Mental Health Awareness Month is an annual reminder of the profound importance of mental well-being, and the value in abolishing stigmas surrounding mental health challenges. It serves as a beacon of hope, urging us to prioritize mental wellness, foster empathy, and encourage ourselves and others to value and embrace good mental health.

Anxiety is at an all time high, and there are valid reasons for that. Still though, unchecked anxiety can, and likely will negatively impact mental and physical health. It’s a prevalent issue characterized by persistent feelings of worry, restlessness, and tension. In New York, anxiety disorders affect around 19% of adults, representing approximately 2.3 million individuals. Nationally, the percentage is 18%, encompassing over 47 million Americans. Globally, around 3.6% of the population, totaling about 284 million people, grapples with anxiety. However, there are proven methods to self-soothe and reduce anxiety. A recent advancement is mindfulness practices. What is mindfulness? According to mindful.org:

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses, it’s not something you have to conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it.

Depression, marked by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, is another condition affecting many people. In New York, about 8% of adults experience symptoms of depression, translating to nearly 1.3 million individuals. Nationally, the percentage increases slightly to 8.7%, affecting over 28 million Americans, and globally, approximately 4.4% of the population, totaling around 322 million people, battle with depression.

There are also proven successful methods to reverse and alleviate depression. Well established, through hundreds of studies involving thousands of participants, is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can be as effective and fast acting as medications for mild to moderate depression. It’s also successful in treating Major Depressive Disorder, and helps young and old adults alike. Find more information about CBT Here.

Eating disorders represent a significant subset of mental health challenges, necessitating specialized care and support. They affect about 9% of the population in all 3 metrics below. Globally that’s over 700 million individuals. In New York, eating disorders affect a significant portion of the population, with around 2.2 million individuals struggling. Nationally, over 30 million Americans grapple with eating disorders, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue. Eating disorders can’t be handled alone. They require professional help, and Sirona Therapy stands out as a leading provider of comprehensive and effective treatment. Our experienced professionals have a track record of success in treating eating disorders, offering hope and healing to those in need.

It’s crucial to remember that humans will experience mental health challenges. it’s a natural part of living, and should never be a source of shame or guilt. Seeking help is a proactive and courageous step toward healing. Mental Health Awareness Month exists to encourage us to prioritize mental well-being through empathy and supporting one another. I’m grateful for all the caring, brave and brilliant mental health caregivers that came before me. Because of their hard work and contributions, society is now more accepting and understanding of mental health issues. They’ve made it easier for individuals to seek help and access the resources they need. Let mental health awareness month inspire you to promote a world where mental wellness is a top priority for everyone.

If you would like more information about our programs, or need help:

Jennifer L. Zauner, LCSWR
Clinical Director

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