Obed Figueroa

Valley Views

Mental health awareness continues to be a critical aspect within our society. There are 45.1 million people within the U.S. that have some form of mental illness as reported by the American Psychological Association (2017). There is no discrimination by age, race or gender as the potential for its occurrence can be at any point from adolescence to adulthood. This personal experience and can vary and present itself from mild to severe and or chronic. Mental illness influences how we think and feel and it also affects our ability to act. The good news is 90 percent of all mental illnesses are treatable. For those impacted, with professional attention and support individual can lead a very productive life.

Oftentimes the media highlights the most severe, which is 6 percent of the U.S. population. As we think about mental illnesses our view should be broad as well as our understanding of who is affected. Those that are impacted by mental illness can be mothers, fathers, children, extended family members and friends. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 out of 5 families in the U.S. are experiencing the challenges of mental illness. Are people reaching out for help?

Our society has come a long way from the days where people and families had to cope with their challenges in silence with no help. We continue to move past the days where we feel shame about sharing what is being experienced in our lives. I often refer to such times as "post-Oprah and Dr. Phil." These kinds of platforms have contributed to breaking down the stigma associated with mental illness. The National Institute of Mental Health indicates that nearly half of the tens of millions of people with the disorder do not seek treatment. Why?

In part, it is the problem of stigma? This is a perceived negative attribute that causes someone to devalue or think less of a whole person. This type of negative thinking provides no positive value to society and is counterproductive to the efforts of those seeking help. No longer is there a reason for people and families to struggle in silence. Lets take a look at some of the of services available in our local area.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness Mid Hudson, a 501(c)(3) is a grassroots organization that provides support, evidence based education and advocacy for families and individuals living with mental illness:

Family Support Groups: Family-to-Family is a free, 12-session evidenced-based educational course for family, caregivers, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness.

Peer Support Groups: Peer-to-Peer is a no-cost, unique, experience-based program for people with any serious mental illness who wish to establish and maintain their wellness and recovery. Each class contains a combination of lecture and interactive exercise material.

High School Programs: Ending the Silence (ETS) is an in-school presentation. It is typically offered in a freshman/sophomore health, science or psychology class. Students learn about mental illness directly from families and young adults living with mental illness themselves.

Online Resources: The NAMI Mid-Hudson website (www.namimidhudson.org) provides online resources and tools such as The Family Survival handbook to help people and family members navigate challenging times.

It is important for families and individuals to remember that you are not alone.

Oftentimes when we experience challenges, we are consumed by the moments in front of us. I can’t say it enough how beneficial it is to pull yourself out of your own head and allow experienced and relatable people into your lives to provide guidance and support when necessary. Get involved, share your experiences, help others and become part of a community who understands your unique walk.

For more information on NAMI Mid-Hudson's programs and support groups, please visit: www.namimidhudson.org

Obed Figueroa lives in Pawling and is a published diversity and inclusion specialist at AIGA and a doctorate in education candidate at Northeastern University.