Mental health talk with the Christian Hospital Recovery Center

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To mark the occasion, our specialists at the Christian Hospital Recovery Center share facts and resources below to help everyone understand this important subject better.  

The Recovery Center offers comprehensive, compassionate treatment for mental illness and addiction issues. If you or someone you love is in need of help, please contact us for a free evaluation by using this secure request form or by calling (314) 953-8100.

by Chanel Mitchell, MSW, LCSW  

Just a few decades ago, talking about mental illness could turn people into outcasts, isolated from community, workplaces and even family. Fast forward to today, and throughout our country, we see a clear shift in attitude about the discussion of mental health issues. What was once a topic hidden behind closed doors – only addressed in private, if at all – has become something we can talk about openly and in public forums. Over recent years, schools, churches, employers and even governments have started to support mental health awareness and access to treatment. 

However, while mental health awareness messages have reached millions through media, events, programs and screenings, plenty of work still remains. Part of the challenge is to help people overcome long-held stigmas about mental health issues and improve their access to services. 

So let’s talk about some of the myths that create the stigmas…

Myth: I’m the only one who has mental health issues.

Truth: You are not alone. Mental health issues do not discriminate; they affect people of every culture, race, ethnicity, religion, gender and sexual orientation. 

Fact: One in five — or 43.8 million — American adults have had an experience with mental illness in their lifetime. And one in five American children ages 13-18 have or will have a serious mental health illness (NAMI, 2018). 

Myth: I have to be in a crisis or suicidal to seek help for my mental health or addiction, and I have to be insured to receive services.

Truth: Help is available no matter how severe or minor your symptoms are, and regardless of your insurance status. When you’re ready to seek help, remember that you have options, and caring professionals are ready to talk to you. Various programs and coordinators are available throughout the St. Louis area, and they can assist you with finding the right mental health services. 

Now let’s talk about seeking services…

Myth: No one cares about what’s going on with me. There's no point in trying to get help.

Truth: That’s simply not true. Kind and experienced mental health professionals are ready to hear from you and help get you the services you need.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, we’d like to talk with you:

• Isolating yourself
• Disconnection or not feeling like yourself
• Crying spells
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Decreased ability to manage stress or conflict
• Anxiety

Call us at (314) 953-8100 to schedule a free evaluation or to get connected with mental health service providers in your area. 

Other caring individuals and organizations, like your doctor and local behavioral health provider, can also help when you’re ready.

Let’s talk about Christian Hospital Recovery Center…

At the Recovery Center, we're here for you and we understand the struggle you and so many others endure when reaching out for help. We’re a group of compassionate, licensed professionals who are dedicated to helping our community one person and family at a time. Our goal is to shine the light on mental health in St. Louis and be a beacon for others so they may lead their best lives.

The Recovery Center provides free evaluations, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), small group therapy, support groups, referrals and resource coordination for those suffering from mental illness and addiction. 

Contact us online through our confidential form or by phone at (314) 953-8100 to start your recovery.