May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for people living with mental or behavioral health issues.
DANVILLE, Pa. — The World Health Organization estimates that one in four people will experience mental illness at some point in their lives.
“It’s us, our friends, our families, our circles. Only three out of five people are engaged in formal care,” says Geisinger. said Dawn Sieger, vice president of behavioral health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to talk about mental illness and how it affects our lives. Sieger says it’s important to check in on his friends and family.
“If you notice a change in behavior or attitude, ask tough questions and check in on your friend, because you never know if someone is struggling inside.”
The most common mental illnesses include depression and anxiety.
“We are proposing groups because we believe that working together and learning from peers is a good approach to treating depression and anxiety. ”
While help is readily available for physical problems such as broken bones, mental health is a different story. Still, since COVID-19, Geisinger has seen more mental health referrals than ever before, Zieger said.
“People are really seeking care in a formal way. I call this a great mental health awakening. People are coming to places they wouldn’t have been before and raising their hands for help.” Because we are starting,” Sieger said.
If you are worried, talk to someone you trust. Sieger recommends having a friend to hold you accountable when you ask for help.
If you are in crisis, seek help immediately.
- If you or someone you know is in trouble or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
- Text MHA to 741741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor at the Crisis Text Line.
- Call 911 or go to your local emergency room.
Geisinger offers advice on how to improve your mental health.
