Supporting Families in Need of Mental Health Services

The Link

More and more, our nation is recognizing the link between mental health and outcomes in regard to school performance, work performance, basic functioning, and overall quality of life. Despite this understanding, there still exits stigma in mental health. This presents as shame for students as students may be shamed by each other, employers who may fail to make accommodations for those requiring mental health care, this may also result from general ignorance of the condition and individuals just not knowing what to do to help. Stigma is what hinders individuals in need from receiving services, further perpetuating a cycle of dysfunction. This is why support is so important.

What is Support

Support comes in many forms. Support may be provided by clinicians in hospitals and community behavioral health clinics. In addition, most public-school systems provide supportive services thru the use of mental health practitioners, who are often LPCCs, LMFTs, Psychologists, and LCSWs and are independently licensed. Support may also come from participation in support groups for specific conditions such as DBSA, the Depression Bipolar Society Alliance and NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Community

In addition, support is provided by listening to those suffering from mental health conditions express their needs and being supported in their decisions to be active in their care and have a voice. Listening and being present goes a long way. It also helps those in need feel loved and provides encouragement to keep moving forward.