Sanford Health Staff Honor Mental Health Month 2023

The need of having open conversations about mental health is growing, although this is sometimes easier said than done. The month of May has been designated as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in an effort to normalize discussions on this sensitive topic.

According to Sanford Behavioral Health Marriage and Family Therapist Jonathan Friedt, “Mental Health Awareness Month was started to, as it says, bring awareness to mental heath, break down stigma, and break some barriers.”

Since the advent of the CEVID, discussions of mental health have grown more commonplace, opening up previously taboo avenues of inquiry.

Mental Health Awareness Month in Sanford

“Part of that is the recognition that the support system for individuals and families is so extensive and that you need that,” said Friedt.

Although there has been some progress made in reducing the stigma associated with talking about mental health, medical practitioners still face challenges, including the impact of social media on mental health.

Depression and anxiety are on the rise, and so is the use of social media applications and technology among both children and adults. remarked Friedt.

Although these problems are concerning to everyone, the purpose of Mental Health Awareness Month is to help those who really need it.

“There are a number of resources in and outside the community,” Friedt said. Therapy is a helpful option, a helpful tool to have. Children and their families can use the school’s available resources. You can discover ways to limit your use of social media or “detox” from it altogether. If you find yourself in need of or interested in receiving aid of any kind, there are some excellent places to look.

Sanford Behavioral Health has announced a new program called Youth Assertive Community Treatment for kids and teens between the ages of 8 and 15.