Mental health is just as important as your physical health. Some of us aren’t aware that we have experienced a mental health behavior disorder and some of us don’t want to face that we might have a problem due to the stigma surrounding mental health.
What is stigma? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and even discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more difficult. Stigma is when someone, or you yourself, views you in a negative way because you have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as shame that can be felt as a judgement from someone else or a feeling that is internal, something that confuses feeling bad with being bad.”
“Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support and living well. Learning how to cope with stigma and how to avoid and address stigma are important for all of us.”
According to the ADAA, anxiety disorders can develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.
Resources are available for you if you would like to talk to someone or to get something off of your chest.
In Fresno County, you can call 1-800-654-3937 for Access to Services or the Crisis Line,
or click here for the Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health
Additional info:
Click here for more information on NAMI
Click here for the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Fresno EOC WIC can provide you with a brochure for available services in Fresno County. Ask your WNA at your next appointment.
For more information on WIC services, visit the following pages:
Apply for Fresno EOC WIC
Who Qualifies
Frequently Asked Questions