May is Mental Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health and break down the stigma that still surrounds it. The observance started in the United States in 1949 and has since grown into a global movement, with countries around the world recognizing May as a time to focus on mental health and promote awareness.

Mental wellness refers to the state of emotional and psychological well-being and is an important aspect of overall health that is often overlooked. It involves finding balance in one’s life, managing stress and anxiety, and maintaining positive relationships with others. This month serves as an opportunity to promote the importance of mental wellness and to provide resources for individuals to improve their own mental health.

The first step in promoting mental wellness is to break down the stigma that still surrounds it. Many people still feel ashamed or embarrassed to talk about their mental health struggles, fearing that they will be judged or dismissed. This is why awareness campaigns like Mental Health Month are so important, as they help to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help when they need it.

This month is also an opportunity to promote mental health education and awareness. There are many resources available to help people learn more about mental health, from online articles and webinars to books and podcasts. By educating ourselves and others about mental health, we can become better equipped to recognize the signs of mental illness and provide support to those who need it.

This month is also a time to recognize the importance of self-care. We all face stress and challenges in our daily lives, and taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. This can include simple practices like getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness.

Take some time this month (and every month moving forward) to recognize the importance of mental health and promote awareness, education, and self-care. By choosing to help in breaking down the stigma that still surrounds mental illness, we can create a more supportive and compassionate society that prioritizes mental health and well-being. 

Seneca Health Resources

Many individuals will experience a mental health disorder during their life. Seneca Health Services offers services to children, adolescents and adults for a wide range of disorders – including but not limited to anxiety, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disorder, depression, mood or psychotic disorders

Our Services Include

Psychiatric Medical
Evaluation and management of mental health disorders using medications provided by psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, advanced practice nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Therapy
Individual and group services.  Talk therapy to encourage reflection, accountability, empathy, and coping skills. Therapy helps clients foster personal growth, build positive peer interactions, keep commitments, and follow a routine.  Adding therapy to medication treatment creates better outcomes.

Case Management
Case managers assist individuals with serious mental illness in securing physical health care, stable housing, education or vocational training, and creating advanced directives.

ACT
Assertive Community Treatment (Greenbrier County) is a comprehensive, community based treatment for individuals with serious, persistent mental illness.  The team provides intensive treatment in the individual’s own home and community.  Eligibility is determined through referral (888-SENECA 9).

When a patient enters our therapy services, they will find compassion, companionship, understanding, and more. In a therapy setting, a patient will feel listened to and heard. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Seneca Health Services | 131 Wellness Dr Summersville, WV 26651 | 888-SENECA9 (888-736-3229)