ESCAPE
  • Physician Resources
Client Portal Login    In Crisis    Donate
Peace River Center
  • About Us
    • Quick Links
      • Contact Us
      • Locations
      • FAQ
      • Testimonials
    • Events
      • Calendar
      • Signature Events
      • Community Outreach
    • Leadership
      • Executive Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Advisory Board
      • Clinical Leadership
      • Junior Advisory Board
    • News Media
      • Blog
      • News
      • Streamlines
  • Services
    • Children’s Services
    • Community-Based Treatment
    • Crisis Services
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Illness Recovery Services
    • Outpatient Services
    • Residential Services
    • Substance Use Treatment
    • Victim Services
  • Resources
    • Awareness Resources
    • Mental Health First Aid
    • Make It OK
    • Suicide Awareness
    • Screening Tool
  • Ways To Give
  • Get Started
    • Become a Client
    • Behavioral Health Navigation
    • Insurances Accepted
    • Medical Records Request
  • Join the Team
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

Let’s Talk Mental Health

You are here: Home1 / Resource2 / Mental Health3 / Let’s Talk Mental Health

Let‘s Talk About Mental Health…Let’s Diminish The Stigma

By: Carly Carden, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Peace River Center

Physical Health, Why Not Mental Health?

As a society, we openly discuss our physical conditions. We talk about our aches and pains, our hearts, our allergies, etc.  We discuss which medical providers we receive treatment from and even offer recommendations to our family and friends about which providers they should use. We openly discuss what medications we are on and what natural remedies work for us. With all this transparency surrounding our physical states, why do we avoid discussing our mental health? Peace River Center encourages everyone to start conversations about mental health. So, let’s talk about it:

Let’s talk about the prevalence of mental illness. 

It is not as uncommon as you may think. Did you know that one in five adults are living with a mental illness and one in four families is impacted by mental illness?  Did you know that 75% of mental illness presents itself by age 24? Mental illness has the potential to affect your family members, friends, and neighbors; or it could even affect you.

Let’s talk about mental illness and the effects it can have.

Our state has seen, read and heard about tragic incidents that may have stemmed from a mental illness.  These tragic events have shed a negative light on mental illness and the complexities surrounding it. Living with an undiagnosed or untreated mental illness can be overwhelming and debilitating for those who are affected. A mental illness will not go away on its own, the longer it persists the harder it is to treat. The symptoms of mental illness may prevent someone from being able to care for themselves independently and can negatively impact decision making and judgment. However, detection and treatment can help individuals living with a mental illness to recovery and living healthier, productive lives. Let’s talk about it so we can recognize if a friend or family needs help.

Let’s talk about the stigma of mental illness.

Stigma has a negative effect on individuals who are living with a mental illness.  The dread of judgment or discrimination can lead individuals to suffer in silence and avoid seeking help. This avoidance can drive individuals into isolation. Let’s talk about it, so our peers who are affected do not feel like they have to endure the effects of mental illness on their own. One way to beat the stigma is to get informed. Educate yourself and avoid false perceptions. Many stigmas are propagated out of a lack of understanding or limited knowledge about the topic. Let others share their experience with you by starting a conversation and be open to understanding.

Let’s talk about being proactive with mental health care.

Early detection and intervention of mental health issues can lead to a better quality of life for those who are diagnosed with a mental illness. A key aspect of being proactive is getting a mental health screening if you have concerns. Proactive screenings can support early detection and linkage to mental health resources. So where do you go to get screened? You can receive a mental health screening questionnaire from your primary care provider who will go over your results with you. Let’s talk about it so our friends and family know about resources that can lead to a proper diagnosis and proper management through treatment.

Let’s talk about it and continue to work towards becoming a more informed community.

We must join together to create better access to treatment through education, communication, intervention, and support. Let’s break the stigma, support our peers, and be proactive. Need to talk more? Peace River Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by calling our Crisis Response Team!

If you are concerned about your mental health or the mental health of someone you know, call 863.519.3744 for immediate crisis intervention by phone or mobile response.

 
PreviousNext
12

You can make a difference.

By supporting Peace River Center, you’ll be helping us make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a small gift or some of your spare time, you’re contributing to our goal: to help build emotional wellness in our communities.

Donate Today!

You can make a difference.

By supporting Peace River Center, you’ll be helping us make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a small gift or some of your spare time, you’re contributing to our goal: to help build emotional wellness in our communities.

Donate Today!

Sign up for updates!

Get news from Peace River Center in your inbox.

  • Please verify your identity by completing the following problem.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Peace River Center, 1239 East Main Street, Bartow, FL, 33830, US, http://peacerivercenter.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Peace River Center Facebook Peace River Twitter Peace River LinkedIn Peace River Instagram Peace River Youtube

Services • Locations • Resources • Events • Donate • Contact Us

You Are Not Alone. Get Help Today!

Emotional Support & Crisis Line: 863.519.3744 

Domestic Violence Crisis Hardee/Highlands County: 863.386.1167 

Domestic Violence Polk County: 863.413.2700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 863.413.2707

You Are Not Alone.
Get Help Today!

Emotional Support & Crisis Line: 863.519.3744 

Domestic Violence Crisis Hardee/Highlands County: 863.386.1167 

Domestic Violence Polk County: 863.413.2700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 863.413.2707

Privacy Policy | Política de Privacidad | Portal | Auxiliary Aids Plan 2022 | Plan de Herramientas Auxiliares | Title VI Nondiscrimination Program Policy Statement | Title VI Complaint Form | Titulo VI Formulario de Quejas de Discriminación | Fòm Pou Pote Plent Pou Diskriminasyon | Transportation Services Promotional Statement

© Copyright – Peace River Center 2023 | Website Design By: MaximizeDigital.com

Scroll to top