Matters of the Mind: Upcoming Mental Health Event Brings Tools and Resources to the Community
Everyone feels and expresses their emotions differently; people are unique in how they reflect, process, or even suppress their feelings. It’s natural to experience a wide range of emotions and expressions. However, not understanding them can be harmful to our well-being.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. (MHM) recognizes the importance of providing educational resources to the community. The upcoming Nurturing Our Well-Being: A Celebration of Mental Health will bring together a variety of tools and experts at the Dixon Health & Wellness Center.
The event is free and open to the public and will include a produce market, live music, and a baila class. In addition, there will be several activities that are focused on well-being such as breathing exercises, drum circles, and chair yoga.
Team members from MHM’s Behavioral Health department explain that mental health challenges are more common than many realize—but a lack of understanding can lead to deeper issues that may impact future generations.
The Silent Struggle:
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-by-the-numbers/
Mental health illness affects millions of Americans and their everyday lives.
Numbers at a Glance
- 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
- 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
- 1 in 6 U.S. youth deal with mental health disorders There are several types of mental health conditions that affect people differently and the way they relate to others.
There are several types of mental health conditions that affect people differently and the way they relate to others.1
Common Conditions
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
From Struggle to Support:
There are many symptoms and signs linked to mental illness—from constant worrying and substance abuse to physical pain, such as headaches and stomach aches. 2
MHM Regional & Clinical Counseling Manager, Leslie Frazier, explains how these symptoms can affect various aspects of life, “Mental illness can impact several parts of a person’s life, from stress that leads to headaches, to irritability that leads to anger. The struggles in our mind have physical impacts on our daily life.”
“The struggles in our mind have physical impacts on our daily life.”
Leslie Frazier, MHM Regional & Clinical Counseling Manager
However, people may not always recognize when something is wrong, or they may not know where to look for answers. Celina Gonzalez, Behavioral Health Supervisor reminds others, “We are here to help and find possible solutions.”
MHM’s Behavioral Health Department provides bilingual services at its San Antonio based clinics; the Wesley Health & Wellness Center and Dixon Health &Wellness Center, including parts of its 74-county service area:
Explore Our Services
- One-to-one counseling
- Group counseling
- Educational case management
https://www.mhm.org/our-work/programs-services/
- Resource support
The Path to Recovery and Resilience:
Although mental health challenges can lead to feelings of isolation, Frazier reminds people they do not have to suffer in silence, “We want anyone feeling mental strain or illness to know that they are seen and that there are so many people and professionals available.” By raising awareness in the community, individuals and families can be equipped with the knowledge and resources that can be both life-changing and lifesaving.
Gonzalez believes the upcoming event will be an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and instill healing and hope, “It is our hope that everyone feels the embrace of our organization and that they feel safe and supported as they journey through nurturing their well-being.”
“It is our hope that everyone feels the embrace of our organization and that they feel safe and supported as they journey through nurturing their well-being.”
Celina Gonzalez, MHM Behavioral Health Supervisor
Each person’s experience with mental health is different, and it’s not uncommon to sometimes feel alone. These silent struggles often stem from stigma, which is fueled by misconceptions or feelings of shame surrounding mental health. This is why community events play such an important role in showing that support and solidarity are all around us. Through open conversations, people can realize there is help—and that hope is always possible.
MHM is committed to its core mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God,” and will continue to offer accessible resources that aim to lift people up in mind, body, and spirit. By connecting the community with helpful tools and knowledgeable experts, people can begin to shift from outdated stigmas toward a sense of empowerment and strength.
Nurturing Our Well-Being: A Celebration of Mental Health will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the Dixon Health & Wellness Center. For more information on the event, [click here].
