When you or someone you love is dealing with a mental health concern, it can be difficult to handle for everyone involved. At all times of the year and especially during May — Mental Health Month — it is important to remember that mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and mental illnesses are common and treatable.
“It is very important to look at your overall health, both physically and mentally, to achieve wellness,” said Monica A. Farrar, LMHC, of Williamsville. “Finding a reason to laugh, going for a walk with a friend, meditating, playing with a pet or working from home once a week can go a long way in making you both physically and mentally healthy. It’s all about finding the right balance to benefit both the mind and body.
“There is strong research that shows that animal companionship, humor, spirituality, religion, recreation, social connections and work-life balance can help all Americans better protect their overall health and well-being.”
According to Farrar, a licensed mental health counselor and private clinician, all Americans will experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives. Prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of those mental health conditions.
“Mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation and with effective treatment, individuals dealing with mental health and other chronic health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives,” Farrar added. “Every business, school, government agency, healthcare provider, organization and citizen shares the burden of these mental health problems and has a responsibility to promote mental wellness and support prevention efforts.”
For more information or assistance, please contact Farrar at 250-9831 or visit www.monicafarrarlmhc.com. Her office is located at 1967 Wehrle Drive, Suite 1, Williamsville.
