May is Mental Health Awareness Month where many people and organizations work to reduce the stigma around mental illness. The history of this national month is quite rich and has evolved as society has progressed. Spreading awareness and sharing resources for help are the biggest reasons for Mental Health Awareness Month, but other major developments have come from years of recognizing May as Mental Health Month. 

How Did Mental Health Awareness Month Start?

Started by Mental Health America/National Association for Mental Health in 1949, this national month started out as Mental Health Week. The goal was and still is, to raise awareness around mental illnesses while reducing the stigma around struggling with mental health. This week-long campaign gained a lot of traction and more organizations wanted to advocate for individuals with mental illness. 

As the mental health stigma has evolved, so has Mental Health Awareness Month. Discussions around mental health have been silenced, but public discussion, social media coverage, and resources have become available because of awareness month. Mental Health Awareness Month became a forum for open dialogue, education, and support for others. Talking about depression, anxiety, symptoms, OCD, irrational thoughts, seeking therapy, or seeking rehabilitation is now becoming less taboo to talk about.

Successes That Stemmed From Mental Health Awareness Efforts

Over the past few decades, many organizations have made strides to better serve those with mental illness. Many organizations and the government have increased in understanding, openness, and education. Here are some major successes that have come from celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month and fundraising efforts. 

Affordable Care Act

This act helped to expand the coverage of affordable healthcare coverage. An estimated 11 million individuals now have access to substance abuse and mental health resources. This makes therapy, medication, rehab, or other appointments more affordable for the average consumer. 

The Garrett Lee Smith State/Tribal Suicide Prevention Program

This program helps the government and the private sector to develop youth suicide prevention. Prevention programs and educational classes are now more common in schools, juvenile justice systems, substance abuse programs, primary care, foster systems, and more! Early detection and evaluation of youth mental health can reduce the number of youth suicides. These programs can also provide proper intervention for suicidal individuals and get them access to the resources they need.

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008

This act eliminated unequal health treatment from group health plans. Individuals with these health plans now can seek mental health resources and substance abuse treatment without limitations on their insurance benefits. Before this act, substance abuse treatment was not covered by group health plans. 

Continuing The Work Of Destigmatizing Mental Health

While a lot of work has been done in the mental health world, it is important to recognize the work that still can be done. Continuing the efforts of education and access to resources will be a continuing journey. Advocating for systemic change, promoting diverse voices, and advocating for your own mental health can promote proper mental health discussions. 

Additional ways to help further mental health destigmatization and advocate for mental health individuals include:

• Support legislation that improves access to mental health care or resources for mental health research
• Educate yourself on mental illnesses, symptoms, and treatment options, and share your knowledge with others
• Encourage open conversations in your family, workspace, and community
• Foster supportive environments
• Be empathetic and open to learning
• Prioritize your health and mental well-being
• Set boundaries, take breaks, and seek professional help when needed
• Use social media to share resources and facts
• Be an ally and advocate for minority mental health or those with disabilities
• Stay open-minded

Additional Mental Health Awareness Days

Inside of the month of May there are additional mental health days and weeks that may resonate better with you. While all of these days should get a spotlight, we include them in Mental Health Awareness Month to add to the diversity of the topics and resources shared. There are also days throughout the year that cover mental health topics and work being done outside the US.

• National Children Mental Health Awareness Day (May 7)
• Minority Mental Health Month (July)
• Mental Health Awareness Week (mid May)
• National Prevention Week (mid May)
• Mental Illness Awareness Week (First week of October)
• National Depression Screening Day (October 6) 
• World Mental Health Day (October 10)

Mental Health Resources From Red Willow

We focus on providing evidence-based therapy for patients of all types. We offer therapy, counseling, IOP, and other resources for individuals, families, and couples. Red Willow also collaborates with other professionals to provide you with a spectrum of healing for your specific mental illness. 
No matter what you are struggling with, you are not alone! Mental illness is not a weakness. Our team wants to help you find your strengths and navigate the symptoms of mental health with ease. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment today!

There are over 11 million adults in the US who struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. People who have ADHD struggle to focus, stay on task, work for long periods, and stay organized. ADHD in adults is completely normal, but it can impact your daily life, especially in a fast-paced world. Adults with ADHD can become restless or be extremely impulsive. This can be hard when adults are expected to be stable and reliable as they don’t have caretakers keeping track of all of their appointments and tasks. This blog will discuss more facts about ADHD and treatment methods that are effective for these individuals.

What Is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Some individuals don’t get diagnosed with ADHD until later in life, because children typically have shorter attention spans. The signs of ADHD in children get chalked up to immaturity or naivety that comes with younger years. 

In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, the following symptoms must be present in two or more settings (work, school, home, with family or friends, and other social activities).

• Inattention: Difficulty paying attention or staying focused on one task.
• Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: too much energy or moving around too much. Some individuals talk fast or non-stop or constantly need to fidget.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Mood swings, irritability, or difficulty managing complex emotions.

How Does ADHD Affect Adults?

Similar to other mental health struggles, ADHD in adults can affect all areas of life. Those with ADHD can see its effects in social, work, and personal life. Adults with ADHD often struggle with work performance and productivity. Dealing with inattention at work may hinder career advancement. Some individuals with ADHD can do well in specific fields because they can learn something quickly since they tend to hyperfocus on one thing. 

Individuals can also struggle with self-esteem when diagnosed with ADHD. The struggles of hyperactivity or mood swings can cause feelings of inadequacy. Persistent struggles can wear on relationships, lead to feelings of inadequacy, and heighten depression. 

Treatment Methods For ADHD In Adults

More people are getting proper diagnoses for ADHD and are looking for a treatment method that works best for them. There are multiple therapy types, medications, and natural methods that can help with the symptoms of ADHD in adults. 

Medication

Research has shown that medication can be highly effective. While all medications can have side effects, there are stimulants and non-stimulant medications that can work for ADHD patients. Some antidepressants are also used to treat the symptoms of ADHD in adults. It is best to do your research on how other medications will interact with this new ADHD medication and what the side effects of the medicine are. Some medications can cause diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart problems, etc. 

Psychotherapy

Therapy on its own has not been shown to treat the root symptoms of ADHD, but it can be used in conjunction with other methods. Therapy can help individuals develop better-coping strategies and help with anxiety and depression that can accompany ADHD. Working with a therapist can help ADHD adults set better goals and learn to set clear boundaries.

Complementary Methods

People often combine natural products or vitamins with their other medications to help manage their symptoms. Actions labeled as “self-care” are also effective for those with ADHD (art, spending time alone, exercise, meditation, organizational apps, support groups, etc.)

Using complementary methods and coping strategies can help adults with ADHD if they are nervous about medication. Sticking with a routine and using methods that work for you is the only way to help improve your daily life.

Following A Routine

Staying organized and following a routine can help ADHD in adults. Getting used to completing certain tasks and doing small things before jumping into a hobby at home can help you perform better as an adult. Building routines can help ADHD individuals avoid losing things, forgetting appointments, missing school pickup, being late to work, or neglecting household chores. Everyone’s routine will look different, but creating a repeating to-do list on your phone can help.

Additional Tips To Help Thrive As An Adult With ADHD

• Use a day planner to keep track of activities, to-do’s, and appointments
• Use color-coded labels or give every item a “home.”
• Set reminders or alarms on your phone
• Utilize frequent exercise to help increase dopamine levels
• Set short timers to help you focus on a defined task
• Minimize distractions
• Listen to music or wear noise-cancelling headphones during work or cleaning
• Maintain a clean space
• Know your boundaries and limits