May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Northern Colorado Assessment Center is always excited to share more information to help destigmatize mental healthcare, advocate for those who don’t have access to necessary care, and provide support and resources to assist people in finding answers to questions about their emotional and cognitive health needs. In this blog, we’ll talk a little about the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month and the role that assessment psychologists play in promoting awareness and increasing knowledge about mental health.
Why is Mental Health Awareness Month Important?
I’m going to answer this question with a few follow up questions that I would like you to answer honestly:
- If you had a deep cut that wouldn’t stop bleeding, would you go to the emergency room?
- If you had a severe cold, would you go to the doctor for medicine?
- If you were struggling with long term feelings of depression or anxiety, would you go to therapy?
Did you answer yes to all of these questions right away, or did you hesitate on the last one? In the U.S., people still attach a certain level of stigma to seeking therapy to support their mental healthcare needs, and while it’s getting more common for people to work with a therapist, there are still many who hesitate to seek out the care they need. Therapists, psychologists, and other mental healthcare providers are dedicated year-round to supporting efforts to encourage people to schedule therapy sessions in order to receive support for their emotional and cognitive health needs. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for more people to get involved in supporting the efforts to decrease stigma related to mental healthcare by increasing knowledge.
How Does Assessment Help?
As assessment psychologists, our role within mental healthcare support networks is always to provide information. Through comprehensive testing, we give people answers to questions about their own emotional health and cognitive and behavioral function with the goal of helping them seek the necessary resources to manage any difficulties they may experience. During Mental Health Awareness Month, assessment psychologists continue to offer information and support for the individuals who work with them for assessment services as well as giving information to the greater community through research, outreach, and even writing blogs like this one.
How can I Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month?
The best way to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is also the easiest – learn more. Educate yourself about the importance of mental healthcare and explore the available opportunities for advocacy and support in your community. You can also consider visiting a therapist. Even if you don’t feel like you “need” therapy, working with a counselor for a few sessions can help you better understand yourself and your relationships, and counseling sessions are a great space to develop strategies and tools to achieve your goals.
Interested in Learning More About Assessment & Testing?
If you want to learn more about evaluation and testing services at Northern Colorado Assessment Center, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss the available testing options or schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable psychologists. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
