The Mindful Mind

We have all heard it over and over....mental health effects us ALL. The current statistics are showing an increase in suicides, depression, and anxiety. If we aren't experiencing this personally we know someone who is. The health of the mind has suffered stigma and stereotype damage in our society. But what does that really mean?

It means that people are afraid to tell others they are having a difficult time navigating their emotions. If so many people do, why the secrecy and shame? It may be attributed to the long-standing "mark" a person is given by those they interact with. Many family members and colleagues change how they respond to someone with a mental health disorder. They may reduce their interactions, or choose not to interact with them at all. This can leave the person suffering with the disorder feeling isolated or abandoned. These adverse, and sometimes unintended reactions from others, can compound the emotional strain already being experienced by an emotionally strained person.

So what can be done to halt and reverse this cycle of emotional separation? We can start by educating ourselves on the true nature and impact of mental health disorders. Increasing awareness at the community level and in our one-on-one personal relationships opens the lines of communication and promotes healing.

Below are local organizations that focus on our communities mental health. They are available as a safety net for those who are ready to stop suffering alone. We are stronger together.

NAMI Denver https://namidenver.org/

is a local, all volunteer, non-profit organization of individuals, families and/or friends living with serious mental illnesses.  It is a grassroots group open to all area residents desiring to work together on behalf of those who have a mental illness and to help their families support those living with mental illness. NAMI Denver offers several services to help its members navigate the challenges of either living with a mental illness or having a family member who has a mental illness.

NAMI Homefront

https://nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI- Homefront

NAMIHomefront is a free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. Based on the nationally recognized NAMIFamily-to-Family program, NAMIHomefront is designed to address the unique needs of family

Mental Health Center of Denver

https://mhcd.org/contact/

Through multiple community sites, mental health providers in several Denver public schools, collaborations with community partnerships and home-based outreach, we provide treatment, prevention, outreach and crisis services to children, families and adults.