May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Many mental health illnesses are misunderstood and surrounded by stigma. Southcoast Health, is focused on ending the negative perceptions that people have toward mental health and mental health illness. The fact is, mental health illnesses are treatable medical conditions just like diabetes or heart disease. They are not weaknesses or character flaws. 

Mental Health Resources: 

When your life spins out of control, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Finding the way to a solution can be as simple as utilizing the below support networks. 

• Contact your primary care provider (PCP). Speaking with your PCP can help diagnose if your experienced health conditions may be causing your symptoms. If a health condition is not the cause, your provider may be able to suggest a mental health provider. The mental health provider you choose should be licensed by your state. 
• Contact your employer’s employee assistance program (EAP). You may want advice for relationship or financial problems. Or you may need help for severe anxiety or drug addiction. An EAP can connect you to the services you need. Southcoast employees may also utilize our Taking Care of You support platform. 
• Contact your health insurance provider, as it may or may not cover mental health services. Your health plan may have a special phone number you can call to determine if you have coverage. You can also determine what services are covered and any limit on the amount the plan will pay. There may be restrictions on where you get services.
• Check with a community mental health center for guidance or a referral. These centers offer many mental health treatments and counseling services. These are often available at a reduced rate if you qualify. Visit www.namibristolcounty.org to learn more. 

Together, we can realize our shared vision of a community where anyone affected by mental illness or poor mental health can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives.