Throughout this month, mental health awareness comes to the forefront of the discussion and is a vital opportunity to break the stigma around mental health. As well as discussing what mental health awareness is, this month serves to raise awareness and educate about mental health issues, so we can help individuals understand and manage their mental wellbeing. Most, importantly, it enables us to lend support to those undergoing mental health challenges. It is a great opportunity for our communities to come together and provide resources while promoting healthy conversations regarding mental health issues.
The roots of Mental Health Awareness Month date back to the mid-20th century, specifically in 1949 when it was first recognized by the United States. This recognition was made possible with the efforts of organizations like Mental Health America (MHA), which initially played a vital role in launching Mental Health Awareness Week and eventually launching Mental Health Awareness Month. It is inspiring to know that the awareness of mental health and well-being has been discussed in the United States. Just like then, we are still battling to break the stigma of mental illness and attempting to raise awareness of it through education.
The fight does not end here. Our community has an opportunity to assist those experiencing mental health challenges and aid them in getting the proper support. By educating ourselves and understanding mental health conditions, we are better equipped to assist ourselves and others by fostering early intervention and prevention. It also allows us to create a haven for those undergoing mental health challenges by ensuring they have resources and support networks for mental health. Through these available resources and support organizations, we are promoting the overall well-being of our community.
At Team Anna, our goal is to encourage inclusivity and open dialogue regarding mental health issues. Our aim is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide accessible support to those who are going through mental health challenges. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to initiate a discussion on mental health and promote a community that is equipped to address mental health challenges.
So, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we invite you to join us and the community in uplifting and rallying together to create a safer haven for everyone in District 42. Let’s join the movement to break the stigma of mental health and raise awareness.
Check out some of the Central Florida resources below:
Central Florida Behavioral Hospital: Central Florida Behavioral Hospital provides specialized programs and services for individuals requiring intensive mental/behavioral treatment, including assessments, therapy, medication management, and support. Their comprehensive care program has two options: 24-hour watch/care and non-continuous care.
Central Florida Cares: CFCHS is committed to assisting individuals seeking mental health or substance use services by offering information, choices, and resources within the Central Florida community. Their goal is to guarantee that every individual takes their initial step towards success by prioritizing the person being served in every aspect of operations.
Central Florida Mental Health Services: CFMHS, in Lakeland, Florida, provides a range of services tailored to meet the mental and behavioral health needs of the community. Their services include assessment, therapy, support, prevention, and case management.
Compass Counseling Services: CCS provides comprehensive mental health care to individuals, couples, families, and groups in Central Florida. Their services include counseling, group therapy, medication management, and testing, delivered by a dedicated team committed to helping clients achieve their full potential and lead healthier lives.
La Amistad: A behavioral Health service in greater Orlando that serves as a mental health facility offering assistance with several behavioral health issues, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
Lakewood Residential Treatment Center: A long-term residential treatment community for adults ages 21 and older diagnosed with serious mental illness.Their program is designed to support residents long term, offering an indefinite length of stay!
NAMI Greater Orlando: Is dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families experiencing mental health illness. It offers a variety of services including support groups, community outreach, and educational programs.
Orange County Health Services: The Behavioral Health Services Division of Orange County offers several services and programs to help individuals maintain the highest quality of health and wellness. Services include counseling, medication management, crisis intervention, and case management for individuals with mental health disorders.
Peer Support Space: A peer-led 501(c)3, located in Central Florida. Our mission is to build, and be a local hub for, diverse peer-led recovery communities. They are officially opening their peer respite called Eva’s Casita now and is the first Peer Respite in Central Florida! You can learn more and fill out an interest form at Tinyurl.com/EvasCasitaApril!
The Center Orlando: The Center offers group therapy along with mental health counseling! Members of the Central Florida community can get up to 4 free sessions where counselors will assess what type of further services you need (if any) and give you LGBT+ competent referrals in the community. Examples of those types of referrals include LGBT+ counselors, doctors, psychiatrists, and hormone replacement therapy.
The Mental Health Association of Central Florida (MHACF): Nonprofit in Central Florida dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental health conditions while seeking to promote mental wellness and equity of access to mental health care.
UCF Counseling and Psychological Services: UCF provides many mental health services tailored to the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students. They offer single solution-focused sessions, initial assessment intakes, brief short-term individual and relationship counseling, group therapy, consultations, crisis services, self-improvement workshops, outreach presentations, and self-help web platform resources.
Zebra Youth: Zebra Youth’s Mental Health Counseling Program provides trauma informed, age and developmentally appropriate therapy and is designed for the unique experiences and needs of the homeless or at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. Masters level therapists, trained in LGBTQ+ competencies engage youth and provide free and culturally appropriate therapy to at-risk LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24.