National Recovery Month occurs each September, and it has been going strong for over 30 years. National Recovery Month aims to raise awareness that mental health treatment can be effective and that recovery is possible. During the month, there are various events and campaigns that one can take part in to show support.
In the spirit of National Recovery Month, we discuss the month's origins and importance in this article. We also share ways that people can get involved in National Recovery Month - even while respecting social distancing guidelines. Additionally, we detail how people who struggle with their mental health can get the treatment they need.
The origins and importance of National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month first started in 1989 as "Treatment Works! Month." In its original form, the month primarily focused on promoting treatment for substance addiction and alcoholism. In 2011, organizers changed the month's name to "National Recovery Month," and the month's focus shifted to include promoting treatment for a range of behavioral health issues.
The month is important because individuals who doubt the efficacy of mental health treatment often need treatment the most. In many situations, a person who suffers from a mental health condition or substance abuse may wrongly consider themselves unable to get better. Events, awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts can help convince such individuals that treatment can help their situation.
When individuals who suffer from mental health conditions do not receive treatment, their conditions typically worsen over time. The person's conditions often become unmanageable, and in some cases, the person may start having suicidal thoughts. However, with the right treatment, people who struggle with mental health can prevent their condition from getting worse. With treatment, they can begin the path towards mental health recovery and reclaiming their lives.
Getting involved with National Recovery Month on social media
The theme of National Recovery Month 2020 is "Join the Voice for Recovery: Celebrating Connection." This theme encourages people to recognize that treatment and recovery occur with the help of others. Additionally, the theme highlights that the common goal of recovery connects people who face mental health challenges. With help from others, recovery from mental health is possible.
To participate and help raise awareness that recovery is possible, you can share stories online from people who have recovered from mental health challenges. The Faces & Voices of Recovery organization has a "recovery stories" blog page that features dozens of real people who have suffered from a variety of conditions. Reading about their challenges, journeys, and successes is inspiring, and it provides evidence that mental health treatment works.
If you have a recovery story of your own that you would like to share, you can participate in National Recovery Month by submitting your story to the Faces & Voice of Recovery blog. Your story can reach people across the country and encourage them to seek the treatment they need. Also, if you do not wish to share your story publicly, know that sharing your story with close friends and family can positively impact the lives of your loved ones. Knowing that someone close to them overcame a struggle with mental health can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.
How Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital can help
When people face challenges with their mental health, they may not know where to go or what to do next. Mental health treatments have come a long way in recent years, and patients have access to a range of specialized treatment programs. In a dedicated environment for mental health treatment, patients can access the clinical expertise and guidance they need to get in control of their conditions.
At Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, we offer several mental health treatment options for adults and mental health treatment for adolescents. Our mental health programs for adults include inpatient mental health programs and outpatient mental health programs. While some patients require the 24/7 attention that comes with an inpatient program, other patients can receive the care they need in an outpatient setting. We also offer a specialized dual-diagnosis program for people who simultaneously suffer from mental health conditions and substance abuse issues.
If you or a loved one struggles with mental health issues, helping the affected individual get treatment is one of the best things you can do for them. Part of the message of National Recovery Month is that recovery is a journey that takes place with others' help, and with your help, people can start the treatment they need.
Getting Started at Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
To get started with a mental health treatment program at Dallas Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, call our team at (972) 982-0897. On the call, we can help answer any questions you may have and schedule you or a loved one for a free mental health assessment at our facility. After your mental health assessment, we can help you determine if your behavioral healthcare hospital is the best place for your needs.