In the late 1940s, mental health awareness week was launched in the United States.  Then in the 1960s the week was upgraded to a month-long campaign.  Texoma Community Center encourages individuals to be healthy by promoting Mental Health Awareness Month.

Just about every person wants to be healthy.  Physical health receives most of the attention, but mental health is an important part of the equation for healthfulness.Fully embracing the concept of wellness improves health of the mind, body, and spirit, but also maximizes one’s potential to lead a full and productive life.

Individuals can take positive steps to prevent mental health issues during times of personal challenges and stress.  Promoting mental health includes reducing stress by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising daily, getting enough sleep, experiencing a sense of self-worth, developing coping skills that lead to resiliency, emotional awareness, and connecting with family, friends, and the community.

Most of us get physical check-ups once a year.  We also need to take a look at our mental health.Some doctors may conduct mental health screenings when you go in for your annual physical.  They will check by using a series of questions about lifestyle, eating and drinking habits and mental wellness. There are online screening tools you can use in the privacy of your own home to evaluate your own mental health. 

Conditions like depression are common.  Roughly 1 in 5 Americans have a mental health condition. One in four families have a family member who has a mental illness.  Mental illnesses are extremely treatable.  More and more people are accepting others with mental illness and supporting them.  Individuals with mental illness who have support accomplish better results in getting healthier than those who do not have support.   Mental illness is not carrying as much stigma as in earlier times.  Many people are receiving education about mental illness, and education helps to eliminate fear of the unknown. 

Fully embracing the concept of wellness not only improves health of the mind, body and spirit, but also maximizes one’s potential to lead a full and productive life.  Using strategies that promote resiliency and strengthen mental health and prevent mental health and substance use conditions lead to improved general health and a healthier society:  greater academic achievement by our children, a more productive economy, and families that stay together.

Help for mental health problems is available in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties through Texoma Community Center.  Services have been provided in since 1974.  For 24-hour crisis services, call 1-877-277-2226.  Mental health centers are located in each county: Cooke Mental Health Center, 319 West Dixon, Gainesville, 940-665-3962; Fannin Mental Health Center, 1221 East 6th Street, Bonham, 903-583-8583; Grayson Mental Health Center, 315 West McLain, Sherman, 903-957-4701; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, 315 West McLain, Sherman, 903-357-4820.