Sunday, February 16, 2025
49 F
Roseville

Raising Awareness for Mental Health

In the U.S., the month of May is (or was, depending on when your newspaper publishes this column) “Mental Health Awareness Month.” Even after all these years of awareness having been raised since the first awareness month in 1949, many Americans still don’t regard a disabling mental health disorder as a “real” disability. It’s time to end this outdated way of thinking.

According to a U.S. Department of Labor website, the federal government has many different definitions for “disability.” For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the government defines disability as a person who “has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having such an impairment.” Regarding Social Security disability benefits, the federal government has determined that a potential recipient “must have a severe disability (or combination of disabilities) that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death, and which prevents working at a ‘substantial gainful activity’ level.”

Both these and most other definitions regarding disability make room for a person (but not every person) who has a mental health diagnosis, especially ones like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, severe and recurrent major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (i.e., a mental health professional). Out in public, I sometimes hear people with disabling mental health diagnoses being referred to as nut jobs, wackos or as having screws loose. I also occasionally see people using an index finger to make circles around an ear while referring to an individual they deem “crazy.”

I could be wrong here, but I think a good many Americans believe people with a disabling mental issue somehow have complete control over their mental state and could quickly get over it if they would only listen to the logic friends suggested. I can’t think of anything more ridiculous. Improvement can occur, but often only in baby steps and seldom completely.

As a therapist, I have yet to meet a client who just loves having a disabling mental illness. Nearly all hate the battle, the daily struggles, the unpleasant fallout. They dream of having a “normal” life, including being able to work or be married. If personally able to conquer their inner struggles today, every single one of them would do it. Without question.



Brighter Side

Trending

Find the lowest gas prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to hover around the $5 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County.

Open: Auburn Library’s temporary location

Auburn, Calif. - The Auburn Library has opened its new temporary location with modified services and the same helpful, friendly staff to help patrons navigate materials and lead library programming.

❤️Valentine’s or a Scam? Roseville PD reminds you to protect yourself against romance fraudsters

Roseville, Calif.- It's a new year. Are you or a family member looking for that someone special in 2025? Now, more than ever, people are using their smart phone for almost everything, including finding their soul mate

IICA Speech in Roseville

Our knowledgeable and compassionate team provides speech, language, cognitive, social, and feeding services to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives while empowering their caregivers through our unique team approach.

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

Topics

Find the lowest gas prices in Roseville, Rocklin, & Lincoln

Roseville, Calif. - Gas prices continue to hover around the $5 per gallon mark at many locations around South Placer County.

Open: Auburn Library’s temporary location

Auburn, Calif. - The Auburn Library has opened its new temporary location with modified services and the same helpful, friendly staff to help patrons navigate materials and lead library programming.

❤️Valentine’s or a Scam? Roseville PD reminds you to protect yourself against romance fraudsters

Roseville, Calif.- It's a new year. Are you or a family member looking for that someone special in 2025? Now, more than ever, people are using their smart phone for almost everything, including finding their soul mate

IICA Speech in Roseville

Our knowledgeable and compassionate team provides speech, language, cognitive, social, and feeding services to enhance the quality of our clients’ lives while empowering their caregivers through our unique team approach.

Sierra College President Willy Duncan earns international recognition for economic development efforts

In recognition of his efforts on the team to bring BOSCH to Placer County and his leadership with the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sierra College Superintendent and President Willy Duncan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Community Partner Award

PCWA Hell Hole Reservoir project approved to increase storage

Auburn, Calif. - At its Thursday meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved a $5.8 million contract for the Hell Hole seasonal storage increase project, adding to the capacity of the Hell Hole Reservoir so it can

🍀Clover Valley’s long history predating Rocklin

According to Sierra College Geology Professor Dick Hilton, the valley started to form five million years ago as the Sierra range lifted and tilted westward. Runoff streams wore down millions of years of rock and gravel deposits

❤️ 7 wonderfully fun spring break destinations in California

Roseville, Calif. - We ♥ California! Exploring the breadth and length of the magnificent Golden State is life's never ending journey. With exciting travel opportunities and variety in all directions, Roseville enjoys a premium and convenient location to fuel those adventures.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Paul Black’s Solar Panel Cleaning in Roseville serving the region for over 30 years

Roseville, Calif. - Money-saving solar panels in Roseville, Rocklin and throughout South Placer County have become ubiquitous From new residential solar communities continue to big business and after market installation, solar seems to be a smart choice to shred those high monthly electric costs.

Paul Black’s Window Cleaning serving Roseville and South Placer County for over 30 years

Paul Black’s Window Cleaning Inc. has been serving Placer County’s commercial and residential window cleaning needs since 1990.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.