Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health: How Deschutes County Behavioral Health is Leading the Charge
Mental health still carries a stigma and is often overlooked. But, it’s a critical health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. However, only one in ten people with a mental health issue will seek treatment. Stigma and discrimination perpetuate this cycle of neglect.
Thankfully, organizations like Deschutes County Behavioral Health (DCBH) are tackling this issue head-on. By providing care to those in need and fighting the stigma surrounding mental health, DCBH is making a significant difference in people’s lives.
The Importance of Addressing the Stigma
Stigma is a significant barrier to those seeking mental health treatment. It can influence a person’s decision to seek treatment or cause them to hide their condition. They may fear being perceived as weak or flawed or be afraid of facing discrimination or social exclusion.
But, addressing stigma is essential for breaking down barriers and improving access to mental health treatment. By reducing the shame associated with mental illness, individuals may feel more comfortable expressing their needs and seeking help.
DCBH’s Efforts to Reduce Stigma
DCBH is taking concrete steps towards reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. By working to educate the community, DCBH hopes to break down the walls that perpetuate negative attitudes towards mental health.
Here are some of the ways DCBH is working hard to break stigma:
Providing Education
One of the primary ways in which DCBH is addressing the stigma surrounding mental health is through education. By providing information on the nature of mental illnesses, the organization helps people understand the scale of the issue and the impacts on individuals and society.
Offering Comfortable Treatment
DCBH understands that people may feel uncomfortable receiving mental healthcare, so they take steps to ensure that treatment is accessible and non-threatening. They offer a variety of treatment options that cater to different personalities and life situations to make treatment more comfortable.
Training in Mental Health First Aid
In addition to providing traditional treatments, DCBH has also implemented a Mental Health First Aid program. This program educates people on how to identify and address mental health issues in the community. It equips individuals with the skills to provide first aid until professional care is obtained.
Addressing Underlying Social Factors
Finally, DCBH recognizes that factors such as poverty, discrimination, and unemployment can impact mental health issues. The organization offers programs that address the root cause behind these social issues.
Conclusion
Mental health stigma is a significant issue, but organizations like DCBH are taking steps to address and reduce it. By providing education, offering comfortable treatments, providing training in mental health first aid, and addressing underlying social factors, DCBH is breaking down the barriers that have historically prevented people from seeking treatment. Ultimately, addressing stigma will help people have better access to mental health treatment and improve their overall quality of life.
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