that, with help, it is a challenge that can be overcome. For more than a century, Devereux has remained at the forefront of delivering exceptional services and supports to individuals and families in need.  

The nonprofit organization is committed to providing evidence-based, trauma-focused care to children, adolescents and adults with emotional and behavioral disorders in community and residential treatment settings across the country. Diagnoses served include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Depression
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
• Psychotic disorders
• Disruptive behavior disorders 

“No matter what you or someone you know is going through – help is just a phone call away,” Clark explained. “Remember, you do not have to face your struggles alone. Asking for help is the first step in getting the support and resources you need to live a more rewarding and fulfilling life.”

Latest News

		Devereux article on disparities in pain management featured in Behavioral Health News An article written by Devereux National Director of Behavioral Health Services Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D., was recently featured in Behavioral Health News. The article – “Disparities in pain management: Examining cultural inequities and the critical role of behavioral health providers” – explores the history of cultural disparities and how behavioral health professionals can assist systems of care.
		Devereux GA opens Grace’s Place to support survivors of human trafficking Devereux Georgia recently worked with Georgia first lady Marty Kemp, the state Department of Human Services and other community partners to open Grace’s Place, a commercial sexual exploitation recovery center for youth. Grace’s Place, located in Lawrenceville, helps survivors of human trafficking recover and rebuild their lives.
		Devereux honors nurses, teachers and mental health providers during May observances At Devereux, we are celebrating our more than 200 nurses, 200 teachers and 300 mental health providers who go above and beyond to meet the needs of the children, adolescents and adults they serve.
		Mental Health Awareness Month: Fostering open dialogue, understanding and support During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is highlighting the importance of talking openly about mental health to combat stigma, foster a culture of empathy and understanding, and encourage those in need to seek support.

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