May has been recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States since 1949. It was created to educate the public about the wide-reaching impacts of mental illness and reduce its stigma. Organizations work to advocate for policies that support people suffering from mental health issues and their families.
At Westwind Recovery®, we know that having good mental health is essential to avoiding or overcoming substance use disorders and offer mental health treatment programs that work in conjunction with our addiction treatment programs to offer clients the best opportunity for successful, long-term recovery.
Westwind Recovery® Supports Mental Health Awareness Month
Research indicates that every year nearly 20% of adults in the United States will experience a serious mental health condition and that less than half of those affected will seek treatment. Discrimination and negative stigmas attached to mental health issues are the main factors that prevent people from reaching out for help. Additionally, individuals suffering from a substance use disorder are often unable to recognize an underlying mental health disorder.
Mental health issues can take on many forms, generally grouped into the following common categories:
- Substance use and addiction
- Mood disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Personality disorders
- Anxiety disorders
It is possible to have more than one diagnosed mental health condition at the same time, referred to as dual diagnosis. Sometimes substance abuse or addiction can induce another mental health issue. However, it is often the case that individuals develop a substance use disorder because they are trying to escape the pain of an existing mental health condition.
At Westwind Recovery®, we are well-versed in the complexities of co-occurring disorders and offer comprehensive treatment at our dual diagnosis treatment center. During Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to reach out to friends and family who might be struggling with mental health issues, especially during this time of COVID-19. If you are struggling yourself, call us at 855.340.8832 to talk and, if you need, to arrange for your own mental health treatment.
Promoting Good Mental Health
The efforts of Mental Health Awareness Month to expose the public to facts about the effects of mental illness are beneficial to all and can encourage those suffering from poor mental health to seek help. The effects of COVID-19, including financial insecurity, isolation, and housing and food insecurities, have led to a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing depression and anxiety.
There are many practical things we can do for ourselves and others to help promote good mental health, such as:
- Talking about your feelings
- Staying active
- Eating well and getting adequate sleep
- Avoiding alcohol and drugs
- Caring for others
- Connecting with others
- Asking for help when you need it
While everyone experiences feeling sad, anxious, or depressed from time to time, when these feelings are persistent and long-lasting, it usually indicates an underlying mental health disorder. Left untreated, these conditions generally worsen and can lead to other physical and mental health conditions. In the past, mental health and substance use disorders were usually treated separately, leading to unsuccessful treatment outcomes for both. We now understand that because of the complex relationship between poor mental health and substance use, the two must be treated simultaneously to achieve successful and lasting treatment outcomes. Reach out to Westwind Recovery® online or by calling 855.340.8832 to learn about the benefits of our mental health treatment programs.
Contact Westwind Recovery® for Mental Health Treatment
Dual diagnosis treatment is a program designed to treat physical addiction and issues of mental health simultaneously. At Westwind Recovery®, we believe in treating the body, mind, and spirit through evidence-based and holistic therapies. Our compassionate and experienced staff will help guide you on your path to recovery from intake through aftercare planning. Whether you need treatment for addiction, a mental health condition, or both, reach out to Westwind today by calling 855.340.8832. We promote joy on the road to recovery.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
