The Mental Health Association in Indian River County takes action to break the stigma this October, which also happens to be National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. There are a few other important things celebrated throughout the month that the MHA would like to highlight.
Mental Illness Awareness Week is significant to October because it educates people on mental illnesses. Back in September, the MHA released its new campaign, #ILoveYou2020. This movement encourages people to help break the stigma and realize that “It’s Okay to Get Help!”.
World Mental Health Day and National Depression Screening Day are also celebrated in October. The MHA website has a free online mental health screening that anyone can take. The MHA also offers same-day screenings at the Walk-In & Counseling Center with a mental health professional who can then discuss further treatment needs with the patient; no appointment needed.
At the end of September, The Rebecca Streetman Fund partnered with the MHA and the Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness to present continuing education courses for psychologists, the Florida Board of Nursing, the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling, and the Florida Council of Dietetics and Nutrition. The presentations, which took place at Quail Valley, covered an overview of eating disorder identification, assessment, and treatment including diagnostic criteria for eating disorders. The programs also covered medical complications of eating disorders and key clinical and nutrient support interventions.
The Rebecca Streetman Fund was created to support programs that focus on helping those with eating disorders or other mental health issues. Anne Lanier created this fund in honor of her daughter Becky, whom she lost due to medical complications from an eating disorder. “I am interested in not only treatment programs but also prevention strategies to teach young girls about healthy lifestyles, positive body images and self respect,” said Anne.